Don't try this at home.

[markjass]

I have halogen light in my house. I know that it is not safe to go above 150w. I must have had a brain f**t. I put in a 300w bulb. There was a bang a small wisp of smoke. I tried another bulb, but the unit is munted. I was lucky a fire did not occur. I think what perturbs me most is that the circuit breaker did not cut in. I am going to get an electrician in to replace the unit and get them to check the circuit breaker.

[el Ducko]

the circuit breaker did not cut in.

You probably have 220 volt house circuitry, there in NZ.
(150 watts)/(220 volts) = 0.7 amperes.
Boosting the load to 300 watts took it to 1.4 amps, not enough to blow the breaker but enough to wipe out your lamp. ...so, (blush) anything else I would add might be inappropriate!
Good luck. Stay safe!

[Shuswap]

I mistakingly installed a high wattage lamp in a fixture. Fortunately we were not standing near it when the glass cover exploded. The pieces were so hot that they melted through the carpet. The fixture was in the garbage within the hour.

[markjass]

Had an electrician (the guy who wired up my curing/fermentation chamber) in today to fix the two burnt out lights. What he found was scary stuff. The lights had caused the plaster board to crack and in one area there was evidence of smouldering. I had the fittings changed into a different type of light. The remaining halogen lights will stay. I will never put in bulbs that are above the recommended 150w. I will also check and re-check when I buy replacement bulbs.

[ssorllih]

I find an amazing number of ceiling light fixtures that have over heated because people over lamp them.

[markjass]

It is crazy you know what you should do/should not do yet you do the opposite. I suppose it is all about perceived risks.

To tell the truth I am much happier with the down lighting that has been installed in my office and the kitchen than the previous lighting. So good has come of my stupidity!

Mark