exploding incandescent bulb

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1

Originally Posted By: phughes
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Does anyone know why an incandescent light bulb might explode.


Yesterday while inspecting a house, one light bulb in a ceiling fan/light exploded. The light had been on about 3 minutes. It was a clear 60w bulb. Of the four lights, only one did. The bulb popped out about 1 foot leaving the base and part of the glass (about 1/2 inch) still in the socket.

2

Originally Posted By: Guest
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I’ve seen that happen to trouble lights that got wet. Maybe the owner cleaned all the bulbs and fan blades for the inspection. Water (or windex) gets in between the glass and the base and when heated, expands and blows the bulb out of the base. Or a poltergeist. It’s always one or the other.

3

Originally Posted By: phughes
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It was a new house, and the light was suspended about 10 feet high.


I'll bet your right about the moisture, the heat and air had been off, and it had been damp lately.

4

Originally Posted By: Lew Lewis
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Peter,


The bulb may have just overheated if it was installed upside down. Some bulb packages say to installed base down only. But I've also witnessed bulbs explode with the base down.

If I'm using a pull chain on a light fixture close by, I'll always close my eyes when turning it on. I've done that ever since seeing that light bulb explode and ignite in the movie The Longest Yard. A classic.

Neal

5

Originally Posted By: phughes
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I did not know that some bulbs are not suppose to be installed upside down. Yery interesting, and it was upside down.


I remember the prison scene where the bulb exploded with the 'gas' or whatever was in it too. Very memorable