Q When I put a GE three-way compact fluorescent light (CFL) into a lamp, it flickered and then it must have gotten very hot because it started smoking and smelling just awful. I turned it off, unplugged it and took the bulb out. Have you heard of any other problems of this nature? I'm concerned because the heat could have spread to the shade and caused a fire.

A Although not common, there have been cases of CFLs -- and not just three-way bulbs -- smoking, emitting a pungent odor, sometimes even flashing. That raises the worry, and rightly so, that the bulbs might be a fire hazard.

But they aren't, experts say.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of such incidents, but is unaware of any major fire or property damage associated with CFLs, according to spokesperson Patty Davis.

Todd Bigley, product service manager with GE Lighting, described the incident with your GE CFL as atypical. He suggests that you contact GE Lighting for information on how to return the lamp for analysis and for reimbursement.

Basically, what is happening is that the circuitry in the bulb is failing. This can occur with defective or mishandled bulbs, or, in some cases, at the end of useful life.

At the end of life, the arc contained in a fluorescent light sometimes elevates the temperature of the plastic near one end of the tube, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star. It can produce limited smoke and odor. In some cases, a flashing arc internal to the fluorescent tube or ballast may occur. In extreme cases, a deformation, significant distortion or small breach of the plastic material may happen.

All this means is that safety measures built into the bulb are managing heat and preventing subsequent hazards.

Smoking and odor also can happen when CFLs are used inappropriately. Air needs to circulate around the bulbs. Generally, CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures when they are not recessed, according to GE Lighting. Such fixtures (for example, a ceiling can light with a cover over the bulb) create temperatures that are too high, leading to early failure.

Another cause for failure could be improperly screwing the bulb into the socket. Don't hold the bulb by the glass, as you would with an incandescent light. That can cause the vacuum seal or tubing to break, exposing components to oxygen and making them more liable to become defective or overheat. Instead, hold a CFL bulb by its plastic base.

In addition, turning lights on and off frequently can wear out their electronics early, although probably by only a few days, according to National Geographic's Green Guide. It's a good idea to put CFLs first in rooms where they'll have the most constant use -- such as the kitchen or family room --and wait to use them in in-and-out areas, such as closets and basements. By the time the recent federal law fully kicks in, phasing out regular incandescent lights, experts say more efficient CFLs will be available.

Energy Star recommends that in the event a fluorescent light begins to smoke or smolder, immediately shut off the power to the light. Once it has cooled, remove it from the light socket. Then e-mail cfl@energystar.gov to report the incident. Include the manufacturer's name and model number on the CFL base and how and where the bulb was used. Also, be sure to contact the manufacturer and ask for replacement or refund.

When buying a CFL, look for UL on the base, which means it meets UL standards. Or just buy Energy Star-qualified bulbs. According to the organization's website, the latest Energy Star specification (finalized in March, and effective Dec. 2, 2008) requires all Energy Star-qualified CFLs to incorporate end-of-life requirements and higher safety standards. Energy Star CFLs currently meet UL safety standards, which require the materials to be self-extinguishing. So, although the base or glass tubing may darken, an Energy Star CFL should never catch on fire.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears daily in Source except on Friday.