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View Full Version : Light Bulbs Blowing Regularly


TabethaH
Apr 6, 2008, 09:03 PM
The lights in our house keep blowing, even after bulbs have been replaced. It takes weeks or months, but it is getting crazy. First a bulb or two in the ceiling fan, then the attic, the bathroom light, then both of the upstairs hallway lights at separate times, then the back porch light, and now an entire strand of white lights used for decoration. This has happened in under a year's time. What could be the cause?

Stratmando
Apr 7, 2008, 06:39 AM
A loose Neutral(white wire) will cause voltages to go High and Low, since it effects the whole house, I would have all Neutral connections checked from power company through meter and to Electrical Panel. I would tighten hots and grounds while things are open.

Jeff Beck
Apr 7, 2008, 08:49 AM
Due to the wide spread nature of your problem, I would agree with the previous post. However I'll put my two cents worth in for others that may have a similar problem with just a couple locations that seem to have a short life. I had a Bathroom and a closet bulb that seemed to have an extremely short life. They were close to my A/C Air handler. I concluded the vibration from the unit was more than the filament of the bulb could take. I replaced them with compact fluorescent and they haven't been changed since.

ceilingfanrepair
Apr 7, 2008, 10:22 AM
Neutral issue, higher-than-normal supply voltage, or frequent power surges.

eric34
Apr 8, 2008, 10:37 AM
If the fixture is old. The tab for the hot in the socket can be to far from the bulb. Turn the power off... pull the tab tward the bulb

KISS
Apr 8, 2008, 12:30 PM
Vibration is a primary killer of light bulbs.

Light bulbs also have the nerve of all dying at about the same time.

And the one that's harder to figure out is a bad manufacturer's lot.

Stratmando
Apr 8, 2008, 12:41 PM
Since it it happening everywhere, I think finding neutral problem is better solution than
Installing 130 Volt Rough Service Bulbs. Normally they never see 130 volts, and running at 120 volts they last longer. May be a solution. Do you ever see brights get bright or dim at times(more than usual variation?)