We never recommend DIY electrical work at Voltora Industries. It’s dangerous, and usually illegal. However, changing a light bulb is a safe task you can take on yourself. They don’t last forever, and you don’t need to get a professional electrician in every time you want to change a light bulb. But what if the light bulb keeps blowing? Could be straight away, could be within a few hours – but the bulb regularly blows out.
This is the sign of a deeper fault. The solution could be simple, like the wrong type of globe, or it could be more complicated, like a wiring or connection issue.
It’s something you may need to get a licensed electrician in to check out. Today we’re going to look at what the likely causes are, and when you should give Voltora Industries a call to assist.
1. The bulb is getting too hot
Heat is behind many light bulb failures. If a bulb is producing more heat than the fitting it sits in can handle or it’s wattage is higher than the fitting is designed for, you could get a bulb blowout.
This issue affects older incandescent and halogen globes more, although LED bulbs can also be affected by excessive heat. Our tip: check the manufacturer’s instructions and the fitting’s rating before replacing a bulb.
2. You’re using the wrong type of bulb
There are a few things you need to check to make sure your bulb is the right one:
- Wattage
- Voltage
- Base type
- Temperature rating
- Compatibility with the light fitting
If any of these are a mismatch, you could get a blown bulb time after time.
3. There’s a problem with the light fitting
Repeated lightbulb blowing could be a problem with the fitting and not the bulb. Corrosion, a poor connection or wear and tear and damage may be at fault. This is worth investigating if you have tried different bands and types of bulbs with the same outcome each time. Definitely give the fitting a look.
4. Your dimmer switch isn’t compatible
Is the light connected to a dimmer? Compatibility with the dimmer and the lightbulb could be a problem. Older dimmer switches were often designed for incandescent or halogen globes and often aren’t suitable for modern LED bulbs.
You’ll notice flickering, buzzing or poor performance from the dimmer switch. It all leads to a shortened lifespan for your bulb, which will create recurring blowouts.
5. Voltage fluctuations
Australian voltage supply is generally very stable, but an electrical fault could be causing unusual voltage conditions. You may notice lights becoming unusually bright or dim, flickering, or other electrical equipment behaving strangely. If multiple bulbs keep blowing out, contact an electrician pronto.
6. Loose electrical connection
A loose connection can generate heat and cause intermittent electrical problems. A loose connection can cause issues more serious than a blown lightbulb, so you want a professional to sort it out fast.
Warning signs can include:
- Flickering lights
- Buzzing or crackling sounds
- A burning smell
- A light fitting or switch that feels unusually warm
- Scorch marks or discolouration
- Repeatedly blown bulbs
If any of the above are happening, give us a ring on 1300 799 430 now.
7. A wider electrical problem
If bulbs are failing throughout the house, rather than just in one fitting, the problem may not be the bulbs at all. Issues with wiring, circuits, the switchboard or the electrical supply can sometimes cause problems with lighting.
This is one situation where the pattern of the fault can provide a useful clue:
- One light repeatedly blowing bulbs: The fitting, bulb, dimmer or connection could be responsible.
- Multiple lights repeatedly blowing bulbs: A wider electrical issue may need investigation.
Things to check yourself
There are a few simple things you can check without touching the electrical wiring.
Check whether:
- It’s always the same light that’s blowing bulbs
- You’re using the correct wattage and bulb type
- The bulb is suitable for the fitting
- The bulb is rated for use in an enclosed fitting, if applicable
- The bulb is compatible with your dimmer switch
- Other lights in the house are also flickering or failing
That’s about the limit of any DIY electrical work you should be doing. Don’t remove light fittings, switches or wiring to investigate the problem yourself. A licensed electrician is a legal requirement for that level of task.
When should I call an electrician?
A light bulb blowing occasionally isn’t usually cause for concern, but if you’re regularly replacing bulbs it is.
You should have an electrician investigate if:
- The same bulb keeps blowing
- Several bulbs are failing around the house
- Your lights are flickering
- You hear buzzing or crackling
- A light fitting is unusually hot
- You notice a burning smell
- There are scorch marks or discolouration
- Your circuit breaker or safety switch keeps tripping
- Lights suddenly become much brighter or dimmer
Contact Voltora Industries for Electrical Assistance
If you are noticing any of the above issues, give our team a call. We’ll diagnose the fault and get it sorted. You can stop buying light bulbs on repeat, and more importantly, we’ll nip any electrical faults in the bud before they become dangerous or serious.
Our team is based in Brendale, but we have mobile electricians covering all of Brisbane and most of South East Queensland. Fast turnarounds and reliable work – you can expect nothing less from Voltora. Get in touch today.
FAQs
Why does my LED light bulb keep blowing?
LED bulbs should give you years of use. If you have to keep replacing the same bulb, it’s due to an underlying electrical problem.
Why does the same light bulb keep blowing?
If it’s always the same light fitting, the fitting itself could be faulty. Loose connections, damaged components, excessive heat or compatibility issues can all cause bulbs to fail prematurely.
Can a bad light fitting cause a bulb to blow?
Yes. Faulty fittings or poor electrical connections will blow a light bulb.
Can a dimmer switch cause light bulbs to blow?
Yes. Some older dimmers aren’t compatible with LED bulbs. An incompatible bulb and dimmer can cause flickering, buzzing and premature bulb failure.
Is a light bulb blowing a sign of an electrical problem?
Not necessarily. Bulbs eventually fail, but if you’re repeatedly replacing the same bulb or bulbs, it’s more than likely a sign of a bigger problem.
Lets get started
