ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area light bulbs

Has anyone come up with a reasonable explanation for why light bulbs keep burning out (various types)very often

What type of light bulbs? For incandescent bulbs, bulb life can be shortened by a supply voltage that is higher than the rated voltage (even 125V on a 120V lamp will reduce lamp life by almost 40%), excessive vibration, and frequent switching (added stress caused by applying full voltage to a cold filament).

any body else think that you plant "bulbs" in the ground to grow flowers and you put lamps in a fixture??

I put lamps in my living room and my wife puts bulbs in the garden. lol

Thanks BPiersel
that helps explain what is happening to the incandescent bulbs (temperture and vibration)

Welcome to the newcomers......

Installing a simple dimmer to control the lighting instead of a switch results in increased bulb life also.

The #1 reason the lamps 'burn out' quick is that the majority are made "CHEAP", and there is a job security issue underlying also.

John

The government conspiracey called "Planned Obsolecence" and its the LAW!

The only things allowed to be built to last are Military and farm equipment.

Things like lightbulbs are the expendables that keep the economy going. You could make one last much longer, but you would sell fewer of them.

Anyway, resistive connection in circuit, or lamp-holder. Ohm out in 20k range.

how many electrical contractors does it take to screw in a light bulb?...none, they have their apprentice do it!(and so they should, too). yeah, constantly changing bulbs, too. and i have long thought the govt. let the roads get the way they so that people had to buy new cars, parts, ect.

Somebody gave me a box of "sign bulbs" 15 years ago and I have never had one burn out. The problem is they are only 30w but I use them for soft lighting in my screen cage and they are perfect.

... and if you really want to stop spending your hard-earned cash on lamps, this is a solution many friends have found to work a treat! You'll have to convert the figures for your side of the Pond.

M.