Explore the reasons your light bulbs may be burning out with CMI Lighting.
If you’ve noticed your light bulbs burning out more often than they should, you’re not alone. Frequent bulb failures can be frustrating, costly, and inconvenient—especially in commercial spaces where consistent lighting is essential for safety and productivity. Understanding why your bulbs keep burning out can help you fix the root problem and extend the life of your lighting fixtures.
Here are some of the most common reasons your light bulbs are burning out faster than expected—and what you can do about it with the help of your CMI Lighting electrician.
Your Power Supply Voltage Is Too High
One of the leading causes of light bulbs burning out is excessive voltage from your electrical supply. Most U.S. outlets operate at a standard 120 volts. However, if your outlet delivers higher voltage, the bulb will burn brighter, but also fail much sooner.
A higher voltage forces your lightbulb to work harder than it was designed to, causing overheating and reducing its lifespan dramatically.
How to fix it: If you suspect an issue, check your outlets using a multimeter. A reading above 120 volts indicates a problem that should be evaluated by a licensed electrician. Never attempt to fix a high-voltage issue on your own—professional electrical service is essential for safety and long-term performance.
Your Light Bulbs Aren’t Connected Properly
Loose or improper connections are another common reason for light bulbs burning out prematurely. If a bulb isn’t screwed in tightly, the electrical current may arc or flicker, leading to heat buildup and early failure.
You may also notice flickering or inconsistent lighting when a bulb isn’t properly seated in the socket—this is a clear sign that something isn’t right.
What to do: Always ensure your light bulbs are screwed in snugly, but not too tightly. Over-tightening can damage the socket or the bulb’s base, while a loose fit leads to poor electrical contact.
Too Much Vibration
In certain environments—like garages, stairwells, or near ceiling fans—vibrations can cause light bulbs to burn out more quickly. Traditional incandescent bulbs are especially vulnerable because their filaments can snap due to frequent movement or shaking. You might also notice flickering when vibration causes a loose electrical connection.
How to prevent this: If your light fixtures are installed in areas with regular vibration or movement, consider switching to LED bulbs. LEDs don’t rely on filaments, so they’re far more durable and vibration-resistant.
Excessive Heat or Poor Ventilation
Light fixtures that trap heat or are enclosed without ventilation can shorten the lifespan of your bulbs. When a bulb overheats, it degrades faster and may even fail suddenly.
Solution: Use bulbs designed for enclosed fixtures, and make sure there’s adequate airflow around the bulb. Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs can also help, as they produce much less heat than incandescent or halogen lights.
Using the Wrong Bulb for the Fixture
Every fixture has a recommended wattage limit. Using bulbs that exceed that limit generates extra heat and puts stress on the wiring, leading to frequent burnout.
Fix: Always check the fixture’s label for the correct wattage. If you need more brightness, opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs—they deliver higher lumens without consuming as much energy or generating excess heat.
Keep Your Lighting Reliable and Long-Lasting
If your light bulbs keep burning out, it’s often a symptom of a larger electrical issue or an installation error. The good news? With the right bulbs, proper installation, and routine electrical inspections, you can prevent unnecessary replacements and maintain consistent lighting throughout your property.
When in doubt, trust professional electricians to evaluate your lighting systems. They can identify voltage issues, upgrade fixtures, and recommend durable, energy-efficient lighting solutions that save you time and money in the long run.
CHECK OUT COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES FROM CMI LIGHTING
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