Do you have light bulbs that don’t just go out, rather they tend to burst or explode? When a light bulb goes out with a pop this is not normal and needs to be looked into. Light bulbs should not explode, and when they do, it can lead a major mess and leave harmful glass and material on the floor. There are a number of reasons why a light bulb will explode and at time it may require professional electrical services. Simon Electric will share why light bulbs explode and when to seek professional assistance.
Light Bulb Base Has Poor Insulation
Light bulbs can explode when a manufacturer doesn’t use enough insulation at the base of the bulb. If the base isn’t properly insulated at the base, it can cause the metal to melt. If the metal base overheats and melt the gas stored inside the light bulb will leak out. As the gas leaks out it can cause imbalance of pressure inside the light bulb which results in the light bulb exploding. Essentially, if the metal base of the light bulb looks a bit melted, it is manufacturer error and nothing to do with your light fixture or electrical system.
Loose Light Bulb Socket
When the connection between the light bulb and the light fixture bulb socket is loose, it can cause the light bulb to burst. A loose connection in the socket causes the electricity to jump between the bulb and socket’s contact. Electricity needs to flow, not jump. This jumping can lead to overheating. Any time a light bulb over heats, it can break or explode. This is luckily an easy fix as the light bulbs just need to be tightened down in the socket. However, do not over turn the bulbs as this can cause another issue, you want the bulb to be snug, not tight.
Higher or Lower Light Bulb Wattage
Many people will buy a pack of light bulbs and never look at the wattage. A light bulb requires a certain amount of power. Too little power as well as too much power can cause problems for the light fixture or bulbs. If the bulb demands more power than the light fixture provides, this can cause the bulb to overheat. As a light bulb overheats, it is at risk to explode. It is important to know your light fixture wattage requirements and use the proper light bulb. In most cases, light bulbs will burn out prematurely. However, in some cases, they can explode.
Touching Light Bulbs
People produce a natural oil from their skin. When handling a light bulb, such as when you screw it into the light fixture, the oil can transfer onto the light bulb. The oil itself will not create any problems to the light bulb, instead it’s the heat. Oil can cause a concentration of heat when the light bulb is on. This heat on the bulb’s surface can cause the bulb to crack, as the gas leaks, imbalance can occur and the bulb will explode.
Lighting Consultations, Fixture Installation Services & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
Exploding light bulbs can be caused by a number of different problems. However, if the light bulb burns out or explodes frequently, this could point to a problem in the light fixture’s circuit. If you have light bulbs that keep exploding or burning out, seek professional assistance. For electrical inspections, repair or more, contact Simon Electric today.
