While it isn't the biggest electrical problem you will face, there is nothing more depressing than turning on the lights in your home, only to find that the light bulb has burnt out. Thankfully, this should not be a frequent occurrence. If you notice that the bulbs in your house are frequently failing, it could be because of a problem with your home's electrical system. Below is a guide to 3 possible causes of frequent light bulb failure.
Light bulbs getting too hot
If your home features lights which are recessed into the ceiling, this could be causing them to overheat. To prevent this, you should open up the light fitting and check that bulb is not taking up too much space within the cavity. Problems are often caused by round light bulbs, which impede the circulation of air. Instead, slim light bulbs are a better option. You may also need to assess if insulation in the ceiling or wall is causing the light fitting to overheat. If you do not feel confident doing this, you should contact an electrical contractor.
Too much voltage
Residential properties are supplied electricity at 230 volts. However, there can be some fluctuation in this, depending on how close your home is to the nearest substation. The closer you are to a substation, the higher the voltage may be. Light bulbs are designed to handle particular voltages. If light bulbs are supplied with a higher voltage, they may prematurely burn out. A professional electrical contractor will be able to measure the voltage of the electricity as it enters your property. If it is higher than 230 volts, they will be able to add breaker systems and step-down transformers which will help to regulate the power supply.
The wrong type of light bulb
When choosing light bulbs for your home, it is important that you select the correct type of light bulb for each fitting. If you use a bulb which is designed for a higher wattage than the fitting, it may cause the bulb to burn out frequently. Whenever you buy new light bulbs, you should always match the voltage of the light bulb with the voltage of the light fitting. If you are unsure about how to choose the correct light bulbs, you should seek help from an electrician.
If you would like further advice about keeping the light bulbs in your home burning bright, you should contact local electrical contractors. A contractor will be happy to visit your home to assess the possible cause of the problem.