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carissabc · Sep 8, 2007, 06:55 PM

I am forever changing all the light bulbs in my house. It seems like I just finish changing one or two and I will need to change another one. There are times when I will have to even change fairly new ones too. I have tried different brand of light bulbs and tried cheap to expensive and it doesn't seem to really matter. Is there something wrong with the wiring in the house or something or is my house just struck with extremely bad luck. What can I do? We go through light bulbs almost as often as we do socks.
All burnt out? Help?

tkrussell · Sep 8, 2007, 07:02 PM

Since this apparently is through out the building, need to measure the incoming voltage. A loose neutral can cause voltage fluctuations that will be excessive. This loose neutral may be at the utility transformer, the connection from utility to your home, in the meter, or in the main panel.

Call in good qualified service electrician, and ask to have the utility company there at the same time. So that all equipment from the utility transformer to the main panel can be thoroughly checked.

If necessary, the utility should offer to connect a recording meter for a period to measure the voltage. A good troubleshooting electrical contractor may have the instruments to do the same to compare with the utility company. Or he can call in a testing firm, as this equipment can be costly.

esquire1 · Sep 8, 2007, 07:08 PM

I have same problem and so do may others. I am now only buying the expensive ones as they do seem to last longer. The filiments are are not the quality they use to be. They just aren't made like in the old days and just don't hold up with the heat the bulb produces. Of couse bulb companies don't want them to last forever. The new screw in floresent bulbs do last longer and use less electricity but are more pricey

Stratmando · Sep 9, 2007, 07:12 AM

I agree with neutral problem, weather it is at service, main panel, or a multi circuit. If those all test good, you may want to try 130 Volt bulbs.

moncoeurdor · Sep 21, 2007, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by carissabc

I am forever changing all the light bulbs in my house. It seems like i just finish changing one or two and i will need to change another one. there are times when i will have to even change fairly new ones too. i have tried different brand of light bulbs and tried cheap to expensive and it doesnt seem to really matter. Is there something wrong with the wiring in the house or something or is my house just struck with extremely bad luck. what can i do? we go through light bulbs almost as often as we do socks.
All burnt out ?? Help?

I agree with Tkrussell. The one time I had that problem, the light socket was bad.

Clough · Sep 21, 2007, 11:28 PM

Great and helpful answers above!

Just one more little thing to add from a non-electricity expert. Whenever I purchase larger light bulbs where you can hear the filament in them if you shake them, I shake them, and if I can hear the filament rattling, I don't buy them. This may be nothing and completely incorrect. But, it would seem to me, that if the filament is not as solid(?) as it could be, then maybe the light bulb might not last as long. Just a thought...

labman · Sep 22, 2007, 05:33 AM

When we first moved here, we had the same problem. I checked and the incoming voltage was 125 volts. After several years of it, the transformer out back blew. That was the last of the problem. At the time I though it was a bad transformer. I guess replacing the transformer could have corrected a loose neutral at it.

I don't know how the CFL's do on over voltage. That is all I am buying. Home depot has them 6 for $10.