light bulbs blowing

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AKwiring

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:-? I got a call from a customer that the fan I recently installed keeps blowing its bulbs. They are only lasting a week and are blowing when they turn it on. The bulbs are black. Any ideas before I go take a look at it? I have it on a switch which runs the fan/light and also 2 40 watt recessed lights.
Thanks for your help.
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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Location
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Retired Electrical Contractor
AKwiring said:
:-? I got a call from a customer that the fan I recently installed keeps blowing its bulbs. They are only lasting a week and are blowing when they turn it on. The bulbs are black. Any ideas before I go take a look at it? I have it on a switch which runs the fan/light and also 2 40 watt recessed lights.
Thanks for your help.
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2 things

1st -- they make bulbs that are specially designed for fans. They have a stronger element that will not break with vibration.

2nd-- this is my bet-- See if the bulbs are 120 volts. If they are , throw them away and get 130 volts bulbs. 99.9% of the time this is the problem I run into.
 
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Kontrols

Member
I agree with Dennis also, the problem is vibration, not voltage. They make hard service lights typically called "appliance light bulbs". Also, as mentioned earlier there are 130vac bulbs that are usually sold as "extra long life" or commercial usage. These are better and will last longer but what you really need is a light bulb made for vibration which is typically an appliance light bulb.

Also, with that in mind... check the balance and mounting of the fan. The mounting and/or balance will contribute greatly to bulb burn out from vibration.

As a last resort consider selling them on going Green, with compact flouresants. They seem to withstand vibration in fans well although not specifically touted as such.
 
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