The Bulb was a standard 60W, this was the design bulb for the lamp. As a point of interest, the metal frame to the wicker drawers was also alongside, and possibly in contact with, a central heating radiator. I can't be certain of actual contact because fire crews may have moved it slightly.
In terms of fire spread, a number of indicators point to the fire starting in the vacinity of the lamp. The lamp was upright. There is of course a possibility of the bulb coming into contact with the shade...
But it is the electronics element that I am seeking help on, because I am interested in whether a metallic contact can simulate the touch of a human hand, and whether sufficient heat energy, a relationship of power and time, could result in a fire developing within and ultimately external to the body of such a lamp.
As I have mentioned before - this is not to pin down the cause in blindness to all else, but to discover whether it has the potential to be one of a number of hypothises worthy of persuit.
The lamp was from a major DIY chain. The chain had returned it to the manufacturers who, having put it through a series of tests, are sure that it did not malfunction. The internal circuitry, however, was severely damaged by fire, with a greater fire damage within the lamp body than external to it, in relation to intensity not area. That is why it is not being laid aside as a potential cause at this stage.
The reason that trading standards are involved is that IF a previously unanticipated fault could lead to ignition, then consideration will need to be given to either providing warnings with the lamp, or moderation of the design.
