It’s happened to everyone: You flip the switch, hear a pop, and the light goes out. Light bulbs don’t last forever, so it’s reasonable to replace the occasional bulb when it’s past its prime. However, if you find that your bulbs are burning out more frequently than usual, it could be the sign of a problem that requires electrical repair. 

The Most Common Causes of Burned-Out Bulbs 

1. Using the Wrong Bulb

Every lamp or light fixture is designed to work with a specific type of bulb. While you might temporarily get brighter light using a 120-watt bulb in a 60-watt fixture, the bulb may create excess heat, leaving it vulnerable to burning out—or even starting a fire. Always use the correct wattage to ensure safety and long life for your bulbs. 

2. Excess Vibration

You might not even think about it, but when a bulb is placed in a spot where it’s subject to a great deal of vibration, such as a ceiling fixture underneath the kids’ bedroom, it can reduce the life of the bulb. Vibrations can loosen connections or damage filaments.

In high-traffic areas, consider using LED bulbs that don't have filaments or 130-volt bulbs that are designed to withstand harsher conditions. Just make sure the fixtures are aligned with this wattage range.

3. Incompatible Dimmer Switch

Before you install a dimmer switch, confirm that it’s compatible with the light bulbs you typically use. Not all switches and bulbs work together, and using the wrong combination will cause lights to burn out quickly. If that happens, simply switching the bulbs to a compatible option should solve the problem. 

4. Too Much Electricity

Most household electrical sockets are 120-volt. However, fluctuations in electricity can send more power into the sockets, causing bulbs to burn brighter than they should and thus burn out faster. If your bulbs aren’t lasting nearly as long as they should, use a multimeter to check the outlet’s voltage. If it’s not getting 120 volts, a more significant electrical repair may be necessary to identify the root cause.

5. Loose Wiring

If the wires that connect the light fixture to the socket itself are loose, it can disrupt the connection. When this happens, it’s equivalent to turning the light switch on and off repeatedly, which will eventually blow out the bulb. Disconnect the power to that fixture and remove the junction box to make sure the wires are tight. If you spot damage, an electrician should replace the entire box to prevent future problems. 

If electrical problems are causing you to constantly replace your light bulbs, turn to the expert electricians at Piedmont Electric Repair Company for help. Serving the High Point, NC, area for more than 80 years, these licensed professionals can handle a wide range of commercial and residential electrical repairs and projects. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call for an appointment at (336) 889-0222.