What Caused My Light Bulb To Explode?

There are few household problems as unexpected as when a lightbulb explodes. 

It can happen when you flick the switch or when power surges, but it’s always a surprise. 

Understanding how and why lightbulbs fail is one way to uncover the mystery. Today, we’re exploring the causes and potential solutions. 

Read on, and we’ll enlighten you!

Several reasons a light bulb may explode

Lightbulbs don’t last forever, it’s true. But exploding is a sign of more than just a bulb at the end of its lifespan. There’s usually an underlying cause of catastrophic failure and maybe a symptom of a deeper electrical problem.

Power surges can cause light bulbs to break

Incandescents all have a glowing filament that puts light when it glows. Under normal operating conditions, explosions aren’t common. 

Power surges may be one source of the issue when lightbulbs explode. Usually, a consistent wattage goes through the fixture and into the bulb itself. Only the correct amount of power flows through the resistors when working properly.

Spikes may override the internal circuit, sending too much electricity to the light causing failure. 

It’s a simple fix to plug lamps into a surge protector. Household lighting is a bit more challenging. Installing a whole-house device may not be practical, but it’s the best way to keep your home safe.

Oil residue is a lesser-known factor

A glowing filament puts out a significant amount of heat. Even a 60-watt bulb can run at 200F working properly. When you handle the glass with your bare hands, some of the oils from your skin transfer. If you don’t wipe it off with an alcohol-based cleaner, it’s a recipe for disaster. 

Engineers understand the heat forces at play and design the glass to withstand it. Oil creates a hot spot on the surface of the lightbulb that can focus the heat in one area. The surface temperature in that location goes up, resulting in shattered glass!

Insulation at the base of the bulb is important in keeping the bulb safe

Inside your light bulb is a scientific achievement: the vacuum. Gasses inside, typically argon, keep the filament from burning out too quickly. An insulated light bulb base protects it from leaking out and oxygen from getting in. 

If it does get in, the filament can flare and cause an extreme spike in heat. The unexpected burst can cause an explosion. 

The bulb wattage and fixture wattage may not match together

You’ve probably noticed when purchasing bulbs that there are wattage ratings on the package. Even the lighting element itself has the number stamped on it! This is because it’s designed to handle a specific amount of energy to operate safely. 

Inserting a bulb into a fixture it isn’t rated for can cause an explosion. Putting a 40-watt bulb into a 100-watt lamp may work for a while. But the filament can’t handle that much power and will fail sooner than expected.

Loose sockets can burst your light bulbs

Sockets, like bulbs, can go bad or have other issues. Screwing one in brings the contacts in the lamp and lighting element together. However, a loose bulb socket may indicate a loose electrical connection. 

When this happens, the bulb may run much hotter than intended. And, as we’ve established, they’re only rated to specific temperatures. The temperature alone is enough to cause a light to fail or burst.

Fixture vibration can lead to a bulb bursting

An unbalanced fan can shake and wobble, which may cause a lightbulb to burst. Because it’s not designed for that type of motion, the insulation around the base of the light can loosen. Even a tiny crack can let outside air in when the seal breaks. 

Fixing the wobble is only one step in the process. If you’re repairing the fan, replace the bulbs too. They’ve likely been damaged by the fan’s motion. You also want to be sure to install fan rated light bulbs in this case. They are tested and listed to be used for this application.

How to avoid your bulbs from bursting

Sometimes, the issues we’ve described have an easy fix. Others may need more attention. Either way, you’ll notice that most of these tips center on common sense steps. Before working with electricity, we recommend shutting the power off at the electrical panel.

Look for warning signs beforehand such as flickering

If your lights flicker when you turn them on or during regular operation, it’s a good sign they’re on the way out. Other signs to look for include unexpected changes in intensity. Bulbs that dim or brighten without warning are sending you the signal that there’s a problem.

Flickering bulbs may also indicate that they’re not seated properly in the fixture. Simply screwing them in fully may solve your problem. 

Listen for buzzing or humming from your bulbs, too. Electricity shouldn’t be making any sound as it flows through the filament. 

And if you smell burning, check that lightbulb right away! You may be at risk of it causing a fire. 

Check your bulbs for residue and other exterior factors

Over time, dust and oil can accumulate on the surface of a lightbulb. Environmental factors aside, you may have accidentally transferred oil when installed. These issues can cause the bulb's surface to burn much hotter and fail. 

Cleaning your lightbulbs is relatively easy as long as you can reach them. 

Allow the bulb to cool, and remove it carefully. Holding it by the base, wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth. Bulbs in kitchens and workshops are exposed to grease as well. Dampen your rag and wipe the surface down.

Contact a professional to help with maintenance of your light bulbs

Sometimes, you can’t safely reach all your bulbs or figure out the problem. Don’t attempt electrical repairs on your own, as it can be dangerous without proper precautions.

Especially in rooms with tall ceilings, it’s not practical either. There’s nothing wrong with calling in the pros when you’re faced with changing those lights out. 

Professionals come with all the tools and ladders necessary to diagnose and fix the issue. Even if it turns out to be a quick fix, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing it’s done.

Young Cardinal Electric is here to help keep your house running!

The team at Young Cardinal Electric can maintain your lighting fixtures wherever they are. We’ve got experience working with all of the issues that leave you in the dark. We’ll diagnose your flickering light bulbs and have you up and running in no time! 

From your home to commercial enterprises, we’re experts at getting the lights back on.

Book a consultation on our website today!