When a lightbulb burning out happens too frequently

Again! Is your lightbulb burning out and you can’t seem to figure out why? If you want to see the light, call your local electrician.

A lightbulb burning out can be blamed on fuse problems, power surges, or current intensity. Whatever the cause, when electrical problems pop up, it can feel like your brain’s circuits are getting fried.

Many different factors can come into play when a light goes out without rhyme or reason. Here are a few:

• If more than one of your lighting fixtures needs frequent light bulb changes, it could be that the current is too strong. Use an electric meter to measure the current strength in different parts of the house. If you count more than 120 to 130 volts, you may well have put your finger on the problem. Get in touch with your local electrician to see what solutions are available to you.

• A lightbulb can go out by itself simply because it’s been screwed in too tightly, so try to avoid playing strongman when replacing a burnt-out bulb. What’s more, a poorly-screwed-in lightbulb can also cause fluctuations in the electrical tension of your home.

• Check the wattage of the different bulbs. If the living-room lamp requires a 60-watt bulb and has a 100-watt bulb in it instead, that will cause a buildup of heat that can burn out the bulb.

To avoid injury, follow these steps before changing a screwed-in lightbulb yourself.

1. Cut the power to the room
2. Get yourself a stepladder or sturdy stool to make sure you’re balanced
3. Unscrew the bulb, holding it firmly by the base
4. Take it out, and insert the new bulb, ensuring that the type of bulb (traditional or bayonet-style) is appropriate for the fixture
5. Turn the bayonet-style bulb a quarter-turn clockwise to lock it in place. For a traditional lightbulb, screw it in gently until it stops moving
6. Make sure the bulb is firmly in place

Still haven’t found the source of the problem?

It could be an issue with faulty electric wiring in your home. If you need to be shown the light on the underlying issue, call the electrician. He or she is your best bet for putting the days of the lightbulb burning out behind you, once and for all.

*Not only is it dangerous, it may even be illegal in some provinces, such as Québec, to do your own electrical wiring. The solution: consider hiring a master electrician.