How can a light bulb explode when switched on for the. What would cause a light bulb to explode in an electric light fan fixture when turning on at the wall switch. Use one of these simple methods to quickly and safely. If the bulb comes into contact with cold water, even a few drops on one section, the temperature change can cause the glass to contract and then shatter. While theyre not known to explode often light bulb explosions can occur. There was another time too, when i squirted it with cold water to see what would happen i was about 6 at that time. The bulb was a traditional filament bulb, and had been in place for about five or six years. But in the kitchen last week 2 different bulbs didnt just stop shining brightly, they actually exploded sending very sharp very scary fragments all over the shop when i switched the kitchen light switch. This is a page about light bulb socket sparked and smoked. Not only am i old enough to have seen a few light bulbs explode, i m old enough to remember when they didn t. My girlfriend had turned off the lamp, switched off the power strip, and then unplugged it she is very meticulous about this. Mounting a lamp with base down and bulb upper reduced life by 50%.
Why energy saving bulb flashes when the switch is off. This statement does not address the entire bulb exploding. Why do some light bulbs keep glowing even after switching. This assumes the broken bulb is not easily touched, such as in an open wall fixture. Make sure that you keep all of your lightbulbs away from water. In 2007 it was again recognized in guiness, and ripleys books. Removing a broken light bulb from a screwshell lamp holder can be dangerous if you dont solve two problems. Just had a strange and kind of scary thing happen 2 minutes ago while sitting right here at my computer. If you switch it off before this happens, the extreme thinning of the filament has occurred but did not fail. Light bulb exploded electrical engineering stack exchange. I know this is induced voltage but i cant remember what the solution was in the article i read.
If your light bulb exploded, there are a couple of reasons why this occurred. A bit like spontaneous combustion, but in light bulb form. Chaillet and manufactured by the shelby electric company. Circuit breaker trips as soon as the light is switched on. In the light bulb, readers will learn that thomas edison was not the only inventor to brighten our world. If, after you have changed the blown light bulb for a brand new one and have switched it on, the breaker still keeps tripping, then the advice given in the very first answer to this question must. I was working in the theater alone late at night, and. What causes light bulbs to explode is crappy standards in their manufacture. Exploding lightbulb offtopic chitchat paranormalsoup. The fourth light bulb will stay off, because im not touching it. My daughter and i were playing under our ceiling fan when a light bulb exploded. Lights not working after replacing blown light bulb. No im not going to shot out my light bulbs, i already know that makes them explode, but i doubt our originaly poster was holding a gun when he turned hit the switch. How can a light bulb explode when switched on for the first time that.
Exploding lightbulb offtopic chitchat paranormalsoup forums. Before you change it, figure out what is the cause of th explosion so it wont happen. Can a lightbulb blowing out cause a circuit breaker to. Certain electrical problems are more disturbing than others and may require quicker action to determine the cause and make repairs. But all the same, lets take a look at some of the dangers inherant in the seemingly innocent light bulb. Comfirmation will be that anybody can reproduce the result. If the light does not work with a new bulb, check whether the circuit breaker or fuse governing the. Homes with old electrical wiring could experience problems that will require some electrical trouble shooting to locate the problem. The incandescent bulb is made with a fine tungsten filament. Light bulb just exploded out of socket other topics.
The metal part of the bulb remained in the light socked, with a few bits of jagged glass around it. In my house a statistically unlikely number of lightbulbs blow and id got used to replacing them rather too often. Feb 05, 2011 how many dogs does it take to change a light bulb. The 110 yearold light bulb thats never been turned off. I switched it off, then back on at which time one of the 50 watt bulbs exploded, also shattering the glass shield that many halogen fixtures use. This addresses why incandescent light bulbs fail when being first turned on. The light bulb itself appears to be intact, but the glass globe that is attached to the metal arm, like a tulipshaped glass shade over the bulb, is black where it touches the metal rim of the light fixture. Light bulb switching brain teaser video khan academy. Now that youre older and wiser, youre most likely know that there is an electrical justification for a light bulb burst, rather than a superstitious one.
We were sitting in our living room when the bulb in the ceiling fan exploded. When the wall switch is on, the cfl bulb gets full line voltage. Why do light bulbs blow out if you flip the switch too fast. As the bulb lights, there may be a negative reaction between the cold gas and the hot element.
Hi i just walked into my kitchen after hearing a smash. The bulb did not break just as i turned the switch off, because the fragments happened to end up under the switch itself, and i would have been hit. Articles and letters in a professional publication over the years when 240volts was rated standard have indicated that. Led bulbs can still be cold, alienlooking things with odd shapes, splayed fins, and dazzling price tags. When an incandescent light bulb is turned on, the gases inside it heat up around the element. Worlds oldest lightbulb still burning bright after 109. Oh help a light bulb just exploded and now theres now. They give off warm, yellowed light and have been popular for many years, but lose 90% of their energy just through the heat they give off.
One of the light just exploded while it was off and we were away from the house. If it breaks at one end, or comes away from its supporting post then it can drop into the works unless the bulb is correctly hung with the cap uppermost. The lady said that her hall light low energy lamp on pendant had flickered on for a few secs then went off even though the switch was off. Why cfl bulb glows even after switching off the source. Provides an introduction to the history and development of the light bulb and explains how a light bulb works. How do native speakers say the light bulb has stopped working. This a good example of why you should never replace light bulbs while the switch is. I went over and cleaned it up she left it for me to see and replaced the bulb. I switched it off, then back on at which time one of the 50 watt bulbs exploded, also shattering the glass shield that many halogen fixtures use over the lamp. You can be moderately sure by checking that other lights downstairs go out when you switch off the breaker, but if you are feeling ultraparanoid, you may want to be more certain. If a problem remains, be sure the switch is off, remove the bulb and substitute a new one. If you hear a bulb buzzing you should switch off immediately and replace it. Turn off power to the fixture at the service panel. Dec 19, 2009 my headlight bulbs are exploding answered by a verified ford mechanic we use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website.
Aug 20, 2018 this addresses why incandescent light bulbs fail when being first turned on. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. If you havent already, now is the time to start making the switch, and were going to explain how and why. Now the sixth light bulb, in this case we switched it off, and now itll be on again. The other night i was working online and i continued to hear a popping sound by my fridge. Old light bulbs could explode if the breaker wasnt fast acting enough to trip.
This could be dangerous as you could get arcing across the connection at the points where the light turns on or off, which can cause electrical fires. It sounded like a shotgun or fire works, and hot glass flew to all corners of the room and into the back of my roommate who was working from. If the filament breaks in the middle then the light just goes out. I was there just to put up some wall lights to finish off. The leaking gas causes a pressure difference which results in the light bulb exploding. Arcs have a negitive resistance and if left alone will draw an unlimited current but the breaker tripped which cut off the current. What might cause a lightbulb to explode while turned off. Dont assume its normal, since a standard, since incandescent light bulb has an average lifespan of around 1,000 hours, and compact fluorescent cfl or led light emitting diode lightbulb can last several thousand hours. Exploding light bulbs electrical inspections internachi. Catering books kitchen signs kitchen gadgets kitchenware and knives. The electrical resistance in a tungsten filament bulb is somewhat proportional to temperature, and increases w. Lightbulbs keep blowing reasons bulbs can blow diy doctor. A couple years ago i noticed the 4 lamp halogen fixture in the bathroom getting really bright one morning. All the bulbs were subjected to a test of increasing voltage, and exploded.
Dont try the potato thing without having the circuit breaker switched off. May 30, 2010 exploding lightbulb posted in offtopic chitchat. The seller actually replaced that bulb recently because the old one went bad, seem like it may be a recurring thing, just not always shattering. An increase of 5% above the rated voltage of a light bulb reduces its life by 50%. Does anyone have any clue as to what could cause a lightbulb to explode when there is not power running to it. First, how do you know the electricity is really off. The book explores other inventions that have been used to light homes streets, and more both before and after edisons great breakthrough with the light bulb. Changed a light bulb now fixture does not work what caused a light fixtures to stop working after i changed the light bulb. Halogen light bulbs are the most common type of bulb to explode.
Light bulbs are, essentially, little grass hand grenades, ready to explode. Exposure to moisture or cold can cause a light bulb to explode. The longest time the guinness world recordholding bulb has ever been turned off for is just. For some reason i have had alot of paranormal activity in my place lately, nothing dangerous and mostly auditory. Why does my energy saving light bulb flash when not switched.
Knowing the risks and knowing that light bulbs are dangerous helps experts and homeowners alike, to avert crisis and make changing a light bulb the easy, painless task it should be. With the circuit turned off, the light fixture may be disconnected from the ceiling electrical wiring, then cap the connections and restore the circuit power to isolate the light fixture from the circuit. How could this happen the light was off and has been for around 5 hours. Even a light bulb that is made properly and that maintains its integrity may still explode due to outside causes. Troubleshooting of lamp which refuses to work after bulb change. I was able to unscrew this using pliers, but the socket has been damagedblackenedmelted, and needs replacing before a new bulb can go in. Now, if its a lamp with a cord and plug then, unplug the light. The lamp in question is plugged into a power strip. On the other hand, out implies out of order meaning the bulb needs to be replaced. How can a light bulb explode when switched on for the first. Exploding light bulb when switched off yahoo answers. Sep 09, 2006 went to a customers today which i had recently completed a rewire. Light bulb just exploded out of socket once when i went to change a bulb, i was twisting it to remove it from the socket, when the glass bulb part separated from the metal base.
New bulbs are fused internally so even if the breaker didnt trip the bulbs. Its not that you flip the switch too fast and that contact is made any faster when you do flip it forcefully. I checked all around and inside in case bottled water exploded or something, but i could not. Lightbulb broken in socket dangerous if fixture is turned. Oh help a light bulb just exploded and now theres now lights downstairs is it dangerous.
The piece of glass in the first two pictures is the largest remaining fragment of the glass guard. Light bulb exploded and burned child injury claim coach. Light bulbs seem to be quite a popular topic for discussion here, this is the second thread i have seen today concerning light bulbs. When a light bulb is switched on, for instance, it can become very hot. Mains led light bulb still glows when turned off page 1.
If a light bulb breaks off in the socket, dont risk cutting or electrocuting yourself. It happened just a few seconds after i turned off the light and walked out of the room. I just heard a pop and the sound of breakingfalling glass. The light and fan switched off, but i also switched it off at the wall just to be safe. I seem to remember from school physics i am not a fan of electricity so havent keep even close to up to date capacitor with an inductor will act as an oscillator or have i got that entirely wrong. Everything you need to know about changing a light bulb. Remove broken light bulbs without getting cut or shocked using a. Jun 02, 2014 as for getting the bulb fragments out, yes, you will need to isolate the lighting circuit, and be sure that it is isolated. If you want a light bulb that is budgetfriendly, stylish and great for decorative.
When the wall switch is off, the cfl bulb is the neutral for the light of the wall switch, causing a tiny current to flow through the cfl bulb. The filament has a high positive thermal coefficient of resistance. What the hell, a light bulb just exploded in my bedroom. This tiny current charges up the capacitor in the cfl bulb, until it releases its energy. A light bulb can also explode for a variety of other reasons, including faulty manufacturing or wiring. Not only are they hotter than incandescent light bulbs, but if there is any form of oil on the light bulb, that is most likely why your light bulb exploded. When you were a kid, if a light bulb exploded near you and your friends, that most likely meant that you were in the presence of a ghost.
Cables used are twin and earth from light fittings to switch a live and s live. Aug 27, 2017 if you have led bulbs on a two way switching arrangement, lights at the top and bottom of a staircase that can be turned on both by the switch at the bottom of the stairs or the top of the stairs the you can get a little magnetic induction between. Whats really stumping about this is that the light was not on when it exploded. She turned on the light and one bulb exploded it really did. The light bulb was a three way ge reveal bulb, made in china of course. When you install or change halogen light bulbs, dont touch them with your hands. Includes information on thomas edison and other inventors who were influential of the invention of the light bulb.
A compendium of expertise from the uk s most switched on educators by rachel jones, andy lewis isbn. This is a grey area also described as my light bulbs keep blowing by people. This morning i went into the bathroom and noticed that there was glass all over the sink and that one of the light bulbs was gone save for the metal bit still in the fixture. The pieces of the bulb fell and burned the upper lip of my 15 month old child. Nov 20, 2012 the lighting circuit is switched 2 way to a switch beside the bed and apparantly if it is switched off in one orientation of the two way switch it is fine but if switched on at the main switch then switched off by the bedside they glow dimly. What would cause a light bulb to explode in an electric. The other light bulb in the lamp looks ok but i havent touched either the good bulb, of the base of the other one yet.
The electrical resistance in a tungsten filament bulb is somewhat proportional. This is why light bulbs pop when theyre dead best life. The lighting circuit is switched 2 way to a switch beside the bed and apparantly if it is switched off in one orientation of the two way switch it is fine but if switched. If your home suffers from frequent light bulb failure in one or more locations, there is probably a reason for the early burnout. Failure of a light bulb may also be the result of tight screwing or too much electrical flow. Im open to any other suggestions as to what may make a light bulb explode or fracture. It was just an ordinary filament light bulb 60 watts i believe. A bit like spontaneous combustion, but in light bulb. The current surge due to a burnout arc reaches hundreds of amps and makes the wiring in the bulb explode.
Oct 20, 2008 what would cause a light bulb to explode. I picked up the big bits of glass, but there are small pieces i know im missing. Light bulbs break or pop off their bases when they burn out. Sep 25, 2008 hiya, ive replaced every bulb in the house with philips 60 watt energy saver bulbs 11 watt energy i have noticed intermittently there is a flicker from the bulb when switched off, this can go on for 510 minuets after. The fifth light bulb would have been on and itll stay on. Oh help a light bulb just exploded and now theres now lights. It was not the actual glass section that exploded it was the lower portion.
Apr 19, 2015 but tell the catsitter about it, and tell her not to try to do anything about it, and to turn off the lights when she leaves. If an incandescent bulb does not have a quality seal, condensation can get inside and cause an explosion. When talking about light bulbs, off would imply switched off meaning the bulb still works but the lamp just isnt on any more. Back in college an idiot friend of mine replaced an outdoor bulb with an indoor one in a sidewalk lamp, and when he switched it on, it just popped it wasnt raining but it was a very gray, damp day. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to simply use a raw potato. Led lamps glow when switched off electrician talk forum. These are the same bulbs that have been in the apartment since we moved in 3 yrs ago. Choosing the right light bulb which light bulb do i need. An exploding light bulb is a tungsten halogen or highintensity discharge lamp, which ruptures explosively. More likely, youve dropped in a few here and there, with mixed results. Im not sure what i should do about cleaning up the mess. That is, turning on only this switch is enough to blow the breaker.
1298 1502 129 875 1441 336 1268 205 1394 767 1534 175 1225 457 1237 1510 421 1323 683 1560 57 177 1214 589 1332 1243 259 595 169 723 171 934 515