Why do my outdoor lights go through lightbulbs so quickly?

Question

I have 3 outdoor fixtures, all on same circuit, going through 60 watt bulbs every 6-8 weeks. They are rated for 100 watt bulbs. They are on 5-6 hours a night. What gives?

Answer 1

Well if they are constantly on, and not turned on and off alot during the night, then the only thing I can think of is some sorta voltage spike that will cause the lights to burn brighter than normal.

How about this, try buying an LED light bulb. They will last you for decades, not years, decades. Also the color is pretty correct, not as bad as CFLs, very accurate. Also, the never burn out, you can turn em on and off as much as you want, BUT.... the trade off is their price. A couple of bucks for some 60w bulbs, to between 15 and 20 bucks for an LED bulb.

Answer 2

You might have a connection problem. I'm assuming they are 120 volt, since they are 60 watt. Long-life, or rough service rated bulbs will give you better bulb life if there are no voltage or connection problems. Have you checked to see if you're getting 110v at the bulb socket with all the lights on (except the one you're checking, obviously)? Low voltage would indicate a bad connection or bad relay contact in the line.

You can get MUCH longer life and use far less power if you swap to fluorescent bulbs, though. Your enclosure has to be 100% waterproof. If you have a water issue in the fixture, NO lamp will work well... but it's especially important when working with fluorescents. And like before you have to have no voltage issues. If you are changing out 60 watt incandescents, us like an 11 watt fluorescent.

You might also want to try using a conductive grease (Aluminox or Copperkote) on the brass base of the bulb before you insert it. Be very careful to use next to NONE, as an accumulation inside the socket can cause the socket to short out and fail. I'd only do that as a desperate last resort, though, because it would require inspection and cleaning of the socket every time you changed bulbs.

For my money, go Fluorescent.

Answer 3

It's a little difficult to say. That's some 320 hours of life which isn't very good. Incandescent bulbs are extremely sensitive to any vibration and that might be the cause. Buy "rough service" bulbs from your local hardware store and try them. They'll probably be the fix. What switch controls these lights? You want to be sure the switch is good also.

Answer 4

Try to buy a bulb made in the USA.. Pretty damned hard to find. I have found the same problem with home and automotive bulbs..Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Korea all make bulbs that will last a lifetime. ( The lifetime of the bulb.) That's a hell of a guarantee..??!!

Answer 5

probably buying cheap bulbs. stay with GE or other brand name and get the max. "lumins" you can. some of mine are going on 4 months. spend a little more now and change bulbs a lot less.

Answer 6

make sure you dont have a short in your line.