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anyone know if an electrician can test for something like this...

mcurbanmcurban member
in Austin Babies

We have had an abnormal number of bulbs burn out super fast recently. We'll change the bulb (using the kind specified for the fixture) and then, about a week later, it will pop and burn out. It's happening in various fixtures, both upstairs and down so it's making me think that there's something going on w/ the electric in our house.

Anyone know an electrician? Do they even have the tools to check for things like this (abnormal flow)?

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Re: anyone know if an electrician can test for something like this...

  • FeistyFilleFeistyFille
    I have no idea, but I think I remember that when one bulb blows in a fixture, you're supposed to replace them all.  I have no idea why this is suggested either, and since I don't understand it, I don't follow it.  Hopefully someone on here can explain this because I'd love to know.
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  • mcurbanmcurban member

    it's happening w/ single bulb fixtures, too. and there was the whole laptop explosion thing.

    maybe i'm on UK voltage. that stuff is supertough!

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  • AustinAggie01AustinAggie01
    Get geeky... yes, they have tools to test the amperage or amperes or whatever.  Your problem is most likely in the box, where the electricity comes into the house.  It comes in at 220 and then is split in your breaker box to 110 (hence the two columns).  If there is a short in the breaker box, it is possible that 220 is getting sent out.  It would make total sense that your bulbs are popping.  That sucks about the laptop!  Don't know an electrician though, sometimes I'm just a nerd.
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  • amyliisaamyliisa
    I know an electrician, I'm FB friends with him.  Mind if I C&P your OP question and message him on FB this morning?
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  • mcurbanmcurban member

    imageAustinAggie01:
    Get geeky... yes, they have tools to test the amperage or amperes or whatever.  Your problem is most likely in the box, where the electricity comes into the house.  It comes in at 220 and then is split in your breaker box to 110 (hence the two columns).  If there is a short in the breaker box, it is possible that 220 is getting sent out.  It would make total sense that your bulbs are popping.  That sucks about the laptop!  Don't know an electrician though, sometimes I'm just a nerd.

     awesome.

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  • mcurbanmcurban member

    imageamyliisa:
    I know an electrician, I'm FB friends with him.  Mind if I C&P your OP question and message him on FB this morning?

    that'd be great. would you also ask if we are going to die an early death through fire? b/c, if so, i'll move a lot faster on getting this fixed.

     

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  • amyliisaamyliisa
    imagemcurban:

    imageamyliisa:
    I know an electrician, I'm FB friends with him.  Mind if I C&P your OP question and message him on FB this morning?

    that'd be great. would you also ask if we are going to die an early death through fire? b/c, if so, i'll move a lot faster on getting this fixed.

     

    You got it.  I'll let you know when I hear back from him.

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  • gofurr25gofurr25 member
    When this happened to us, at our apartment, it was that the fixture itself was bad. It was only a matter of time until the fixture itself blew the fuse box. It wasn't until that happened, and the fixture was fried, that we put all the pieces together. It is more likely to happen in cheap, builder standard fixtures (not saying you have cheap fixtures). An electrician can probably test all that out for you. I'm sure they would be way more helpful than the maintenance gut at the apartment complex. 
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  • amyliisaamyliisa
    Ok, here's what my electrician friend said.  Basically, call the utility provider and have them test it out for free to see if it's on their end (at the street before it enters your house).  If so, you're good to go and they have to fix it, no cost to you...

    "Hmmm, I would rule out that they didn't just buy a case of bad lamps somewhere. But assuming that's not the case, if I was her I'd call any reputable electrician and get them to check it out. My guess is that the transformer that's feeding electricity into their house is bad, and that's what is causing the lamps to pop. It should not be difficult at all to diagnose, and most electricians have those tools (all they need is an ammeter and a voltmeter).

    To save the $ of a service call, however, I would tell her to first call the electrical service provider and tell them what the deal is. If it's on their side (coming in from the street) it's their problem to fix, and their guys have the same tools that a service electrician carries. They can do the same diagnosis for free. And anything they replace won't cost her a dime.

    As far as a safety or a fire risk, it doesn't sound like an immediate danger, like go to a hotel and turn the power off kind of thing, but I wouldn't drag my feet either.

    Hope that helps!"
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