WiremanWireman · Bulbs burn out quickly: troubleshooting for electricians · 2023 NEC ·
Bulbs burn out quickly
One fixture eating bulbs, or failures all over the building. Heat, vibration, sockets or high voltage.
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How it works
Bulbs fail early for a few reasons. Heat kills LED drivers, so LEDs in enclosed or insulated fixtures that aren’t rated for it die young. Vibration breaks filaments in fans and garage door openers. A loose or worn socket arcs at the base. Voltage that runs high shortens the life of every lamp in the building. Whether it’s one fixture or many tells you which of these to look at.
Every question and answer in this guide. Tap “Step by step” to walk through it.
- Where are the bulbs failing?
- One fixture keeps eating bulbsWhat kind of fixture is it?
- Enclosed globe, recessed can or outdoor jarHeat trapped in the fixture
- Ceiling fan, garage door opener or something that vibratesVibration
- Open fixture or lampTest: Look at the socket
- Burn marks, pitting or a flattened tabA worn or arcing socket
- Socket looks cleanIs the bulb on a dimmer, timer or smart switch?
- YesLamp and control don’t match
- No, a plain switchLamp quality or switching pattern
- All over the buildingTest: Measure the voltage at a few receptaclesExpect: 114 to 126 V on a 120 V system (ANSI C84.1 Range A).
- Above 126 V on all circuitsService voltage running high
- Some circuits high, others lowA loose or open neutral
- 114 to 126 V everywhereLamp quality or switching pattern
- One fixture keeps eating bulbsWhat kind of fixture is it?