Find out what could be causing your light bulbs to burn out with CMI Lighting.
If you’ve noticed that your light bulbs are burning more than they should, you’re not alone. Frequent lamp failures can be frustrating, expensive and inconvenient, especially in commercial spaces where lighting is constant Essential for safety and productivity. to understand Why Keeping your bulbs burning can help you fix the root problem and extend the life of your lighting fixtures.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your light bulbs burn out faster than expected — and what you can do about it with the help of a CMI Lighting electrician.
Your power supply voltage is too high
One of the main reasons for light bulbs to burn out is overvoltage from the power supply. Most outlets in the United States operate with a standard voltage of 120 volts. However, if your outlet delivers a higher voltage, the bulb will burn brighter, but it will also fail faster.
High voltage forces your bulb to work harder than it was designed to, causing it to overheat and significantly reducing its lifespan.
How to fix it: If you suspect a problem, check your outlets with a multimeter. A reading above 120 volts indicates a problem that should be evaluated by a licensed electrician. Never try to fix a high voltage problem yourself, professional electrical service is essential for long-term safety and performance.
Your light bulbs are not connected properly
Loose or incorrect connections are another common cause of light bulbs burning out prematurely. If the lamp is not securely installed, the power supply may arc or flicker, resulting in heat build-up and premature failure.
You may also notice flickering or inconsistent lighting when the bulb is not properly installed in the socket – this is a clear sign that something is wrong.
What to do: Always make sure your light bulbs are installed snugly, but not too tightly. Over-tightening can damage the socket or lamp base, while loose fitting can result in poor electrical connection.
Lots of vibration
In certain environments — such as garages, stairs, or near ceiling fans — vibrations can cause light bulbs to burn out more quickly. Traditional incandescent bulbs are particularly vulnerable because their filaments can break due to frequent movement or vibration. You may also notice a flicker when vibration causes poor electrical conductivity.
How to prevent this: If your lighting fixtures are installed in areas with regular vibration or movement, Consider switching to LED lights. LEDs are not filament based, so they are Much more durable And vibration resistant.
Excessive heat or poor ventilation
Lighting fixtures that trap heat or are enclosed without ventilation can reduce the life of bulbs. When a lamp gets hot, it degrades faster and may fail suddenly.
solution: Use bulbs designed for enclosed fixtures, and make sure there is adequate airflow around the bulb. Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs can also help, because they produce much less heat than incandescent or halogen bulbs.
Using the wrong bulb for the fixture
Each fixture has a recommended wattage limit. Using bulbs that exceed this limit generates additional heat and puts stress on the wiring, leading to frequent burnouts.
Fit: Always check the unit label for the correct wattage. If you need more brightness, choose energy-efficient LEDs – they provide higher lumens without consuming as much power or generating excess heat.
Keep your lighting reliable and long-lasting
If your light bulbs keep burning out, it’s often a symptom of a larger electrical problem or installation fault. The good news? With the right bulbs, proper installation, and routine electrical inspections, you can prevent unnecessary replacements and maintain consistent lighting throughout your property.
When in doubt, trust professional electricians to evaluate your lighting systems. They can identify voltage issues, upgrade fixtures, and recommend durable, energy-efficient lighting solutions that save you time and money in the long run.
Check out commercial electrical services from CMI Lighting
With over 35 years in the industry, CMI has the range of equipment to handle the logistics of any interior job. We also frequently provide solutions for property managers and upcoming developments. CMI Companies services the Mid-Atlantic region and proudly serves clients in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Richmond, Southern Virginia, Manassas, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Rockville, and Prince George’s County. Also, check us out Facebook, twitterand LinkedIn.
