[Clueless1980]

I installed a hanging lamp in my office and it has been stinking like rotting fish, or some animal type of smell, for two days. I finally took the bulb out and no more smell.

Could a faulty light bulb produce a fish smell when turned on?

Or, if the bulb wattage was too high, would that cause a bad smell?

Thanks,
Clueless

[Tev]

Yes, a bulb that is higher wattage than the fixture is rated for could cause that.

[donf]

Tev,

Please be kind enough to tell him/her why odor is a symptom of a bulb drawing too much amperage.

For instance both the fixture and the conductors that are connected to it must be inspected to make sure that the heat generated did not damage the insulation on the conductors or the bulb socket.

[Missouri Bound]

Actually, the odor described is more commonly associated with the burning of the lamp receptacle... bakelite type fixtures generally create this odor. Similar to the composition of circuit breakers. Simply put... SOMETHING IS GETTING TOO HOT. Downsize the bulb, or better yet change to a CFL. Eventually you'll burn the fixture and create a fire hazard when the insulation itselfs deteriorates.

[Tev]

Well, the wrong bulb creates more heat than the fixture was designed to handle. Something then gets too hot and starts to emit an odor. What exactly is emitting the smell I couldn't say but the cause could certainly be an incorrect bulb. The fixture should be removed and everything inspected. Be sure to replace or repair anything that appears damaged. Remember that there are maximum sizes listed on fixtures for a reason. Next time it could be a fire instead of an odor.

[0rphan]

It's definitely the light fitment, I had exactly the same problem in my hallway where there are two ceiling lights... stank the place out for weeks with a very distinct fish odour, I couldn't work out what the problem was until I was having some other work done in the house and the electrician picked up on it, he immediately changed the light fitments,the smell was gone.

The bulb holders were getting too hot.. so change the complete fitment making sure that the bulb holder does not come down over the bulb as some old ones do, the ones on the market now will be fine due to all kinds of new rules and regulations.

For your safety

Make sure you use a reputable electrician.