Melted connection in the light fixture

[jido]

The light fixture failed in a spectacular manner. See the disaster:

I am scared to connect it again. My house has old wiring with old fuses no RCD.

What could possibly have caused that?
It’s the lighting circuit so may not be that risky but I would like to know what you think.

 

[terryplumb]

Loose wiring connections most likely.
Is that a transformer connected to your light fitting ?

 

[flameport]

Loose connection and using the wrong type of connector block - should be heat resistant versions, not melty polypropylene.

If screw terminals are desired they should be this style: https://www.edwardes.co.uk/products/niglon-bs15-12way-15a-high-temp-connector-strip

 

[ericmark]

I have seen many times wrong fuse wire used, for lighting 16 amp is the limit, but normally due to junction boxes being rated at 5 amp, often 6 amp is the limit.

In this case likely a poor connection screw not tightened to correct torque, but would question if a 5 amp bit of fuse wire actually used. I know I would buy cards of fuse wire from Woolworths back in the day and it was easy to fit 15 amp instead of 5 amp, but not seen those cards of fuse wire for sale for a long time, even the shop now gone in the UK.

So time to consider an up-grade to a modern consumer unit instead of a fuse box.

 

[Murdochcat]

That’s a VERY common fault. Not unusual , not really a disaster

 

[SUNRAY]

Loose connection and using the wrong type of connector block - should be heat resistant versions, not melty polypropylene.

If screw terminals are desired they should be this style: https://www.edwardes.co.uk/products/niglon-bs15-12way-15a-high-temp-connector-strip

Surely such heat resistant connectors are only required in hot locations and in that case would not heat resistant enclosures and heat resistant cable also be required? I believe I see neither of those in the picture.

 

[jido]

Loose wiring connections most likely.
Is that a transformer connected to your light fitting ?

Yes it is a transformer for the LED panel and there’s a remote controlled switch off-screen on the left. The switch has held up, the transformer looks like it may have too.

Thank you for all the replies !

 

[FrodoOne]

In this case likely a poor connection screw not tightened to correct torque, but would question if a 5 amp bit of fuse wire actually used.

So time to consider an up-grade to a modern consumer unit instead of a fuse box.

Yes - a poor connection -
and
Yes.