I used to jiggle it?

Question

For some reason, the fluorescent lamp in my bathroom wouldn't come back on once it was turned off. I used to have to climb up on the vanity and jiggle it (the lamp) for a while and then it would stay on. This was unacceptable. I decided we would just leave it on at all times. It has been on for over two years now. How long will it last? Does it last longer if left on than switching it on and off 20 times a day? Is it different for an incandescent lamp?

Show of hands: who thought I put this question in the wrong forum when they read the title?

Answer 1

if you leave it on, it will last longer, its hard to say exactly how long, but those things can last for 10 years.

in contrast, an incandescent bulbs tungsten filament sublimes, slowly wearing it away. so it would be better to turn that off usually. but even with this, its hard to say, because, as youve probably noticed, even those usually burn out from the stress of turning them on when the filament has degraded enough. usually, my money would be on leaving it on would make it burn out faster.

my hand is up by the way

Answer 2

Hi. Right forum. The tube will last a long time if you leave it on but the power usage will cost far more. The physics part is that the electrode coating on the inside surface gets worn out over time.