0 members (),
265
guests, and
15
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6
OP
Junior Member
|
There are two outside fixtures and weather does not seem to be a factor, but the lightbulbs blowout (literally-explode into bits) every two weeks or so. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this one? Possible causes? Thanks Also, does anyone know of a way to test breakers while they're in the panel? Thanks again.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 300
Member
|
I'd suspect water, even if it's slowly dripping from sonewhere days after the rain.
It would take a really high voltage surge (I mean big) to break a filament with enough force to shatter the glass bulb.
Cool water on a smokin' hot bulb will shatter the glass.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 114
Member
|
Vandalism? Maybe a kid with a BB gun or an unfriendly neighbor or one who doesn't like the light shinning in his window?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466 Likes: 1
Member
|
Are these bulbs a halogen bulb? The packaging will warn that oils from fingers will cause hot spots on the glass and can lead to explosion.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6
OP
Junior Member
|
Thanks for the ideas, here's what we know: 1) It's not vandalism. 2) The lady has been in the home 12 years and this has consistently occured. 3) the bulbs are not halogens or over-sized. 4) two different lights (either side of garage) at about the same time. Very puzzling? But thanks for the suggestions.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 25
Member
|
Probably rain getting in. My garage light does the same thing. Since its on the outside, by the time someone notices the light is out, the rain may be gone. And they may not be on during one rain, so the bulb may not burst every time it rains. So, I'll bet weather is a factor even though it may not seem that way. Drop by after a good rain and look for a puddle of water in the bottom of the broken bulb.
Steve
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,527
Moderator
|
In-place testing of molded-case circuit breakers without a current-injection set is a pain, but not impossible. If you can load it to 300% of rated {like 60 amps on a 20-amp breaker}, then 30-amp-or-less, 120- or 240-volt breakers should trip in no more than 50 seconds. After lamp replacement, you might try cleaning the bulb with methyl alcohol and a clean rag to rule out contamination problems.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 198
Member
|
ALWIRE,- Need more info, like (1) what type of lamp: flood, A19 , sodium ,or Mh.(2) What type of luminare. (3) Are they on the same sw and or circuit. There are many possibilities.
Shoot first, apologize later.....maybe
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6
OP
Junior Member
|
Thanks-zapped208, they are two regular outdoor incandescent fixtures on the front face of the garage, on the same switch (with another porch light too, which doesn't experience the same blowouts). They are all on the same circuit and we pulled all the fixtures and every outlet and switch and found all solid connections????? Thanks, Alex (ALWIRE)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 939
Member
|
did you think poissbity of voltage surge going thru from time to time ??? you sholud get the chart recorder to track the voltage surge and dip to see what is the curpit . my area the curpet was power company captitor switching you can noticed for short time usely on sheduled timmming but for your area if that possibity that poco line have some hevey user along the line ?? if so see what they suggest it and did you try to use rough service bulbs or 130 volts bulbs they inted to handle some surge pretty well that is one of few possibty
merci marc
Pas de problme,il marche n'est-ce pas?"(No problem, it works doesn't it?)
|
|
|
Posts: 440
Joined: December 2001
|
|
|
|