The current along with the voltage drop of a poor connection is what
makes the heat. If the connection has "0" resistance, (impossible for
any connection or wire), then there will not be any heat regardless of
the current flowing.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of George Goff
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 12:16 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Headlight Failure

In a message dated 9/27/05 6:04:13 AM, RAlanen@AOL.COM writes:

<< Kevin, most likely the pigtail sockets have gotten overheated from
poor
contact. >>

Quite the opposite..

Kevin, most likely the pigtail sockets have gotten overheated from
EXCESSIVE
CURRENT .  A marginal connection (poor contact) would result in a
voltage drop
across the connection.  The worse the connection is (i.e., the higher
the
contact resistance), the LESS the current conducted through the circuit.
Since
the lamps are in series with this connection, the lamps will dim even to
the
point of appearing to be unlit.  A poor connection is a nuisance, but it
will
reduce the current in the circuit preventing any meltdown.

If the insulation of the conductors or the plastic of the components in
your
lighting system is melting, reduce the load on the system or install a
system
which is rated to swing the existing load.

George