After vacuuming the cat hair out of my computer’s guts and buying all new surge-protecting power bars, I finally discovered the source of the burning smell: the compact fluorescent bulb in my desk lamp was charred and blackened at the base. It had clearly been burning up a storm.
A burnt-out light bulb had caused me to call the fire department.
That seemed absurd, so then, of course, I had to do a little research. Canadian officials have little to say on the subject, but the U.S. Product Safety Commission lists numerous reports from consumers who have experienced these bulbs smoking — and some who have seen them catch fire — when they fail.
From the Electrical Safety Authority (Canada):
When CFLs fail they may emit smoke, an odour, or a popping sound; and the plastic base may become discoloured, charred or deformed. Certification agencies have advised that this failure does not present a shock or fire hazard for approved products.
As a safety precaution, ESA encourages consumers to replace CFLs at the first sign of failure or aging. The early warning signs to look for include: flickering, a bright orange or red glow, popping sounds, an odour, or browning of the ballast enclosure (base).
Unless otherwise specified, CFLs should not be used: in totally enclosed recessed fixtures; with dimmer switches; in touch lamps with photocells or with electronic timers; where exposed to weather; or where exposed to water.
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