My sunpod smells like it's burning...

Johnny C · 10/17/2009, 01:00 AM

Hey Everyone,

I just got an 18.5'' 70W M/H Sunpod from another user today in the mail as part of a trade. I installed the bulb, plugged it in and turned it on. Within 15-20 minutes, the whole first floor of my house started smelling like burning plastic. I quickly discovered that it's coming from the Sunpod!

I'm everything but DIY handy, so I'm not so sure I want to open it up and start tinkering with it... but I cannot for the life of me figure out why it is smelling!?

It powers up fine (although I notice a slight buzzing from the ballast for the first few mins) and ran for two hours without issue.

Anyone have an idea as to what it might be? Hoping someone can offer advice. Thanks!

PS- I turned the fixture off and went out for the night. Upon coming home 5 hours later, the room STILL smells bad. Worst thing is, this light is discontinued (in the 16.5'' size) so before I send it back I'd like to pinpoint the problem. Thanks Again!

E.intheC · 10/17/2009, 10:52 AM

aren't the bars open until 4am in Buffalo? That would have solved the problem

On a serious note.. do you have pictures you can post?

I would open the bottom of the sunpod. They have a pretty easy way of removing the bottom plastic shielding so you can take a look. Might be something as small as a packing peanut that got lodged. Also check to make sure there's nothing dislodged/hanging weird or misplaced.

Johnny C · 10/17/2009, 11:35 AM

Yep, but by that point most of the good looking women are gone!

On a more serious note, thanks for the suggestion. When I get home from this hell I call work, I'll take it apart and see if anything seems funny. Thanks

Guygettnby · 10/17/2009, 12:29 PM

i too would recomend trying to take apart the light. it is fairly simple and you may find something inside the light that is burning from the heat. probably something simple and easy to fix.

10/17/2009, 01:00 AM	#1
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	My sunpod smells like it's burning... Hey Everyone, I just got an 18.5'' 70W M/H Sunpod from another user today in the mail as part of a trade. I installed the bulb, plugged it in and turned it on. Within 15-20 minutes, the whole first floor of my house started smelling like burning plastic. I quickly discovered that it's coming from the Sunpod! I'm everything but DIY handy, so I'm not so sure I want to open it up and start tinkering with it... but I cannot for the life of me figure out why it is smelling!? It powers up fine (although I notice a slight buzzing from the ballast for the first few mins) and ran for two hours without issue. Anyone have an idea as to what it might be? Hoping someone can offer advice. Thanks! PS- I turned the fixture off and went out for the night. Upon coming home 5 hours later, the room STILL smells bad. Worst thing is, this light is discontinued (in the 16.5'' size) so before I send it back I'd like to pinpoint the problem. Thanks Again! __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

10/17/2009, 10:52 AM	#2
E.intheC Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5,373	aren't the bars open until 4am in Buffalo? That would have solved the problem On a serious note.. do you have pictures you can post? I would open the bottom of the sunpod. They have a pretty easy way of removing the bottom plastic shielding so you can take a look. Might be something as small as a packing peanut that got lodged. Also check to make sure there's nothing dislodged/hanging weird or misplaced. __________________ -Eric

10/17/2009, 11:35 AM	#3
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	Yep, but by that point most of the good looking women are gone! On a more serious note, thanks for the suggestion. When I get home from this hell I call work, I'll take it apart and see if anything seems funny. Thanks __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

10/17/2009, 12:29 PM	#4
Guygettnby Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL Posts: 3,050	i too would recomend trying to take apart the light. it is fairly simple and you may find something inside the light that is burning from the heat. probably something simple and easy to fix.