[kutra]

I have 8 recessed lights in my family room with a dimmer switch. These light bulbs that are supposed to last seven years or something! Anyway, I installed them last August, and noticed that one bulb had died. So I replaced it immediately and the new one died after two days. I was sitting and I heard a small pop and that was this new light bulb. The other light bulbs in the 7 recessed light outlets are fine; it's just this one that is bowing up my bulbs!

Any idea what could be going on?

Thanks,
K

[kutra]

Anyone?

Thanks.

[tkrussell]

Sorry to miss your question, gets busy sometimes and a few get missed.

What type of lamps?

What type of dimmer?

[kutra]

Lamps: GE's 65-Watt Equivalent Indoor Compact Fluorescent Dimmable Flood Light Bulbs

Dimmer: Lutron 3-way dimmer [This was also from Lowe's but I am not sure if the packaging said if it was specifically for CFLs]

I control my recessed lights from two locations. I have a switch in one location and a switch and a dimmer in the other location.

Thanks,
K

[tkrussell]

OK great info. Since your not having problems with seven units, there must be an issue with the one.

The dimmer should be OK, again, since it is operating seven units fine.

Simple fix, to eliminate a possible cause, would be to replace the socket, and check wiring connections.

Socket have two wire connections, usually riveted, that can come loose. There are other riveted connections to the screw shell and the center eyelet terminal, the one at the bottom center of the socket.

Loose connections can cause arcing, which can cause premature burnout of lamps, ballasts, etc.

Try replacing the socket, find one with wire leads already installed from manufacturer.

[kutra]

tkrussell:

Thanks for your detailed post. Do you mean replace the entire Recessed Lighting Housing and Trim for that particular failing light bulb? If not, is there a instructions-link you can provide so I know what I am doing? :-)

Thanks,
K

[stanfortyman]

What is above these lights, especially the one giving you trouble?
Attic?
Another room?

[kutra]

What is above these lights, especially the one giving you trouble?
Attic?
Another room?

Another room.

[ballengerb1]

Is it possible that the room above is subject to a lot of vinration like a kid jumping around in his room? You don't need to replace the entire fixture is its bad, just the socket but check connections first.

[kutra]

Is it possible that the room above is subject to a lot of vinration like a kid jumping around in his room? You don't need to replace the entire fixture is its bad, just the socket but check connections first.

Yes, that could very well be my 6-yr old! How do I check the connections or replace the socket, if needed?

Thanks!

[tkrussell]

How do you change the socket or check the connections?

I have to assume you know how to work on wiring and fixtures, and have the proper tools and safety equipment.

Here is a video that shows how to replace a socket, however I do not agree with one aspect.

The splices should not be done in the lamp housing, as he shows. He does show the new socket with wire leads, as I mentioned previously. But, the leads need to be long enough to run the junction box attached to the inner housing, beyond the lamp housing.

The connections I mention to be checked are in the junction box not see directly. The lamp housing needs to be removed to access this junction box. Depending on the size of the fixture opening, this is often difficult to work with.

Also, in addition to insuring the power is OFF to the fixture, since you will be on a ladder, and looking up, be sure to be wearing safety glasses, which I should mention that glasses be wore at all times while doing any work, no matter on a ladder or not.

[kutra]

How do you change the socket or check the connections?

I have to assume you know how to work on wiring and fixtures, and have the proper tools and safety equipment.

Here is a video that shows how to replace a socket, however I do not agree with one aspect.

The splices should not be done in the lamp housing, as he shows. He does show the new socket with wire leads, as I mentioned previously. But, the leads need to be long enough to run the the junction box attached to the inner housing, beyond the lamp housing.

The connections I mention to be checked are in the junction box not see directly. The lamp housing needs to be removed to access this junction box. Depending on the size of the fixture opening, this is often difficult to work with.

Also, in addition to insuring the power is OFF to the fixture, since you will be on a ladder, and looking up, be sure to be wearing safety glasses, which I should mention that glasses be wore at all times while doing any work, no matter on a ladder or not.

Thank you very much. I shall check out the video.

Regards,
K