Is it bad or harmful to unscrew light fixtures so that some are not always on?
#1
09-19-13, 12:02 PM
Is it bad or harmful to unscrew light fixtures so that some are not always on?
In my bathroom I have a light panel for six regular sized bulbs. Is it bad, harmful or dangerous to unscrew some so they don't make contact and turn on but some of them do? Would it be better to just remove them or is that worse to turn on a light fixture with some bulbs missing?
#2
09-19-13, 12:14 PM
Group Moderator
It would probably be better to leave the unwanted ones loose as opposed to leaving the sockets empty.
That way loose bulbs won't vibrate loose and fall.
#4
09-19-13, 12:28 PM
Group Moderator
#5
09-19-13, 12:37 PM
Cool thanks for the replies. When I moved in it had 4 (out of 6) bulbs with different shapes. I especially like one that is dim and sometimes won't turn on right away but it has a cool shape I never saw before. I plan to use 6 different bulbs, but keep some loose to save electricity and to save the bulbs to screw in when I am expecting company. And when I get burned out bulbs I will use those and then switch them when I need to.
#6
09-19-13, 01:07 PM
If you want them to last longer, remember to wash and dry your hands really well before touching one of the good light bulbs. Then pull a thin glove or a clean sock over the hand you'll be working with.
IOW, never touch a new or still-good light bulb with your bare hand. Seriously. The oils on your hand will transfer to the bulb and form a spot where heat will concentrate, which will shorten the life of the bulb.
IOW, never touch a new or still-good light bulb with your bare hand. Seriously. The oils on your hand will transfer to the bulb and form a spot where heat will concentrate, which will shorten the life of the bulb.
#7
09-19-13, 01:17 PM
Did not know about the touching thing, all I knew is that many years ago the floor lamps with the Halogen bulbs specifically said not to touch the bulb. It's good to know and I will use something to protect the bulbs. I recently had a problem with a 3 way bulb. Only one worked correctly, the other was off on the lowest setting and then stayed the same for the next two clicks. I recently bought 2 3way floor lamps and it's easier to keep both bulbs than return them.
#8
09-19-13, 01:31 PM
all I knew is that many years ago the floor lamps with the Halogen bulbs specifically said not to touch the bulb.
I recently had a problem with a 3 way bulb. Only one worked correctly, the other was off on the lowest setting and then stayed the same for the next two clicks.
#10
09-19-13, 05:26 PM
The one that is off in the first switch position and the same intensity in the second and third switch positions is partly burned out. It should be returned as defective if it came that way.
If you unscrew a bulb partway to keep it off and save energy, then if it flickers or crackles from time to time that shortens the life of the socket because there is an arc going on back there.
If you unscrew it too much then it might fall out when no one is looking.
If you unscrew a bulb partway to keep it off and save energy, then if it flickers or crackles from time to time that shortens the life of the socket because there is an arc going on back there.
If you unscrew it too much then it might fall out when no one is looking.
