Just had one of those compact fluorescent bulbs burn out

[skygazer]

We've only had it in the light for about 3 months. I thought those things were supposed to last a long time.

That's the second or third time one of them has burned out quickly. Is it just me?

[stuntcat]

1. it's odd, I think

now that I think of it I've never had one of them burn out. Is it in the same socket that it keeps burning out, if it's something up with the connection there, that's the only reason I can think of.. or bad luck!

[skygazer]

2. It's a couple of different sockets

The most recent one is in a new ceiling fan unit that my SO installed. He's a journeyman carpenter who regularly does electrical work so I have confidence in his installation. I wonder if it might have something to do with the house's wiring which is old. But I don't know a lot about all that and he didn't seem to think that was it.

Maybe I'm buying cheap bulbs. :shrug:

[Deja Q]

3. Back before such bulbs became popular, I used them all the time.

Got lambasted by some folks who said they were a waste of money. (they use fluorescents now too, :rofl: )

A couple of them did blow early on. Used in fixtures when I often turned the lights on and off.

These days they are typically very stable; even in fixtures I frequently turn off then on.

Which brand do you use? I typically use GE; I used to use Sylvania.

[skygazer]

4. This was a GE bulb

I thought about it maybe being because the light is used so much but that still seemed odd. I just don't know. :shrug:

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Dear fellow thrifty Yankee: how often do you switch them on and off?

One of the downsides of compact fluorescents is that frequent cycling off and on does shorten their lives
http://www.earthday.net/resources/2006materials/cf-facts.aspx
although I think that a burnout after only three months is more likely a problem of cheaply made or dud bulbs.

[skygazer]

10. I think this must be the answer

It's in our bedroom and it does go on and off a lot. Also, I think it may have been a cheap bulb. I'll look for the energy star rating next time. :hi:

[YDogg]

11. So ... you have a clapper in your bedroom?

:hide:

[krispos42]

6. Maybe you have something that draws a lot of power on the circuit

The constant voltage surges from, say, an air conditioner or refrigerator might be doing it.



I used the cheap Ikea bulbs. Three for $3.99. I only had one burn out, and that was in a light fixture that was on continously for a year and a half. It acted as a nightlight for the entryway, stairs, living room, and kitchen.

[Blue-Jay]

7. Could be a problem with the light fixture or wiring.

One burnout, I'd attribute to a bad bulb, but 2-3 sounds like you have other problems. We have 7 in our kitchen (we turn those on and off most frequently) and they almost never burn out. I've replaced 2 in three years.

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

8. We killed one. We had it on a dimmer switch.

Apparently, you aren't supposed to do that :P

[dropkickpa]

9. Don't throw it in the garbage!!

Use this to find where to properly dispose of it. http://earth911.org/recycling/

*edited to add - if the brand is marked as being energy star, there's a 2 year warranty.