i have a light switch that controls 3 light fittings, all using 60w banet cap bulbs, only 1 was working so i turned off the switch and replaced the other 2, as soon as i switched it on the same two just popped instantly, but the other 1 was ok? what could cause this, i have a reasonably good knowledge of electrical things
2007-07-25 05:29:10 · 11 answers · asked by david c 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I agree with Jay, trust us, we've got 70 years sparky experience between us.
a short will not be the problem.
try buying some decent bulbs, i had 5 faulty ones in a row from homebase, get some branded ones.
The only fault in wiring that will cause bulbs to blow is a loose connection, this may reduce the life of the bulb, not blow it instantly.
2007-07-25 05:55:17 · answer #1 · answered by Michael H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm amazed at how much lack of knowledge there is about electrical circuts.
What it's not.
It's not a short.... That would blow the breaker.
It's not backwards wireing.... Lightbulbs don't care.
It's not too much wattage.... The wattage rating on the fixture has to do with how much heat the fixture can hold. Mor wattage = more heat nad more heat can melt the insulation of the wireing. This wouldn't be an instant thing it would take a LONG time like months.
It's not too much "Juice" I assume voltage... As in your electrical power suddenly had say 160 volts verses the standard 120. If this was the case the third bulb would blow also.
What it most likely is ...
Bad bulbs... If they were jostled in shipping they could have a loose filiments that would blow easily.
Wrong bulbs... If they are bayonet bulbs, as opposed to the A-19, they might be rated for less voltage than you are supplying, because they are designed for a low volt system. Check the voltage of the one that is staying on and match the voltage. If there is no markings for that one you'll need a volt meter.
2007-07-25 06:01:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To find out if it's just the bulbs, (assuming you have any left from the same box/batch) take out the bulb from the one good light socket and replace it with one of the potentially bad bulbs. If the light turns on without the bulb blowing, then there is a problem with the other two sockets/wiring/etc...if the bulb blows, you know that there is likely nothing wrong with the other two sockets and you have saved yourself time, money and aggravation.
Good Luck!
2007-07-25 06:02:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could have a faulty batch of bulbs, it can happen but more than likely there's an electrical fault such as a short somewhere.
Get an electrician to check the wiring as soon as possible, if you need to ask this question then you don't know enough to be touching it.
A word of warning, there could be a fault on the light fitting it'self and i would suggest you don't even touch it again especially if it was metal.
It could be/or become live and you could end up dead!
Leave it to the experts, it's not worth messing with.
2007-07-25 05:37:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can only be faulty lamps, if they turned milky inside there will be a crack in the glass, and air has leaked in. Despite what you may be told, there is no type of wiring fault that will cause lamps to blow instantly. If there was a short, the fuse would blow/breaker trip, and the 3rd lamp would not light. Try another brand of lamp.
2007-07-25 05:39:43 · answer #5 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like the two that are blowing are getting too much juice. Even with your 'reasonably good knowledge', sounds like it's time for a pro to come take a look. Hidden wiring with shorts is nothing to fool around with.
2007-07-25 05:35:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
or not.sounds like a short somewhere.try higher wattage bulbs.this may blow a dodgy fuse,which should help you trace a fault,or just put one bulb in in order to check that particular fitting.if it blows again replace the fitting
2007-07-25 05:34:43 · answer #7 · answered by bananaboot 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you could have a short or the other bulb could be damaged and causing the others to blow.
2007-07-25 05:34:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You probably need to use 40 watt bulb instead.
2007-07-25 05:32:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
sounds like faulty wirin i would get it checked out by professional electrician, good luck
2007-07-25 05:38:49 · answer #10 · answered by diamondjade 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋