Why do lights burn out quickly

Often replacing a ceiling or otherwise hardwired fixture will require the services of an electrician, but it is a fast and cheap fix. Sometimes a simple mistake can lead to bulbs burning out one by one. It is important to make sure that you are getting the right bulbs for your lamps and fixtures. Some common mistakes are:. But if you decide you want to upgrade to make light bulbs easier and cheaper to find, we can help you get them switched out.

We will start at the point of the problem, the fixture or outlet, and work our way out from there toward the breaker box until we find the problem. You only pay for the electric repairs that you actually need.

If you are tired of your bulbs always burning out, contact us today to learn what your next steps should be. Why do my light bulbs keep burning out? So, how many reasons are there for light bulbs to keep burning out? Some fixture problems burning out light bulbs are: A problem with the power supply. A light bulb that burns out too fast is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. If the light bulbs in the home flicker too much or burn out more quickly than they should, and no solution seems to work, call an experienced residential electrician for help.

When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at A faulty bulb It can be a one-off instance. Wrong wattage The bulb wattage and the light fixture wattage should always match each other. Loose or improper connection or wiring Loose wiring between the fixture and the bulb causes the bulb to flicker and eventually burn out. Excess vibration Excessive vibrations can lead to premature bulb failures.

High voltage When the home's voltage is too high more than volts , it can lead to multiple bulbs burning out frequently or simultaneously. Ensuring good contact between the fixture and the light bulb is good, but tightening too much will ruin the fixture-to-bulb connection. You can check for this by looking at the small brass tab inside the light socket.

The tab acts like a spring, and it should stick up at about a 30 degree angle. To fix the tab, turn off the power at the breaker and then use a pair of needle nose pliers to bend it upward.

Solution: Try the bulb in a different light fixture, and if it has the same problem, simply switch to a different brand of light bulbs. Light bulbs in ceiling fans, near entry doors, or in garage door openers may burn out quickly because of vibrations that cause the filament to break in incandescent bulbs.

There are few causes of quick-burning bulbs that you should check for to rule out serious electrical wiring problems. Common reasons why your light bulbs keep burning out include:. Using a higher wattage light bulb than recommended for a certain light fixture not only damages the light bulb, but also creates a serious fire hazard.

If the wattage of the light bulb exceeds the maximum recommended wattage for the device or fixture, the bulb will generate too much heat and cause the filament to burn out.

Worst case scenario—that excess heat will start a house fire. This is a more common problem with incandescent bulbs, so try switching to LED light bulbs in fixtures that experience frequent motion or shaking. Did you know that screwing in a light bulb too tightly can actually cause a loose connection? The excess pressure from screwing in a light bulb too tight can warp the metal connection tab at the bottom of the socket of the fixture, creating a loose connection over time and causing the light bulb to flicker.