Help with incandescent bulb problem!

[Marty256]

I’m having a problem with an incandescent fixture outside my garage. It keeps burning out bulbs. I’m using 40 w candle style bulbs in the fixture. I get maybe two to three days out of a bulb. I have three fixtures, all the same model and on the same line about two years old but only one is burning out bulbs prematurely. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mmg440]

Are the fixtures moving in the wind at all?? They could be shaking while hot and damaging the filament. If you can find bulbs for 130 volt the filament runs a bit cooler then a 110 or 120 volt bulb and usually lasts a bit longer. This may help or I it may be possible to find a bulb made to use in a ceiling fan were movement is common. Buy any chance have you checked the voltage on that line?

 

[Junkman]

I had a similar problem, and it was a poor connection at the threaded part of the socket. I cleaned it with some steel wool, when the light was off, blew out the dust, and put in a new bulb. Problem solved. I now use a light smear of Vaseline on the bulb bases, and I haven't had one stick ever since. Also keeps out the moisture, so no more poor connections.. Junk..

 

[rinny_tin_tin]

I’m having a problem with an incandescent fixture outside my garage. It keeps burning out bulbs. I’m using 40 w candle style bulbs in the fixture. I get maybe two to three days out of a bulb. I have three fixtures, all the same model and on the same line about two years old but only one is burning out bulbs prematurely. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

This is a good problem -assuming its not subject to shock as mmg appropriately suggested - perhaps (just possibly maybe) your electrical connection at this socket is so poor that it is creating a substantive voltage drop serving to raise the amps and overtax yer filament --Its a shot in the dark - but....how can you check? Disconnect and inspect the wire connections to the socket (twisted wire, screw, etc) - also inspect inside the lamp socket itself and look for dirt/corrosion, etc. Clean well with a Dremel and small wire brush and coat with WD 40 and the try again.

 

[mrb]

measure the voltage, it is possible the lighting circuit is part of a MWBC with a loose neutral connection and you are getting higher voltage to it due to unbalance.

 

[rinny_tin_tin]

measure the voltage, it is possible the lighting circuit is part of a MWBC with a loose neutral connection and you are getting higher voltage to it due to unbalance.

whut's a MWBC???

 

[malibu101]

whut's a MWBC???

Multi wire branch circuit

 

[Aceman]

measure the voltage, it is possible the lighting circuit is part of a MWBC with a loose neutral connection and you are getting higher voltage to it due to unbalance.

It's possible, but not likely IMO. Chances are the lights are on a switch leg and not constantly powered, it's probably just a standard 2-wire cable going to all three fixtures.

I have three fixtures, all the same model and on the same line about two years old but only one is burning out bulbs prematurely.

whut's a MWBC???

Multi-wire branch circuit.

Pull the fixture and check the wirenut connections if you like. Look at where the wire terminate in the socket if you can. Reinstall fixture. Raise the garage door up and down and see if the fixture jiggles at all possibly damaging the bulbs in the process. You can pry the screwtab out of the socket a little with a screwdriver to make sure it's making full contact with the lamp also. Meter the socket, if over 120v, go to a 130v name brand bulb instead. If the fixture jiggled from garage door movement and the fixture is secure to the wall, try a CF flourescent lamp instead. We've had to use these in jobs where vibration was a problem and incandescents just didn't last.

 

[mrb]

It's possible, but not likely IMO. Chances are the lights are on a switch leg and not constantly powered, it's probably just a standard 2-wire cable going to all three fixtures.

Right but the whole thing switch leg and all can be powered from a mwbc, with 2 wire going to the fixture. I have seen that time and time again here in CA in older houses.

 

[tfi racing]

Double check the connections at that lamp and the one next to it.It is more likely a vibration problem,try a trouble light bulb in it and see if that lasts longer.Also,is that bulb getting wet or splashed more than the others?
Are the kids pulling a prank?
Just throwing out ideas...

 

[CraigFL]

Or try one of the new LED units that are not susceptable to vibration...

 

[Tech Guy]

As mmg440 mentioned it could be the wind causing vibration. They do make a bulb intended for pole lights along a driveway that has a stronger filament for windy conditions. Drove me nuts for awhile until I found these and havent had a problem since. Just a thought as its the easiest thing to try.

 

[mmhouse]

Its a shot in the dark -

It definitely is that!!!

 

[Torque1st]

Check for an open neutral at the house service.