Why Do My Light Bulbs Keep Going Out?
We all know light bulbs can’t burn forever; even the best LEDs go out after some time. If you are using traditional light bulbs you may even see them go out in less than a year.
However, if you have replaced your bulbs recently and they’ve burned out much sooner than they should have, there may be a deeper issue. Even if the bulb itself burns out early, the root cause may lie in the fixture or the circuit.
If your light just won’t stop going out, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Axiom Power, 813-308-9328.
Bulbs Are in an Area They Aren’t Rated For
If you find your light bulbs in the bathroom continue to go out sooner than they should be, it is likely the case that you are not using bulbs with the correct rating. Your bulbs need to be able to withstand the moisture in their environment to function properly. Read the information on the box about the bulb to see if they are suitable for wet or damp areas.
Here are some examples of areas where moisture may interfere with your light bulbs.
Wet
Shower
Steam Room
Patio
Outdoor walkways
Damp
Freezer
Refrigerator
Basement
Bathroom
Sauna
Likewise, any fixtures that are enclosed may cause issues with light bulbs that aren’t rated for it, such as a screw on the globe around an outdoor light. Be careful to only purchase light bulbs that will last for your desired usage.
Poor Wiring on the Circuit
If you find there is discoloration on the face of the circuit, any signs of melting, bubbling, or even charring, there is likely a poor connection to the circuit. You may also notice there is an excessive amount of heat coming from your circuit box. If a connection becomes loose, the metal components may begin to corrode and rust.
Read More > Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Commercial Wiring
Light Bulb Wattage is Too High
When the wattage of the light bulb is too high it will cause the bulb to overheat. Not only does this cause your bulb to go out prematurely, but it is also dangerous and damages the light socket and insulation of the wires.
Insulation is too Close to the Light
Insulation should be kept at a minimum, a few inches away from any light fixtures. The insulation will retain heat from the light fixture and cause overheating. This is dangerous as it can potentially cause a fire if it becomes too hot.
When light bulbs overheat, they will “burn out” quickly, costing you more time and money.
Wattage too High on One Dimmer Switch
Be careful not to overload your dimmer switches. If the wattage on your dimmer switch is too high your bulbs may overheat. Most dimmers are rated at 600 watts, you can find this rating on the front of your switch, under the cover plate.
What this means is if the total wattage of the bulbs being dimmed exceeds 600 watts, your switch will begin to overheat. Sometimes, when the wattage is too high on a dimmer switch it can even become hot to the touch causing a fire hazard.
Read More > Protect Your Circuits
Excessive Fixture Vibration
A common cause for bulbs burning out prematurely on ceiling fans or even garage door openers is excessive fixture vibration. When a fan blade becomes unbalanced, the ceiling fan begins to shake which jiggles the bulb’s filament, shortening its lifespan.
If you’re struggling with your garage door opener’s light bulb, you will want to switch to an LED bulb that is shatter and vibration-resistant.
Call Axiom Power When You Need an Electrical Solution
Whether some of your current bulbs are going out often, or you are just looking to swap them all out for energy-efficient LEDs, Axiom Power can help.
Contact Axiom Power today for your residential or commercial lighting needs! New fixtures, new bulbs, or new wiring, Axiom Power will do it all!