skip to main content

Light Bulbs Burning Out Rapidly

8 years ago

We have
an inordinate number of light bulbs burning out in our newly built home. At
latest count, we’re at 55 in the last 10 months. The majority of them are in three
rooms (30) and most are recessed can lights (38), though we have had oven lights,
stair lights, and sconce lights go out as well. Electricians say they
have checked wiring and are at a loss.
Latest guess is that it’s high voltage from the grid (occasionally spot measuring at
~127V). Originally thought it might be cheap indoor/outdoor bulbs made in China
(Satco), but have now tried various brands and types ourselves (including CFL
but not LED). This has not made a difference. Any thoughts? If it is high voltage, are there solutions
(e.g., whole house power conditioner, dimmer switches, LED, silicon diode cap –
don’t know what this is but read it online somewhere as a way to reduce voltage)?

Featured Answer

sherri1058

8 years ago

Another guess here, but I had the same problem until I removed the glass covers. I was told that the excess heat was causing the lights to burn out.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

ttwins2592
8 years ago
Are all the lamps on the same circuit?
User
Original Author
8 years ago
No. The lights are throughout the house. Would guess we've had at least one go out on every lighting circuit we've got.
Related Discussions
Centennial Bulb, the Longest burning Light Bulb in history
Q
Comments (2)
Bulb life can be easily extended by running at a lower voltage in a vibration free environment. The problem is that the light output is also reduced.
...See More
Light bulbs burning out prematurely in can lights
Q
Comments (11)
If you have a volt meter check the voltage at the different fixtures. Especially at a "cold start situation." We've had CFLs in our cans for years and although they seem to last longer than incandesants they do last 5 to 7 years (I date them with a magic marker when installing). I have called the manufacturer and received a coupon for a replacement.
...See More
burned out glass bulbs
Q
Comments (14)
One year I did make Christmas earrings for all my girlfriends. We bowl together and have a Christmas celebration each year. So I had my DH drill a tiny hole in the metal end, then I strung each bulb with jewelers wire and earring hooks. I painted tiny Christmas themes on each one(pointsettia,holly, santas, snowmen, snowflakes, bells, angels etc.) the girls loved them and still wear them during holiday time. I have so many I need a BIG project to use them up! I still use these on my tree and outside every year, so I get "new" material every year as well! I was thinking of crushing some and just using the colored glass somehow, but how I'm not sure.
...See More
Light Bulbs keep burning out
Q
Comments (4)
Thanks for the responses! bus_driver, How can a fixture be wired for other than the standard 110 V? It isn't vibration - this is a stationary fixture just like the one beside it. randy, I have two fixtures - exactly the same- the other one is fine. I don't think it's a heat problem, otherwise they'd both have it.
...See More
ionized_gw
8 years ago
Ask the power company to look into it. You might need to badger them and they might not respond. I don't really know what the typical regulations are that might require them to, but they are under the control of your local public utilities commission.

In addition to, or fault, that, you need data. Buy or rent something like this: Fluke VR101 Voltage Event Recorder.
kwhoughton
8 years ago
I'm not answering your question here, but if it is a voltage spike, I would think it would be effecting your neighbors also. If not, at least you can isolate it to your house.
lblakely96
8 years ago
There could a few reasons. Over-wattage of the fixtures, touching the lamps when installing, over-wattage of the dimmers if the lamps are on dimmers. Recessed lighting usually cut off if the wattage is to high from the lamp. Good luck.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Light Bulbs

By Vanessa Brunner

When the light goes out, you'll want to get rid of the bulb safely. Here's how

LIGHTING Antique Chic: Edison Bulbs

By Natalie Myers

Industrial-Style Filament Bulbs Reinvent Lighting (Again)

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Unsung Bulbs for Fall Planting

By LuAnn Brandsen

Don't hang up your spade after summer — plant these unusual bulbs in fall for a spectacular spring show

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Tropical Bulbs for a Summer Garden That Wows

By Steve Asbell

Try these stunners in summer's powerful heat for garden thrills with an exotic flair

FIREPLACES Updated Woodstoves Keep Home Fires Burning

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Better technology means more efficiency than ever for modern woodstoves

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Stretch Out Summer With Outdoor Lights

By Barbara Matson

Don't let shorter days spoil the party. String lights, flameless candles and lanterns can brighten patios beyond summer

Guest Picks: Flat-Out-Gorgeous Flush Mounts

By Chris Loves Julia

Things are looking up for your ceiling, thanks to lighting fixtures that stay out of the way but stand out for their style

KITCHEN DESIGN Trick Out Your Kitchen Backsplash for Storage and More

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Free up countertop space and keep often-used items handy by making your backsplash more resourceful

DECORATING GUIDES Company Coming? 8 Quick Decorating Fixes

By Love Your Room LLC

Declutter that bookshelf, flesh out the gallery wall check the light bulbs,

SHOP HOUZZ Houzz Products: Deck Out That Dorm Room

Get high marks in personalizing a bland college room with cost-conscious bedding, furniture, artwork and gear

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading Kitchen & Bath Remodelers in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Dark and Dreary Living Room

3

pendants for kitchen

6

bathroom light fixture

11

Lighting over double vanities with two mirrors.

2

Need ideas for a light for our kitchen table to compliment our island

2