As you head downstairs to do some laundry, you flip the light switch, and once again, the light bulb – the one you just installed a few weeks ago – burns out! It’s frustrating, and it’s expensive to keep replacing bulbs. Even worse, in some cases, the situation can indicate a potential fire hazard. That’s why troubleshooting to find out why your light bulbs keep burning out is crucial.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Incandescent bulbs can be expected to last for about a thousand hours. Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and LEDs (light-emitting diode) typically last much longer – up to 10 thousand usage hours for CFLs and 25 thousand hours for LEDs. Regardless of the bulb type, if your light bulbs keep burning out long before they should, it’s time to investigate. There are many possible reasons why a light bulb burns out quickly:
- The power supply voltage may be too high.
- Bulbs may be loose or connected improperly.
- Excessive vibrations may be causing the filament to break.
- You may be using the wrong type of light bulb.
- Insulation in recessed lighting may be causing overheating.
- The bulb may be incompatible with a linked dimmer switch.
- The fixture’s wiring may be loose.
Power Supply Voltage Too High
In North American homes, 120-volt electrical outlets are standard. If an outlet is supplying too much voltage for the light, the bulb will burn brighter and die much sooner. Be sure that the light is connected to a standard outlet rather than a 220-volt outlet, which is usually in place for high voltage appliances like dryers and stoves.
If the light is connected to a standard outlet, use a multimeter to check the outlet. If the reading is more than 120 volts, contact a licensed electrician right away to check for electrical supply issues.
Improperly Connected Light Bulbs
A loose or improperly connected light bulb will burn out more quickly due to intermittent voltage. You may notice flickering if this is the case. Check to make sure that the bulb is correctly screwed into the socket; if it’s loose, turn the bulb until it’s snug.
On the other hand, light bulbs that have been screwed in too tightly can damage the socket tab, a small metal tab at the bottom of the socket that carries power to the bulb. Make sure that the tab is angled up so that it connects with the base of the bulb. Unplug or switch off power to the unit and use a plastic or wooden item to gently bend the tab up slightly, so it can make full contact with the bulb.
Some bulb brands don’t have enough solder at the base of the bulb to fully connect to the socket tab, which can cause arcing, diminishing the bulb’s lifespan. Ideally, the tab and the bulb solder should be roughly the same size, allowing for a good connection between the two. If this isn’t the case, try switching light bulb brands.
Excess Vibration
Excessive vibrations or jarring from things like ceiling fans or automatic garage doors can cause incandescent bulbs to burn out prematurely due to broken filaments. The light may also flicker due to loosened connections. If the bulb in question is near an entrance, installed in a ceiling with heavy upstairs foot traffic, or located in other places where vibrations are inevitable, consider switching to an LED bulb (which has no filament) or install “rough service” bulbs, which are designed to better handle vibrations.
Wrong Type of Bulb
You may be using the wrong type of bulb for the fixture. For example, if a lamp is rated for 60 watts, placing a 120-watt bulb in the fixture creates excess heat, shortening the bulb’s life, and possibly even causing a fire. To avoid this, always make sure that the bulb’s wattage does not exceed the fixture’s wattage recommendation. LED bulbs use far less power than other bulb types, so consider switching to enjoy brighter, more efficient lighting.
Another possible issue: you may be using a bulb that is not well-suited for its location. For example, LED bulbs are better suited to light fixtures that have frequent on/off usage throughout the day – like those in motion sensors or bathrooms. CFLs are particularly vulnerable to this type of usage because turning them on and off repeatedly degrades their electrodes, significantly diminishing the life of the bulb.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed light fixtures, also known as “can lights,” are typically installed inside the ceiling. Newer models may be designed to be in contact with insulation (IC-rated), but older recessed lighting fixtures can overheat if insulation is too close to the housing. Some fixtures are designed to automatically shut off if overheated. In other cases, the bulbs may flicker and burn out prematurely. This situation also poses a fire risk. The best solution is to install IC-rated fixtures so that they don’t overheat if in contact with insulation.
Incompatible Dimmer Switch
Older dimmer switches were made to be used with incandescent bulbs. Using them with CFL or LED bulbs can damage the bulb or circuitry. Plus, not all new light bulbs are compatible with dimmer switches. Check to make sure that your dimmer switch and light bulb are compatible with each other.
Loose Wiring or Connection Problems
Loose connections between the circuit and the fixture can cause light bulbs to burn out faster. Another potential problem is corroded contacts on the socket itself. In both cases, power to the bulb is intermittent, so it’s essentially like turning the switch on and off repeatedly. Disconnect power to the unit and check to make sure wires are firmly attached to the screw terminals. If the socket contacts are damaged, the socket or the fixture itself should be replaced.
Get Help from an Expert
A light bulb that burns out quickly may be more than just a hassle; it could be a safety hazard that requires prompt expert attention. If your light bulbs keep burning out despite efforts to address the issue, don’t wait to schedule your electric safety inspection, contact Mr. Electric®. Call us today. Our courteous professionals are ready to answer your questions and take care of all your electrical needs.
