Main (BIG) light bulb keeps going (about once a week)?

Question

Hi All,

I've just bough a new house and the bulb(s) in the main room constantly need replacing.

There are two ceiling lights with 3 bulbs off each. About once a week at least one of the bulbs will go.

I thought it may be a power surge or brown out problem, but wouldn't know where to start....


Any suggestions?

Thanks for the quick replies; we moved in about two months ago, and have went through about 8 bulbs. Not sure what type they are as we've chucked the boxes, will get the flurecent ones next time.

How would i use a multimeter to test for spikes?

Thanks for the info chris, i have checked and both light fittings are loose - not noticibly, will tighten.


many thanks.

Answer 1

Try tightening the entire light fixture. Vibrations will cause some bulbs to "burn out " quickly while others will be fine. I have had this same problem with customers in the past. 90% of the time it was a loose fixture, not the wiring, but the fixture itself. Another solution, rather than buying screw-in flourescent bulbs, commonly refered to as compact flourescent bulbs(CFB) is to buy 130volt incandescent bulbs. You will probably have to order them, but when used in a 120volt system the bulb life jumps to around 5000 hours. The Flourescents have to heat up to attain full brightness, which is annoying, and the can not be used with a dimmer.

As far as testing for spikes, you need to be testing when the spike occours, which unless your psychic might be difficult. But the method is set your meter for voltage, put the leads of the meter across the black and white wires(1 lead per wire) youshould read anywhere from 110volts to 130 volts most commonly you will read around 120volts

Answer 2

Hmm. That's really odd. I don't think that a power surge is the answer though. A spike would equally affect all of the lightbulbs.

You want to make sure that the wiring on the fixture itself is secured tightly and that the bulbs you're using don't exceed the rating on the label that should be either on the fixture or on the underside if you pull it from the ceiling. That's all I've got.

Answer 3

my son is 5, he will be 6 in march. since he was a baby he wouldnt sleep in the dark and still doesnt. he also has the main light on. but he isnt shattered in a morning, he sleeps fine. i dont mind leaving it on. if i do turn it off when i go to bed, well with in the hour he has woke up and puts it back on. if your little girl is only going to sleep with the light on then let her. i think its quite normal for kids. its not hurting anyone and im sure by the time shes say bout 10 that she wont be doing it no more, well i hope my son isnt lol. : )

Answer 4

Incandescent or fluorescent?

If they are flourescent, it may be humidity, which still would not cause once a week replacing.

Get the screw in flourescents. They use about 75% less energy and last a long time.

Answer 5

to check whether there is a voltage problem, buy a multimeter from Ace or True Value, and test in the different sockets. The spikes could not only be blowing your bulbs, but could be killing your computer, refridge, washer/dryer, you name it.

Answer 6

Has it only started to happen or being like this for long time? could be wiring problem in your house.