Q When I put a GE three-way compact fluorescent light (CFL) into a lamp, it flickered and then it must have gotten very hot because it started smoking and smelling just awful. I turned it off, unplugged it and took the bulb out. Have you heard of any other problems of this nature? I'm concerned because the heat could have spread to the shade and caused a fire.
A Although not common, there have been cases of CFLs -- and not just three-way bulbs -- smoking, emitting a pungent odor, sometimes even flashing. That raises the worry, and rightly so, that the bulbs might be a fire hazard.
But they aren't, experts say.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of such incidents, but is unaware of any major fire or property damage associated with CFLs, according to spokesperson Patty Davis.
Todd Bigley, product service manager with GE Lighting, described the incident with your GE CFL as atypical. He suggests that you contact GE Lighting for information on how to return the lamp for analysis and for reimbursement.
Basically, what is happening is that the circuitry in the bulb is failing. This can occur with defective or mishandled bulbs, or, in some cases, at the end of useful life.
At the end of life, the arc contained in a fluorescent light sometimes elevates the temperature of the plastic near one end of the tube, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star. It can produce limited smoke and odor. In some cases, a flashing arc internal to the fluorescent tube or ballast may occur. In extreme cases, a deformation, significant distortion or small breach of the plastic material may happen.
All this means is that safety measures built into the bulb are managing heat and preventing subsequent hazards.