Why do light bulbs explode?

If a light bulb explodes, it means that somewhere the electricians were too clever with the network, or maybe there is a defect in the lighting device.

In fact, there are many different reasons that can lead to this problem. But if this happens repeatedly, you need to have an idea where to first look for the root of the evil. Timely prevention and repair will help avoid many accidents and troubles.

Reasons why light bulbs explode when the lights are turned on

Very often it remains a mystery to us why a light bulb suddenly explodes when we turn on the lamp. It is necessary to try to get to the bottom of the true reasons for this phenomenon. The first thing that comes to mind is that we were given defective products in the store. But if light bulb explosions occur with enviable regularity and your life has turned into the life of a soldier in the front-line zone, and you are already tired of changing light bulb manufacturers, you need to dig deeper.

It is likely that explosions are the result of electrical surges or something is wrong with the wiring in the apartment; perhaps some design features of the lampshades affect this. The power of the lamp and the lighting device may well not match. There are many reasons and all of them should be studied in detail.

Lack of ventilation in the ceiling

Very often you come across lamps equipped with closed shades. If you screw an ordinary lamp into such a lamp, you can expect it to explode soon. Why? It’s just that when the light bulb is turned on, it gets very hot, and if the lampshade is partially or completely closed, then there is nowhere for this heat to escape. Hence the inevitable overheating of the light bulb.

Constantly heating and cooling, the glue on the base is subject to destruction. As a result, the base will move away from the glass bulb. As soon as air gets access to the flask, an explosion will occur.

To ensure air flow around the entire perimeter of the lampshade, you can drill holes. This will ensure air circulation and prevent the light source from overheating. If the lampshade is made of glass, then in the place where the mount is installed, you can make a small gasket of non-flammable material. This will provide a similar effect.

Electrical voltage

A very common reason for light bulb failure is sudden voltage changes. To smooth out their consequences, stabilizers are often installed that equalize the voltage within the electrical network. This allows you to extend the life of the devices.

Reference. Incandescent lamps take on all the voltage. This makes them very sensitive to various changes. Successive changes in high and low voltage will sooner or later cause an explosion.

To extend the life of light bulbs, you need to connect them correctly. Lead the phase wire to the plate installed in the center of the socket, and secure the neutral wire to the side plate.

Low quality light bulbs and lighting fixtures

Don't try to make a profit when buying lighting fixtures. This is the surest way to replace them quickly, since such devices are unstable and very often explode.

Reference. As professionals say, it is better to pay a little more and purchase products from a well-known and proven manufacturer, rather than pay less, but at the same time change the light bulbs more often. Direct proof that a stingy person will pay twice.

Incorrectly selected power

If the power of the light bulb installed inside the chandelier does not meet the requirements of this device, it is no wonder that it will explode. If you can’t install a classic incandescent lamp in a lamp, then what’s stopping you from installing an LED lamp instead? The light is brighter from it, and it requires less electricity.

Cause of halogen lamp explosion

Halogen light bulbs often explode because they are simply connected incorrectly. You should always familiarize yourself with the installation diagram provided by the manufacturer. If all points are connected to one cable, the light bulb will certainly explode.

Reference. It is better to replace the halogen lamps installed in the house with LED ones. The latter are less responsive to voltage changes.

You should never handle a halogen lamp. Fingers leave greasy marks on the surface. These places gradually darken under the influence of temperature, which will later lead to an explosion. The reason for this phenomenon is the uneven heating of a clean surface and a dirty one.

What else could cause a lamp to explode?

Constant temperature changes are another reason for the destruction of incandescent lamps. Such changes allow air to enter the interior of the flask and excess pressure leads to an explosion. To avoid such trouble, it is better to purchase LED lamps or gas-discharge lighting devices.

Excess moisture in the room also adversely affects the lamps, which leads to their damage.

What to do to prevent light bulbs from exploding

If over the years you have ceased to be surprised by the explosions of light bulbs in your own home and this phenomenon is already perceived as something common, then think about the advice that knowledgeable people give:

1. Change all light sources in the house. Install LED or halogen lamps instead of incandescent lamps. Although it will be more expensive, they will work much longer.
2. Is the house old, and the wiring and switches are also old? So replace them as quickly as possible.
3. It is better to purchase light bulbs from companies that have been on the market for quite a long time, such as Philips. They use exceptionally high quality parts to produce their products. When buying a lamp, inspect its appearance, and do not forget to read its technical specifications.
4. All light sources and lighting fixtures installed in the house must be the same in power.
5. Avoid twisting the wires when connecting them; it is better to spend a little money on purchasing pads.

If a base remains inside the socket from an exploded lamp, then turn off the power in the house and use needle-nose pliers to remove the base.