Why do light bulbs burn out?

Like any other device, an incandescent light bulb has its own service life. However, the expected operating time does not always coincide with the actual duration: sometimes a completely new light source suddenly burns out unexpectedly. This happens due to various reasons, such as malfunctions that lead to the premature burnout of the lamp. In this article, we will analyze the most common reasons for the burnout of light bulbs.

Unstable contact in the socket

The socket has two metal terminals that should fit tightly to the bulb body. Due to strong pressure, they can change their shape, which will weaken the contact.
It is also important to select lamps that, according to the manufacturer's recommendation, are suitable for a given lighting device. If the power exceeds the set value, then the heating increases. And this leads to carbon deposits/oxidation of the contacts and their weakening.
You should also check the contact of the wires themselves with the socket terminals: it can also weaken or oxidize.

Deterioration of contact in twists or terminals

In distribution boxes, wires can be connected using twists, terminals or soldering. The first and second methods are most often used. They are easier to perform, but the service life of such a network is somewhat shorter. First of all, due to weakening of the contact: this increases resistance and leads to excessive heating.

As a result, the wires burn, which is immediately noticeable by the flickering of the lamp. The same thing occurs when using contact terminals, where the wires are connected with screw or spring clamps. Loosening the latter increases resistance.

Therefore, soldering of contacts is considered a higher-quality and more reliable connection. But you can also use the first two methods with regular checking of the condition of the wires in distribution boxes at least once every two years. Twists can be visually inspected, for example, by the absence of carbon deposits.

If there is any, then the wires need to be stripped and rid of the burnt or oxidized part. After that, they are connected and insulated.And in screw terminals, it is enough to simply tighten the clamps. It is a bit more complicated with spring ones; it is recommended to periodically replace them with new ones.

Power surges

All electrical appliances are very demanding of the network parameters. And any sudden change in them, the so-called power surges, can lead to burnout. Incandescent bulbs are less sensitive to sudden decrease or increase in load, but the tungsten spiral still has a limit, and at some point it also can not withstand.
Power surges can occur due to the fault of the property owners themselves, for example, due to the poor condition of the electrical wiring in the house or apartment. Then the deficiencies should be corrected as quickly as possible. If you need to protect yourself from "external aggression", then a stabilizer that maintains the set parameters will help.

Faulty switch

Sometimes flickering of incandescent lamps in chandeliers can occur due to a faulty switch. This device also has its own service life.

In some of them, the wire contacts become loose, in others, mechanical damage from a weakened spring-loaded switch may appear. In the first case, it is enough to tighten the screw clamps, and if carbon deposits or oxidation have formed on them, then they must be cleaned first.

A weakened spring-loaded switching relay can be disassembled and tightened, but this is a temporary solution. It is best to replace the switch with a new one.

Condensation

There is moisture in the air in any room. Due to increased humidity or sudden temperature changes, condensation may form on metal parts, including contacts. It leads to oxidation of wire connections. Obviously, this most often happens in rooms such as a bathroom or kitchen. It is best to install special lamps and switches there that have a sealed housing. But they should also be checked regularly, because the rubberized insulation can be damaged over time and lose its seal.

Lamp overheating

Some lamps use a closed lampshade, which worsens heat dissipation, which reduces the service life of the lamp. But it is also impossible to do without it, because it is necessary to provide protection from moisture. What to do in such situations?

The best solution is to reduce the power of the light sources used, which will reduce their heating and increase the service life. Most often, LED lamps are used for closed lampshades, which consume much less electricity, maintaining the illumination of the room at the desired level. Obviously, they also heat up much less.

It is also important to exclude any other source of heat in sealed lamps, because, in addition to the lamps themselves, the contacts in the socket and even poorly connected wires can also heat up. Methods for correcting these shortcomings are described above.

Some lamps use a closed lampshade, which worsens heat dissipation, which reduces the service life of the lamp.

How to protect yourself from frequent burnout of light bulbs?

To mitigate the frequent burnout of light bulbs, consider the following precautions:

Check and Secure Connections: Ensure that the light bulb is securely screwed into the socket to prevent unstable contact. Regularly inspect and tighten any loose connections in twists or terminals.
Use Surge Protectors: Install surge protectors to safeguard your bulbs from power surges that can cause sudden burnouts.
Replace Faulty Switches: If a switch is malfunctioning, replace it promptly to prevent intermittent power supply issues that can damage light bulbs.
Control Moisture Levels: Avoid placing light bulbs in areas prone to condensation. If necessary, use moisture-resistant bulbs or fixtures designed for damp environments.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Avoid using light bulbs in enclosed fixtures without adequate ventilation, as this can lead to overheating. Consider using bulbs with a lower wattage to reduce heat generation.