lamp blow outs

[laketime]

I have a friend that has installed CFL's throughout their entire house. For some reason these lamps are burning out, anywhere from several hours to several weeks later. Any ideas?

 

[catchtwentytwo]

I have a friend that has installed CFL's throughout their entire house. For some reason these lamps are burning out, anywhere from several hours to several weeks later. Any ideas?

I'd guess this might be a neutral-related problem. Has anything else besides the CFLs had any problems?

 

[laketime]

No other problems, just the CFL's. They even have some low voltage lamps and they seem to be fine. What would be a good troubleshooting method?

 

[wirenut1980]

Have you measured line to neutral voltage anywhere? Measuring right at the light would be best. Is there any other phenamona noticed at the time the CFL's fail? Are they being turned on and off a lot more than usual?

Could also be a bad batch of bulbs as well.

 

[Besoeker]

I have a friend that has installed CFL's throughout their entire house. For some reason these lamps are burning out, anywhere from several hours to several weeks later. Any ideas?

Possibly the type of fitting if it doesn't allow ventilation?
CFLs produce less waste heat but have electronics that are not rated for the same temperature that incandescents can tolerate.
Or, as the Wirenut said, a bad batch?
We have a fair number of CFLs without a single failure - so far.

 

[LarryFine]

A few random thoughts (as if I had any other kind :grin:

Crappy lights; tried more than one brand?

Constant switching; they like being left on.

Burning in; leave them on at least 24 hours.

Orientation; some only burn well base down.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I agree with Larry's points. There are a lot of crappy CFL's out there. Many of the cfl's cannot be installed in enclosed fixtures, cans, etc. Some brands can be installed in the above scenario but many can't.

 

[hillbilly1]

Are they on a dimmer?

 

[Jesse7623]

Are they on a dimmer?

you took the words right out of my mouth:smile:

 

[laketime]

No, they are not on dimmers. I think maybe switching on and off. They are using them as lighting throughout the house and kids switch on and off alot. Thanks for all the tips.

 

[ptonsparky]

No, they are not on dimmers. I think maybe switching on and off. They are using them as lighting throughout the house and kids switch on and off alot. Thanks for all the tips.

None of my kids ever switched off a light. Better look for some other cause.

 

[beanland]

Cfl

Cfl

I have relamped almost every fixture in my house with CFL and have excellent results. But, I am careful with ventilation and buring position. Heat would be my first suggestion. Are these in can lights operating base-up? That would cause premature failures.