Aqua Illumination Light Smoking!

revhtree · Apr 14, 2012

I added the AI Led lights over my tank about a year ago now and today I started smelling an electrical burning smell. Went into the tank room and one of the AI Lights was off and smoking out the back where the power plug enters. That area is now charred and the plug is charred and it will not work of course.

Any ideas?

:cry:

seth&angelle · Apr 14, 2012

I know of someone who had dust build up around the fan, and the unit started overheating and turning off. I hope your units aren't ruined.

dsmhero · Apr 14, 2012

My first guess would be corrosion in the plug inlet created some resistance thus creating heat and smoke. Mine came with dialectic grease in each hole to prevent this, maybe it is a good idea to add some every six months.

revhtree · Apr 14, 2012

Might have been salt creep, not sure.

Cubbies · Apr 14, 2012

Ouch! Hope everything pulls out for you Rev!

Reef Breeders · Apr 14, 2012

Is it under warranty? If not, time for a new one if you cannot fix it yourself.

dknuckles · Apr 14, 2012

May be too late. Salt and corrosion builds up around plug which will create a short. (experienced this 2 months ago)
Try cleaning And drying the unit especially the plug then clean any corrosion w/ steelwool and check if board has been toasted. If you get it working or replace unit go to autoparts store and purchase dielectric grease and use on all of the electrical connections, this will prevent the corrosion and create a moisture barrier (also good for all outlets around tank or equipment.
Hope this helps

SoLiD · Apr 17, 2012

Thanks for the tips dknucles.

revhtree · Apr 17, 2012

dknuckles said:
May be too late. Salt and corrosion builds up around plug which will create a short. (experienced this 2 months ago)
Try cleaning And drying the unit especially the plug then clean any corrosion w/ steelwool and check if board has been toasted. If you get it working or replace unit go to autoparts store and purchase dielectric grease and use on all of the electrical connections, this will prevent the corrosion and create a moisture barrier (also good for all outlets around tank or equipment.
Hope this helps

Well I found out that they will not do anything about the light which is fine because I understand. So I tried another plug on it and the unit actually lights up for a split second and then starts to smoke again. I think maybe if I clean it out like you mentioned and get a new plug it may work. At least I am hopeful. Any idea if I can just pick up another plug somewhere?

RandyO · Apr 17, 2012

Same thing happened to a guy I know. Unit was useless after that. He bought it second hand so no warranty. He had to buy a new one.

Sorry to hear Rev.

revhtree · Apr 17, 2012

I have a picture for you all pinpointing the actual spot of the infraction. It may be hard to spot though.

revhtree · Apr 17, 2012

RandyO said:
Same thing happened to a guy I know. Unit was useless after that. He bought it second hand so no warranty. He had to buy a new one.

Sorry to hear Rev.

Thanks Randy.

dsmhero · Apr 17, 2012

I would pull it apart and see if anything else is charred or melted. If not I would solder on a new female power plug and give her a shot...

Poseidon · Apr 17, 2012

I'd dig into it Rev see what it connects too... what do you have to lose at this point? Or... send it me all broken, and I'll break out the soldering iron!

(NOT saying I can fix it, but will give it a go!)

revhtree · Apr 17, 2012

Thanks guys and I may just do that!

dknuckles · Apr 17, 2012

Rev,
Radio Shack will probably have both of the connectors (male from power supply and the female on circuit board)

revhtree · Apr 17, 2012

I am totally dumb when it comes to this stuff but I think my brother on law may be able to help me. Thanks.

revhtree · Apr 18, 2012

Ok I am not sure what a messed up circuit board will look like. So I opened it up and took pics.

You can see what looks to be salt creep in the first pic.

Next finally found one small enough!

And open. There was zero moisture that I could see anywhere except on the outside of the led lens which face the tank.

revhtree · Apr 18, 2012

See anything? LOL!

ReefLEDLights · Apr 18, 2012

revhtree

The LEDs on their branded three star are nothing special they are all connected to the the driver board. This should be an easy fix....4 screws a connector or two very easy fix.

I would contact AI and have them swap out the board. They are relatively cheap compared to all the bad press this may come to.

Salt spray does not play well with electronics but this looks like it was used as they intended.

Bill