Since Edison patented his incandescent lamp on January 27th, 1880, we have been using electric light bulbs to illuminate our world. The designs and materials have changed vastly over the years, but the principle is the same; a replaceable bulb that fits into a fixture.
While bulbs are fragile, they are powerful devices as long as they don’t break. Bulbs are designed to operate until they burn out, but there is a real risk of them exploding under certain conditions. You should contact a residential electrician to repair the broken light bulbs before they explode.
So what causes a light bulb to explode? Here are several common reasons for an exploding light bulb:
1. A Loose Socket
Lights need a steady energy current for their operation, and if there is a loose connection, they could explode. At the base of a light bulb is it’s threaded, which is designed to screw into a light receptacle.
If the connection is loose, the electricity has to jump across the opening and cause overheating and a potentially exploding bulb. Make sure the correct bulbs are used and screwed in fully so there is a solid connection.
2. Not Enough Insulation at the Base
Your light sockets typically come insulated to protect them from overheating. If there is inadequate insulation from the manufacturer, you may be at risk of excess heat at the base.
Under certain conditions, the metal base of a bulb can melt and allow gas from the bulb to leak out as well as a disrupted flow of energy, reducing the overall pressure in the bulb. Under unbalanced pressure, your bulb could explode.
3. Oily Hands
Our skin has sebaceous glands that produce natural oils to lubricate the body, and on our hands, we have them as well, except for our palms. The palms have eccrine and sweat glands, and together hands are designed not to dry out.
When handling light bulbs, oily hands can be a major issue because they can leave behind an oily residue. Bulbs, like halogen and incandescent, run at high heat and oil on the glass surface may burn and weaken the integrity of the bulb. This leads to a hot spot on the surface that can cause cracking, gas leaking and an explosion. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling and replacing bulbs so you don’t transfer oil onto the surface.
4. Power Rush
Bulbs are designed for specific voltages and operate safely when in a steady state. With a power rush, extra energy quickly comes through the electrical lines and runs through the lights’ filament. This can, in turn, cause the filament to overheat, burn and break off, hitting the bulb’s outer glass and sending glass flying.
5. Incorrect Light Wattage
Another reason for exploding light bulbs is using the wrong bulbs for the light fixture. Different fixtures and receptacles are designed for bulbs with specific wattage ratings. Wattage is the energy needed to produce a certain level of light, with a higher wattage being brighter. The rating indicates the maximum power for the device, but if a bulb has a higher rating, it is at risk of overheating.
Match the right wattage of your bulbs with the fixture and if you are uncertain, opt for a low-wattage bulb to prevent a potential danger of explosion.
6. Defective Parts
Finally, it comes down to the quality of the manufactured light. Like most other consumer items, light bulbs are mass-produced in factories with automated machinery. While they typically have great quality control measures, sometimes you can get a faulty light.
These issues can come from any component of the bulb’s anatomy, including:
- Glass
- Filament
- Socket
- Electrics
Anything cracked, loosely connected or defective can result in overheating or, worse, an explosion.
Dangers from an Exploding Light Bulb
You never want anything exploding in your home, and this is especially true with a light bulb. Here are some of the dangers:
Broken Glass
The explosion can cause the glass to fly in all directions, and those thin, sharp shards can be hard to find. If you step on them, you will be in severe pain.
Heated Debris
The fallout from an exploding bulb sends heated debris down on whatever is near, including combustible material like clothing, furniture and drapery.
Electrocution
After the explosion comes the cleanup. You will need to remove the leftover bulb by unscrewing it from the socket. Besides the chance of getting cut, electrocution is a real danger if you don’t turn off the power while handling the loose parts.
Fire
We already touched on the potential combustion of furniture and clothes, but if your light bulb Is housed in a closed fixture, the fire could start in the contained space by melting the socket and burning upwards into the ceiling.
We need bulbs to light our way indoors, and for the most part, they are very safe. Use this as a guide to understanding what causes a light bulb to explode, and be mindful of your handling and installation of this delicate, essential bulb.
