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Electrical Question – Why Do My Light Bulbs Burn Out Often?


Question: The light bulbs in some parts of my house seem to be burning out way too soon. In some of our fixtures, we replace bulbs every 4 weeks or so. Any ideas?

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Electrical Question – Why Do My Light Bulbs Burn Out Often?

Received from a Intermediate in Wetaskiwin, Alberta

[ad#block]Question: The light bulbs in some parts of my house seem to be burning out way too soon. In some of our fixtures, we replace bulbs every 4 weeks or so. Any ideas?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.

Be Careful and Be Safe – Never Work on Energized Circuits!

For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Electrical Question – Why Do My Light Bulbs Burn Out Often?”
  1. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Tina,
    Some ceiling fans produce vibration from the rotation of the fan blades which can cause the filament wires inside the light bulbs to break. The solution to this problem is to install light bulbs that state that they are for use with a ceiling fan. These light bulbs are typically rated for 130 volt and will have a longer life span. Another tip would be to make sure the light bulbs are rated at the specified watts as described in the light fixture instructions.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  2. Tina Schaff says:

    I have noticed different lights through out the house burn out too soon. We recently replaced our ceiling fan with light fixture which has burnt out the lights very quickly. This has also happened to with another new ceiling fan with light fixture where two weeks later the bulbs burnt out. Why does this happen? Thanks!