Short answer
If light bulbs keep burning out in one fixture, turn it off and let the bulb cool. Check the max wattage on the label inside the fixture and never go over it. Use an LED rated for enclosed fixtures, or for dimmers if it is on a dimmer, and screw it in snug, not tight. If bulbs burn out all over the house, or lights get brighter and dimmer, call an electrician.
Safety first
Turn the light off and let the bulb cool before you touch it. If the socket is scorched or the fixture smells burnt, switch off its breaker and call an electrician. Use a sturdy step stool, not a chair.
Why bulbs keep burning out and how to stop it
1Pop! Another bulb burned out
When one fixture keeps eating bulbs, the cause is usually heat, the wrong bulb or a loose fit, not bad luck.
Read all the steps
- Pop! Another bulb burned out. When one fixture keeps eating bulbs, the cause is usually heat, the wrong bulb or a loose fit, not bad luck.
- Switch it off and let the bulb cool. Turn off the wall switch and wait a few minutes. A bulb that just burned out can be hot enough to burn your fingers.
- Check the max wattage label. It is printed inside the fixture or near the socket. A 100-watt bulb in a 60-watt fixture overheats the bulb and the socket.
- Put in an LED and screw it in snug. Pick one rated for enclosed fixtures, or for dimmers if needed. Turn it until it is snug, not tight. Then switch it on.
- Burning out all over the house? Call. Bulbs dying in many rooms, or lights that get brighter and dimmer, can mean a voltage problem. An electrician should check it.
- Still not fixed? Call an electrician Especially if: bulbs burn out in many rooms, or lights get brighter and dimmer.
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Why bulbs burn out fast
- Too much heat: a bulb over the max wattage, or a regular bulb inside a closed glass fixture.
- The wrong bulb: a non-dimmable LED on a dimmer, or a regular bulb in a fan or garage door opener that shakes.
- A loose bulb that flickers and arcs in the socket.
- Switching the light on and off very often, or cheap bulbs.
- High voltage or a loose connection in the house wiring. That one is for an electrician.
What not to do
- Do not go over the max wattage to get more light. Get a brighter LED instead.
- Do not overtighten the bulb.
- Do not touch the socket or poke inside it, even with the light off.
- Do not ignore a scorched socket or a burning smell.
When to call an electrician
- Bulbs burn out in many rooms, or lights get brighter and dimmer.
- The socket is scorched, melted or smells burnt.
- The fixture flickers even with a new LED that fits.
- The wall switch or dimmer for that light feels warm.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my light bulbs keep burning out?
Usually heat from a bulb over the max wattage, the wrong bulb for the fixture, or a loose fit. If it happens all over the house, the voltage may be too high: call an electrician.
Can a light fixture cause bulbs to burn out?
Yes. A worn or loose socket, a closed fixture that traps heat, or a bad connection can all shorten bulb life. If a new LED still dies fast, have an electrician check the fixture.
Why do my LED bulbs burn out so fast?
Heat is the main reason. LEDs in closed fixtures need to be rated for enclosed fixtures, and on a dimmer they need to be dimmable. Cheap LEDs also fail sooner.
What happens if I use a bulb with higher wattage than the fixture?
The bulb and the socket get too hot. That burns out bulbs and can melt the socket or the wires. Stay at or under the max wattage on the label.
Can high voltage burn out light bulbs?
Yes. If bulbs burn out all over the house and lights look too bright, the voltage may be too high. Call the power company or an electrician.
Is it dangerous if a bulb keeps burning out?
It can be a sign of a hot or loose socket. If you see scorch marks or smell burning, switch off the breaker and call an electrician.