For about 6 months now,every now and again in the evening there is a really horrible smell of fish in the stairwell of our house.
Someone has come up with the idea that there could be a problem with the lightbulb fixture on the ceiling.
I have gone around the stairs sniffing carpets,walls,bathroom etc all to no avail but wondered if the light fitting could have a problem when it has had the light on for a certain amount of time.
One minute it's fine,no smell at all,and within seconds,on opening the stairs door the stench is overpowering.
Can anyone help please.?

sim, July 2009

This is happening to my family home too. We have checked all of the above and all is fine. Just out of curiosity, is there any other strange things happening along your stair well. My family home has witnessed a series of events along with this strong smell and after extensive research it very well could be 'paranormal activity'....if you believe in such a thing.

Nathan Knowles, June 2010

Is there a fusebox nearby?. I had a problem of a fishy smell whenever the shower was used and it turned out to be caused by an underrated fuse in the fusebox. It was overheating. Fuses that are made of Bakelite will smell of fish when they get hot. Check the fusebox.

R Durant, January 2010

Is it a "low energy" lamp?
Take it out, give it a sniff, and try replacing it for a new one.
If the lamp fits in from underneath and it is an ordinary incandescent lamp, make sure it is the GLS or golf ball shape and not candle shaped.

Adam, July 2009

have you or anyone in the block had a falling out with someone who left recently? there's many a tale of disgruntled ex acquaintances leaving prawns or bits of fish in light fittings, curtain rods or behind radiators.
Just a thought...

rightcharlie, July 2009

Wikipedia

"Gaseous amines possess a characteristic ammonia smell, liquid amines have a distinctive "fishy" smell."

http://www.howtomendit.com/answers.php?id=4106

"Aliphatic amines have a fishy smell and are liberated when plastic electrical fittings get over-warm and particularly as they age.

Typically, 13-amp plugs are in fact unable properly to handle 13 amp loads (i.e.3Kw) and will always get warm if handling such loads. Sooner or later they will start to smell as will plastic lamp holders fitted with high-wattage bulbs. Alan Sutton (C.Chem., FRSC)"

Change lampholder and use appropriate wattage lamp.

Peccavi, July 2009

I think it would be a good move to check this out - especially if the smell only occurs when the light is on. Old bakelite electrical fittings can emit a curious pong.

John, July 2009