Strange electrical problems going on (light bulbs, gas oven)?

Question

In the last week, I've replaced light bulbs for 6 fixtures in my house. In one fixture, 2 replacement bulbs blew out shortly after I replaced it.

In addition, my gas oven (with electronic ignition, no pilot) is no longer working. The clock is on, the oven light turns on, but there is no heat, no gas smell).

Are these two things related?

I realize that the one fixture that blew 3 bulbs could be going bad, but I find it strange that this all happened at once. I find it hard to believe that this is coincidence.

Any help?

Answer 1

Have your electrician check your neutral to be sure it is bonded to ground in your main service panel. Usually there will be a green screw passing through your neutral buss into the back of the panel. It is possibly missing or corroded and not bonded properly. Sometimes services with aluminum wire will corrode badly if the proper inhibitor (De-Ox) wasn't used.
Erratic voltages can cause incandescent lamps to blow. You can ask your neighbors if they have had similar problems. Your power company probably wouldn't tell you if they had a problem. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would call the power company to have them verify that the incoming power to your home is ok. Most utility companies provide this service at no charge. If the utility company tells you that it is not a problem with their equipment, call an electrician to verify that there is not a problem with your electrical service. It could be that the neutral wire, or 1 of the "hot" legs has a problem (loose connection, corrosion, rat chewed on a wire, etc.) Do not wait on this one because this is a situation that should be corrected right away. I would call the utility company and/or an electrician today. Good luck!

Answer 3

light fixture and oven not related issues lights probably had cheep replacements so they blew the oven could be gas flow or ignitor issue

Answer 4

I had the same problem. You may have a faulty ground wire leading to your house. Its causes a power surge. Call the power company ASAP. It fried my TV and clock radio before I knew what happened. its a fire danger to!!