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The lighting fixtures in 3 rooms blew out within 2 days, what is the problem?

My landlord goes awol when these thing happen. I know that it's probably a simple fix and just want to do it myself. Any suggestions? We've tried new light bulbs and flipping the breakers, neither worked. In fact, this has happened in every room I have.. but I don't know what the maintenance guy did to fix it.

Public Comments

  1. hi ms. trees... how old are the fictures... do they dim at all when you turn on two or more ... if they are new..were they installed correctly... an old ckt breaker will weaken over time and trip easely.. chances are there is a deffinate short in your ckt... also check your light switches on the wall to see if there are any ''loose'' connections ..that will cause it also... make sure you have proper voltage going into your lights and/or switches..should be around 110/120v..if so then turn on a light or two and if the voltage drops then you have a short..
  2. had the same prob in toilet and put energy saving bulb in and hasn,t blew in 6 months
  3. One of the problems when a regular light bulb blew out is because the voltage is to high. The regular bulbs are designed for 120 volts. The problem can come from the transformer from the utility company or if the transformer is close to your house. You may call your utility company and 2 things may happen: 1) They will say that there is no problem because they will probably went when the demand was higher so the voltage will drop to a normal range, (ie 110 - 120 volts). 2) They may find a problem with the transformer adjustment. Another problem with regular bulbs is that they use a filament that gets hot and they are very susceptible to vibrations, like vibration from somebody walking upstairs. Try replacing does bulbs with CFC bulbs (the fluorescent bulbs that you screw and usually have an spiral shape) You can also try to find 130 volts regular bulbs if the high voltage is the problem. To know if you have high voltage, you can buy an inexpensive digital multimeter. (follow the instructions if you don't know how to use it). Be sure that the multimeter is set to read AC VOLTS. Carefully insert the multimeter cables (leads) in a wall receptacle and check the voltage. If the reading is within the normal range, re-check after 10:00 pm when the electric demand starts to drop and the voltage starts to raise.
  4. Hard to give a quick answer but I'll try. Seems like your service may be undersized (60 or 100amps) and you need to upgrade to 200amps. Also could have incorrect breakers (20A where a 15A should be). Basically it seems like the fixtures are receiving too much current and "blowing out". Best to have an electrician look it over and make repairs. if your landlord is AWOL then deduct the $$ from your rent! Mosts states have tennants right laws that will protect you if you repair safety issues (and this may be one) and bill your LL - as long as its "reasonable".
  5. Cheap bulbs? Or call the landlord. Do not do your own electric work.