Why Your Light Fixtures Keep Blowing Bulbs

How To Prevent Lamps & Lights From Blowing Out Light Bulbs

Usually, the socket is corroded or worn, which causes a loose connection. In some cases, a loose wire at the fixture or the switch could cause this as well.

If you have problems with multiple bulbs, you may have issues with power surges. In this case, you might try installing 130-volt light bulbs. These bulbs can be hard to find, so you may have to purchase them from electrical specialty retailers and electrical contractors.

Using bulbs with too-high wattage (overheating) can cause your light fixture to blow frequently, but there are other reasons why you may have frequent lightbulb “blowouts” at one fixture:

Improper Light Bulb Connection

An improper lightbulb connection due to a loose wire or corroded socket is a safety hazard. Power surges are difficult to predict and control. These issues can cause improper lightbulb connections and may require your local licensed electrician.

Most electrical problems are dangerous. (There are over 1,000 U.S. deaths each year from electrical injuries.)

Causes of improper lightbulb connection include:

• Bulb wattage: If the fixture recommends a specific wattage, don’t deviate.
• Cheap bulbs: Thinner materials respond poorly.
• Dimmer switch: When you switched to LED bulbs, your old dimmer switch may have started causing connection problems.
• Electrical arcs: The bulb connects but the electrical arc during connection blows it out.
• Socket damage: The socket tab connects to the lightbulb.
• Vibrations: Jostling/jolting, even loud music or heavy stomping/dancing, can cause enough vibration to loosen the lightbulb connection.

Finally, your home’s voltage can cause bulbs to burn too brightly and not last as many hours as they should (or blow out).

Check Your Home’s Voltage

Without the right equipment, checking your home’s voltage is tricky. If you have a multimeter, you can inspect individual wall plug-ins (electrical outlets). That information can be helpful but won’t help you determine whole-house voltage.

During an electrical inspection to determine your home’s voltage, Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical will check light switches, outlets, and light fixtures. 

We will inspect:

• AFCI and GFCI protection
• Circuits (including bonding, branch circuits, and grounding)
• Connected devices
• Electrical service panels
• Equipment labeling
• Wiring methods and more

If you have an older Florida Panhandle home, we recommend an electrical inspection for peace of mind. It’s a solid investment to protect your loved ones and valuables.

Our company has served the Florida Panhandle, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, and Pensacola, for over 50 years. We’re a number-one home service company.

If you have questions about your home’s electrical wiring and voltage, call (850) 872-1004 or contact Peaden online.