Corrosion on wiring of porcelain receptacle

After 13 years a fixture with transformer, above the kitchen sink, for a 12 volt MR-16 bulb with the two-narrow-pins-type plug, stopped working in the summer of 2006. For months I tried a number of fixes--nothing worked. In the spring of 2007 I discovered the existence of JDR bulbs--MR-16s with an E-26 base and (presumably) line voltage. I bought a prewired porcelain receptacle for an e-26 base and wired it to the cable in the ceiling.

The GE, 35 watt, JDR bulbs that are supposed to last two years have all lasted about 3-5 months. As I went to change the bulb today I noticed bad corrosion at the point where the wires are soldered (or however fastened) to the top of the receptacle. (Usually, when I put a very high-wattage bulb--not the case here--in a receptacle, it's the interior part of that receptacle that eventually burns away--not the wiring on the exterior part).

Is there something about the original cable that came with that fixture, that protrudes from the hole in the ceiling, that's incompatible with the wiring on an ordinary prewired porcelain receptacle?


What you describe is definitely not correct. Something went awry during the manufacture process, IMHO. But I would consider replacing the fixture, too many things not going right there. I have done a number of low voltage fixtures, and i do occasionaly get one that is a trouble maker, I replace it after the second call back. But 13 yrs is not would I would consider a call back.