Why do light bulbs burn out? One of the following reasons may be the cause.
If you find that your light bulbs burn out too soon, this can be extremely frustrating. A burnt-out light bulb can not only be aggravating to replace but can indicate a potential fire hazard. This is why troubleshooting the problem to figure out the problem as soon as possible is crucial for your safety and sanity. If you are concerned about your light bulbs burning out, contact your TriStar electrician for assistance in discovering which of the following causes may be behind your light bulb trouble.
The Power Supply Voltage Is Too High
In North America, 120-volt electrical outlets are the standard. However, if your outlet is supplying too much voltage for a light, the bulb will burn brighter and die much sooner. Make sure that the light is connected to a standard outlet rather than a 220-volt outlet, which is designed for appliances like dryers and stoves.
Improperly Connected Bulbs
A loose or improperly connected light bulb will burn out more quickly due to the intermittent voltage it receives. If this is the case, you may notice flickering before your light bulbs burn out. Check to see that the bulb is screwed into the socket. If it’s loose, turn it until the bulb is snug.
However, bulbs screwed in too tightly can damage the socket tab. The socket tab is at the bottom of the socket and carries power to the bulb. This tab should be angled up so that it connects to the base of the bulb. Additionally, the tab and bulb solder at the bulb’s base should be roughly the same size which enables a good connection. If this isn’t the case, try a different light bulb brand.
The Wrong Light Bulb
You may be using the wrong light bulb for your fixture. For instance, if a lamp is rated for 60 watts and a 120-watt light bulb is placed in it, the fixture creates excess heat, which shortens the bulb’s life. To avoid this risky situation, ensure the bulb’s wattage does not exceed the fixture’s recommended wattage. You may consider switching to LED bulbs, which use less power than other bulbs while providing more light.
However, your bulbs may burn out if they are the wrong type of light for the fixture. For instance, if you place a CFL bulb in a fixture that is turned off and on frequently, this can quickly degrade the bulb’s electrodes. LED lights are much better for those high-use areas.
Incompatible Dimmer Switch
Older dimmer switches were built to be used with incandescent bulbs. If you use them with CFL or LED bulbs, this can damage the bulbs or circuity. Before installation, make sure your light bulbs and dimmer switch are compatible.
If your light bulbs burn out too fast, having a skilled electrician check your light bulbs, wiring, and light fixture may be necessary to find the problem before you have to replace yet another light bulb.
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