3 Key Reasons Your Factory Lights Burn Out Too Quickly

Proper lighting in industrial premises is an important part of employees' safety. So, if your factory light bulbs flicker and burn out frequently without a clear reason, that's a safety hazard you shouldn't ignore. You should have a commercial electrical contractor inspect your electrical wiring to determine the root cause of the issue. 

Whether you have incandescent, LED, or CFL lights in your factory, here are common reasons your lights burn out quickly and possible solutions. 

Wrong Kind of Bulb

If you use the wrong type of bulb for a fixture, the chances are that the bulb will burn out. For instance, if you install a 100-watt bulb into a fixture that needs a 50-watt bulb, the bulb will overheat and burn out. On the same note, don't install a high wattage bulb in a light fixture that requires a low watt bulb. Instead, consider LED bulbs for efficiency because they draw less power than other bulbs.

Also, ensure that you use the right bulb for the correct location. LED lighting is good for fixtures that experience repeated on and off usage — such as the bulbs in motion sensors and the bathroom. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) aren't suitable for this type of usage because repeated on and off stresses the electrodes, which causes them to degrade. 

Improper Bulb Connection

A loosely connected light bulb burns out faster due to the frequent flickering caused by intermittent voltage. The loose connection also results in overheated fixtures. To fix this problem, turn the light bulb until it fits snugly. 

On the other hand, tightly screwed bulbs bend the brass tab at the bottom of your socket that delivers electric current to the light bulb. The result is quick burnout of your bulb. To correct the tab, cut the power, then pull it upward with a pair of needles to enable a proper tab-bulb connection.

Also, note that some bulb types lack sufficient solder at the bulb's base to connect with the socket tab properly. The result is arching, which reduces your bulb's lifespan. If your bulbs have this problem, try another bulb type or ask your electrician for advice.

Excess Vibrations

Heavy machinery in a factory can create vibrations that damage the filament of your incandescent and CFL light bulbs. Vibrations also loosen lighting connections, which causes flickering. These situations easily create a fire hazard. 

Since vibrations are inevitable in a factory, you can install LED bulbs with no filament. Alternatively, you can install 'rough service' incandescent bulbs. These bulbs contain heavy-duty filaments that can handle the most severe vibrations. 

If burned-out lights are a common occurrence in your factory, you should take action to lower the risks of electrical fires. Reach out to a commercial electrician to inspect and repair your electrical system.