Question Have a problem with outside garage light pair, standard builders’ grade fixtures from Lowes: Both lights are on the same circuit; insides are dry; bases, at the wall attachment points, are properly caulked and sealed. The right light, on the corner of the garage, is the more exposed to the weather, while the left is more sheltered. After four years on the same fluorescent bulbs without a problem the left bulb burned out.
I replaced with a new fluorescent light, and it was burned out the next morning; the old fluorescent in the right fixture remained good. Checked to insure that grounding for both lights was good. Replaced both lights with incandescent 60 watts, 120v; left burned out the next morning. Replaced both with 40 watt, 130v, appliance bulbs; left bulb lasted just over a week before it, too was burned out. In each case, the left has burned out but the right has remained good. There is no evidence of power surge, and in any case, the right light remains reliable.
I’m stumped!
Answer Mike,
This is an old trick that sometimes works. We usually do not reveal it because it is dangerous if you do not turn off the power at the circuit breaker. So, if you promise to turn off the power at the circuit breaker I will tell you.
With the power off!!, remove the light bulb and see if the center tab inside the light socket has been pushed back and barely makes contact with the bulb. Also look to see if it is burnt colored or pitted.
If it has been pushed back (over tightening of the bulb causes this) you can reach in and GENTLY pull it out a little. AGAIN, power must be off at the circuit breaker before doing this.
If it is pitted then the socket needs to be replaced.
When you screw in a light bulb it is prudent to do so with the light switch on so you know when to quit tightening the bulb. It is common for people to screw the bulb in as tight as they can with the switch off. This pushes that tab backwards and if you had a bulb that was over soldered a bit it will push it further than perhaps the next bulb.
That is the most common problem. The other thing to look for is perhaps you have a loose wire in the fixture that is causing a higher amp draw and burning the light out.
