How hot should the light unit on a ceiling fan get? We had our electrician install the light a year ago but didn't use the light very often, a) because not very bright 40W b) it heated up so quickly and a fishy burning smell was emitted. Our electrician came out and tested the wires and said we may have a faulty light unit so I called Hampton Bay service and they sent out a new unit. We installed tonight and the light heats up very quickly, super hot to the touch, but no smell (as of yet). I agree we may have had a faulty light unit however do all lights get so hot you can't touch the cover?

Yes, lights can get very hot. No matter what wattage bulb there is.

With a new fixture, however, remember that many of the parts have just been recently painted. This paint is heat-resistant, it won't cause a fire but in may give an odor the first several hours.

Also, when installing bulbs on a light, be sure to use a towel or gloves. Many times the oils on your fingers causes the filament in the bulb to interact, give an odor, and cause the bulb to blow faster.

I am sure that this is a good fixure and the heat of the bulbs is normal. However, check the bulb (brand) and the wattage of the bulb and make sure that it is the brand and wattage recommend to use in this type fixure.

Hope this answers your question!

REFERENCE(S)
1. Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. 2006. Flickering lights and hot bulbs can spell danger (http://www.matanuska.com/news/news0308s06.html)

What did he saay was faulty with the light unit? It either works or it doesn't. In any case, use the light, but keep an eye on it. Chances are the smell will go away over time, after all, lights get hot. If it persists or get worse, try to determine where it's coming from.