Why Are Your Bulbs Going Out Quickly?

Have you ever bought a lightbulb that says it lasts 1000 hours, but find that after a few weeks the bulb has already gone? Lightbulbs are surprisingly costly, and trying to be energy efficient is getting pricier and pricier. If you find that you are always having bulbs going out quickly, you may well be racking up a bill for replacements as well as your energy bills. While there’s no way to know if the bulbs are faulty, poor quality or if the 1000 hours is simply a scam if you find that your bulbs are going out quickly and frequently it’s a good idea to make sure there isn’t a more serious problem with the electrical system in your home. Bulbs going out quickly can be a sign of a dangerous fault or a sign of bad habits that can cause wear and tear that damage your electrical system.

Loose Wiring

If you have a light fixture that is old or isn’t the best quality, there is more chance that the wiring has become loose, frayed or damaged. Wires that aren’t completely secure can affect the currents that are supplied to the bulb, which eventually results in the bulbs going out quickly. Not only does this cause wear to your bulb, reducing its lifespan, but can also cause surges that blow the bulbs. If you’ve moved into a house and kept the old fixtures, there’s a good chance you don’t know the state of your wiring at all. Because fixing the wiring in your home is illegal for safety reasons, the only way to get the wiring fixed in your house is to hire a professional electrician to carry out any repair work for you.

Bulbs Screwed In Too Far

You might not think it, but screwing your bulbs in too tightly can cause problems with the connection system in your fixture. The brass tab within the light socket can shift position if the bulb is screwed too tightly, meaning the electrical connection is no longer stable. This goes on to cause electrical arcs – electrical breakdowns of a gas that produces an ongoing electrical discharge, which can seriously damage your fixture and be a serious hazard in your home. Because of how dangerous this can be, if you think there’s a problem with the tabs in your light fixtures that has been caused by screwing bulbs in too far, you must get a professional electrician to repair this for you. Attempting to repair faulty tabs by yourself is extremely dangerous and should only be attempted by trained individuals.

Overheating Light Fixtures

If the light fixture you’re using your bulbs in is either partially or entirely enclosed, heat can build up around the bulb if it is left on for a prolonged period of time. Many bulbs have their durability lessened when they are overheated repeatedly. This includes any lights where there is minimal space around the bulb or a light fixture that prevents proper ventilation. LEDs, domed ceiling lights, ceiling fan lights, recessed light fixtures, outdoor lighting encased in glass, and lights that are flush with walls are all examples of common fixtures that overheat easily. If you are concerned by any of the fixtures or fittings you have in your home, an electrician can offer you peace of mind and advice for how to properly maintain them.

Electrical Inspections from First Strike

To ensure that all of your electrical wiring and electric circuits in your home are in full working order, book an electrical inspection from a professional. This will ensure that you avoid any electrical hazards caused by faults that you were not aware of. If you notice that your bulbs are going out quickly, it’s worth contacting us for advice. To find out more about why your bulbs are going so quickly, or to book an electrical inspection, give First Strike Electrical a call on 0203 633 4536. Alternatively, fill out a contact form on our website and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.