I am trying to install a set of 5 halogen track lights where there used to be a terrible fluorescent fixture. The line also has another regular (incandescent?) fixture on the same switch. I had no trouble installing the new fixture and the wiring was simple. (btw, there was no place to connect the ground - is this normal?) I added the first few lights to the track and, because I am impatient, turned on the switch to see if it worked. Success! But in a matter of less than a minute the bulbs dimmed and I heard a crackly, hissing sound and they both went out! The other fixture on the line remained on.

I had purchased two of the track light fixtures because I want to put one in another room, so I opened the second one. I took down the main part (with the wires and converter) of the one I just installed and replaced it with the new one. I then finished installing all the lights and tightened all connections thinking that perhaps because I wasn't really done, something was loose and caused some kind of short.? So, I got it all hooked up again and hesitantly flipped the switch. It worked! So, I left it on and went about my business thinking I was in the clear. In about 5 minutes, I got the same dimming, crackling hiss, and darkness. Again, the other fixture on the switch still works fine.

What's going on? How do I fix it?

Thanks!

Repair the connection where you heard the hissing. Turn power off first.

Hi. Thanks for the response.

I have checked all the connections I made and they all seem to be intact. Nothing looks out of the ordinary. Perhaps the problem occurred inside the converter? I haven't opened that up to look inside.

FYI - the fixture came with 5 lights and included the bulbs, so I haven't added anything more than they recommend and I'm using their bulbs.

What would cause something like that to happen? And how can I get my light properly installed without killing a third fixture??