[poeda]

Not sure if this is a fixture problem, or some other. It seems that I go through lightbulbs rather quickly in two different fixtures in my house. I've even tried those long life, power-saver bulbs, to no avail. Both fixtures are cheap. One is a basic lightbulb fixture that you plug into a regular power socket. The other is a single bulb piece that has a simple round goldfish aquarium like glass dome cover. The bulbs will last anywhere from a few days to a few months. I stopped using the 2-year, 23-watt power saving bulbs (they are expensive), and started using inexpensive 60 watt bulbs. I'd much rather waste 50 cents a bulb, rather than 4 dollars a bulb.

Any idea what might be causing this? Both fixtures on are different circuits going to the same breaker box. I have no problems with any other lighting in property, including a second, 23-watt energy saver bulb which is on the same circuit as one of the fixtures I am having trouble with. Could just be coincidence, though. The house was built in 1941, and the wiring was upgraded from knob and tube to copper. The copper seems to be rather old, though, at least to me. It has a cloth-like covering over it, which I am not familiar with. I am pretty new to all of this.

TIA!!

[tkrussell]

First of all,don't stop using the energy saving lamps you mentioned,assuming they are the compact fluorescent lamps.

Incandescent lamps burn out quickly due to several reasons. One reason is heat,if the fixture is a style that has an enclosed globe, this will retain heat and shorten the lamp life.

Another is higher than normal than nominal voltage of standard 120 volts. Try to use incandescent lamps rated for 125-130 volts. Even if the voltage is slightly higher than the rated voltage of the lamp, for a short period will shorten the lamp life.

Loose socket terminals can cause heat at the lamp terminals, cauisng the lamp to burn out quickly.

Do not be surprised if you are experiencing all of the symptoms I have mentioned. Investigate these reasons and see if any exist.

[poeda]

Thank you for the ideas. I will definitely look into it. I didn't even think about the possible voltage difference. I can test that out easily enough with a multitester.