what's smoking?

[Valentine/09]

On our recent camping trip, I was in the bathroom and could smell something burning. There was smoke coming from the bathroom light fixture (one of the two thinlight fluorescent double bulbs, exterior mount type) I turned the light switch off, opened the bathroom vent and opened the fixture cover, took bulbs out and took off the white metal electrical cover. Smoke was coming from the ballast which is wrapped in clear plastic. Today I called Airstream, although the service rep said it was probably the ballast, he wasn't aware of any major issues/recalls with these fixtures. Our trailer is a 2002 Classic 25' with very little use in excellent shape. Has anyone else experienced or heard of simular problem? I'm going to replace the "problem" fixture for sure, do you think I should replace all the fluorescent fixtures?
Bob

[astewart]

It is probably a "leaky" ballast that got some high humidity into it. I wouldn't replace the others unless they showed some signs of being a problem (but then again, I am scottish)
Alex

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by astewart

It is probably a "leaky" ballast that got some high humidity into it. I wouldn't replace the others unless they showed some signs of being a problem (but then again, I am scottish)
Alex

Agree - replace just the one ballast, or the whole fixture. I've sometimes found a new ballast will cost $25, but a new fixture complete with light will be $18. Go figure. I've worked in commercial buildings for years. They just go bad periodically (rarely)... but once you smell it you'll know it again! The others might last for another decade. Don't worry.

Paula

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by Valentine/09

On our recent camping trip, I was in the bathroom and could smell something burning. There was smoke coming from the bathroom light fixture (one of the two thinlight fluorescent double bulbs, exterior mount type) I turned the light switch off, opened the bathroom vent and opened the fixture cover, took bulbs out and took off the white metal electrical cover. Smoke was coming from the ballast which is wrapped in clear plastic. Today I called Airstream, although the service rep said it was probably the ballast, he wasn't aware of any major issues/recalls with these fixtures. Our trailer is a 2002 Classic 25' with very little use in excellent shape. Has anyone else experienced or heard of simular problem? I'm going to replace the "problem" fixture for sure, do you think I should replace all the fluorescent fixtures?
Bob

I had the same problem this morning, see http://www.airforums.com/forums/748409-post8.html. When I removed the cover I could still see it sparking.

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Agree - replace just the one ballast, or the whole fixture. I've sometimes found a new ballast will cost $25, but a new fixture complete with light will be $18. Go figure. I've worked in commercial buildings for years. They just go bad periodically (rarely)... but once you smell it you'll know it again! The others might last for another decade. Don't worry.

Paula

I too have found the new ballasts pricey (have replaced more than one), but I would like to know where you are getting the new Thin Lite fixtures for $18. I am finding $50 and up.