Rapid Electric
What to Do When a Light Bulb Breaks
A breaking light bulb can always come as a shock to anyone. For one, any type of shattering makes a loud noise, and number two, broken glass will always pose a safety risk. But what should homeowners do when a light bulb shatters?
First, let’s discuss why a bulb explodes or breaks in the socket. Generally, this could most likely be a fault of the manufacturer. Most likely it has not been properly insulated hence the explosion. This goes mostly true for both incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
However, light bulbs can also explode for a different reason. Apart from cheap, substandard light bulbs that might have been poorly manufactured, the DIY Doctor says it could also be a loose connection with its socket.
“This is because the circuit is not completed as tightly as it could be and the electricity may have cause to "arc" or jump across the contact, rather than simply flowing through it. When this happens it produces more heat in the fitting than is expected or catered for by the bulb, and the bulb can blow.”
So what should homeowners do when their light bulb breaks?
Home Improvement website The Family Handyman came up with a step-by-step tutorial on how to remove a broken light bulb from its socket. “Check for voltage -- Make sure the power is off by pointing a non-contact voltage detector near the broken light bulb and turning the light fixture off and on. When an electrical field is present, the voltage detector will both flash a light and emit an audible signal.”
Avoiding Light Bulb Explosions
Home website TheSpruce.com also discussed exploding light bulbs, why such occurs, and what can be done about it. One area mentioned in their write-up top avoid explosions is to try a tough type of light bulb.
“To buy a more protective bulb that can really take a beating, try a rough-service duty light bulb. These bulbs have a plastic coating on the surface that is designed to prevent the bulb from shattering if the bulb explodes. These bulbs also can take a good shaking from vibration from ceiling fans.”
The best way to avoid light bulb explosions though is to ensure the quality of the light bulb you are buying. Avoid cheap, low-quality and sub-standard light bulbs which will cost more in the long run, and even pose a safety risk to your whole household.
Rapid Electric
6514 Tait St, San Diego, CA 92111
Email: rapidelectricsandiego@gmail.com
Phone: 855-201-0025
Website: http://www.rapidelectricsd.com/