Posted By Hayley McBride Hi everybody, We have recently moved into new office and some of our office have a distinct 'fishy smell' coming from the light tubes. Has anybody experienced this, I think it might be the coating on the tubes but was just wondering if anybody else had the same experience? Thanks Hayley

Posted By steve e ashton Probably urea formaldehyde from plastic wiring getting hot. Are you certain its the lighting and not a fuse or switch box - where I have encountered this smell previously. Get an electrician to check your fixed installation wiring as a matter of urgency. Once the plasticiser has all come off, things may be OK but you mnay have the beginnings of an electrical fault which could cause a fire in the future. Steve

Posted By Mitch Hayley Smiff was being serious it is the oldest prank in the book! Your electrician could also check that out while he's scrabbling around.

Posted By ian cowe Hi Hayley I had a similar smell occurring every time I used the electric shower in my bathroom at home. Initially thought the smell was coming from the water until I eventually discovered (with the help of a mate who is a an electrician) that it was an electrical wiring fault in the shower switch which had caused the plastic backing box to start melting. Would definitely recommend getting it checked out ASAP. Ian

Posted By Robert. The fishy smell is most probably from a ballast being faulty and overheating. it is a very pungent smell and lingers for a long long time. needs changing w / quickly

Posted By SJA We have recent had a new suspended ceiling installed in our offices and as part of the installation the ceiling fitter has installed 100mm think rolled insulation over the ceiling tiles. However we have a 'small' leak in the roof which drips occasionally during heavy downpours, this is due to be fixed anytime now and the ceiling tiles and insulation in this area has been left out until it has been fixed. However from speaking with the ceiling fitter he has advised us to leave the tiles and insulation out for some time to make absolutely sure that the leak has been fixed, as he states that if any of the insulation gets wet, it will stink of fish forever and the only way to get rid of the smell is to replaced to affected insulation. You may therefore want to check that there are no leaks in the roof, or alternatively from any water or air conditioning pipework if not located on the top floor. Although it sounds bizarre, it is apparently a serious problem.

Posted By Mitch Wlliam, You have made my Friday and confirmed I am not the only one with a sick sense of humour!! Regards Mitch

Posted By Chris Bramall The other common cause of a "fishy" smell is where incorrectly rated lamps have been installed in a fitting, this is very common on incandescents, a 60w in a 40w fitting would cause it. Not as common with Flourescents as the wattage is commonly associated to length but not unknown.