The Buzzing Truth: When a Light bulb is Blown

Have you ever experienced that sudden burst of light followed by a pop sound, leaving you in darkness? Yes, we are talking about a blown light bulb. It is frustrating when you are trying to work or relax, and suddenly, the room is dark, and you have to scramble for another bulb. In this article, we will discuss what a blown light bulb is, what causes it, and how to prevent it from happening.

What is a Blown Light Bulb?

A blown light bulb is when the filament or the glass enclosure of a bulb breaks, and current can no longer pass through it. A light bulb has a filament that’s heated by electricity to about 2,500 degrees Celsius, which emits light. A blown bulb means the filament has snapped or failed, causing an open circuit, and no current can pass. This is why the bulb goes out when it is blown.

What Causes a Blown Light Bulb?

Several factors can cause a light bulb to blow. These factors are:

Overloading the Circuit

When too many devices or appliances are connected to a single circuit, it causes overload, leading to blown light bulbs.

Power Surges

Power surges are sudden spikes in the electric current caused by lightning strikes or faulty wiring. These surges can damage the filament and cause it to fail.

Manufacturing Defect

Sometimes, a manufacturing defect in the bulb can cause it to blow prematurely. This could be due to issues in the filament, the enclosure, or any other component in the bulb.

How to Prevent a Blown Light Bulb?

Now that we know what causes a blown light bulb let us look at how to prevent it.

Use the Right Wattage

Using a bulb with a wattage that is too high or too low for the fixture can cause it to blow. Check the recommended wattage for the fixture and use the correct bulb.