Why does light bulb blow?

Blumengarten

Blumengarten

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Why would a bulbs in a light fixture suddenly start blowing when you turn it on? I suppose that means there's a short in the system, but why would one develop suddenly? We've been using this light fixture for many, many years, and never had problems with the bulbs blowing out, but in the last month, we've had to change the bulb three times. How could a short develop when you've not done anything but turn a light on and off?
 
TedL said:
What kind of a fixture is it?
Has anyone touched any wiring in the house?
Click to expand...

It's a single bulb in a hanging light fixture with one socket. It's plugged into a wall outlet. The fixture was re-wired about three years ago, but the bulb's just started blowing out these past few weeks.
 
Do you have a V-O-A meter? If not, get one and check the voltage between the center "button" and the outer shell.

Even a $2 sale meter from Harbor Freight will be good enough for what you need. Elsewher, you'll pay $10 - 15.
 
"shorts" not likely to blow bulbs. This could be a symptom of an open neutral problem. I would have a good electrician give your house the once over,.
 
Cookie said:
are your bulbs old ?
Click to expand...

No, I've been using new bulbs each time!

TedL said:
Do you have a V-O-A meter? If not, get one and check the voltage between the center "button" and the outer shell.

Even a $2 sale meter from Harbor Freight will be good enough for what you need. Elsewhere, you'll pay $10 - 15.
Click to expand...

$2 I can afford!

jimbo said:
"shorts" not likely to blow bulbs. This could be a symptom of an open neutral problem. I would have a good electrician give your house the once over,.
Click to expand...

I was thinking of doing that eventually since I plan on renting this house out come summer -- it's my deceased mother's house which I inherited, I want to make sure everything's safe before I rent it out!
 
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