Very hot 12v light fixtures

[modarch]

I have two original ceiling mounted 12v light fixtures in my '67 Caravel. They are both the rotary switched style with 4 bulbs. Today I had both on for 3 or 4 hours while working on cabinets and the rear one at the bathroom got VERY hot. So hot that when I licked my finger and touched the metal base plate, it sizzled!

I know these things get hot, but that seems very dangerous. Is there something wrong with my fixture or wiring?

The front one was cool to the touch with all 4 bulbs on, but after I turned off the rear hot one, the front one heated up pretty quick.

[azflycaster]

Perhaps the bulbs were replaced with a higher wattage bulb.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by modarch

I have two original ceiling mounted 12v light fixtures in my '67 Caravel. They are both the rotary switched style with 4 bulbs. Today I had both on for 3 or 4 hours while working on cabinets and the rear one at the bathroom got VERY hot. So hot that when I licked my finger and touched the metal base plate, it sizzled!

I know these things get hot, but that seems very dangerous. Is there something wrong with my fixture or wiring?

The front one was cool to the touch with all 4 bulbs on, but after I turned off the rear hot one, the front one heated up pretty quick.

The correct bulb is 1141 or 1141F (frosted).

Andy

[Over59]

Originally Posted by modarch

I have two original ceiling mounted 12v light fixtures in my '67 Caravel. They are both the rotary switched style with 4 bulbs. Today I had both on for 3 or 4 hours while working on cabinets and the rear one at the bathroom got VERY hot. So hot that when I licked my finger and touched the metal base plate, it sizzled!

I know these things get hot, but that seems very dangerous. Is there something wrong with my fixture or wiring?

The front one was cool to the touch with all 4 bulbs on, but after I turned off the rear hot one, the front one heated up pretty quick.

Haven't had that in mine. Strange unless the bulb is the wrong size. A short should blow the fuse, you do have it fused?

[Lumatic]

Check the 3 way switches. The contacts get dirty and corroded causing arcing and heat.
You can take them apart and clean the contacts. There are 2 similar switches available. If you replace them get the ones with the long stem.

[modarch]

It may actually be both the bulbs and the switch. Not sure if I used the correct bulb #, and I know my switches aren't as tight as they should be when I rotate them. I will get a new switch from VTS.

Thanks guys...

[Stefrobrts]

I just replaced my bathroom light switch with one from VTS a couple days ago, and I did the front switch last year. I'd recommend you do both at once. It's a 20 minute fix.

[CDR&CAPT]

My husband had the bathroom lights on for approximately an hour, all four original bulbs (2003 Safari LS), when he noted that they were really hot and then suddenly the lights went out. None of the bulbs are burned out, all the fuses are fine, etc.... but now the bathroom lights will not work. Does anybody have any ideas about what the problem could be?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by CDR&CAPT

My husband had the bathroom lights on for approximately an hour, all four original bulbs (2003 Safari LS), when he noted that they were really hot and then suddenly the lights went out. None of the bulbs are burned out, all the fuses are fine, etc.... but now the bathroom lights will not work. Does anybody have any ideas about what the problem could be?

Check to make sure you still have power and ground to the switch and fixture. It's very possible the switch burned out. While you're looking, make sure you have 1141 bulbs in the light, or else you will probably suffer a repeat performance. I've seen many later model Airstreams with 1156 bulbs, which are higher wattage, higher power consumption, and more heat generated.

[modarch]

Update- I replaced the bulbs with the 1141's from VTS. I did have a higher wattage bulb in there.

They still are a bit hot but not nearly as hot as they were...