multi bulb light fixtures/light bulb failures

[RU482]

In multiple rooms in our house, we have 3 bulb light fixtures. Each one of these fixtures, in the last year, has burned out 2 of the three bulbs. Wouldn't be such a big deal, but they are designer type CF bulbs (kinda spendy)

There is also a 5 bulb light fixture in the bathroom that has gone through multiple globe type CF bulbs. Prior to buying the globe CF bulbs, we had regular incandescent bulbs, which didn't seem to last very long either. I replaced this fixture last weekend with a halogen 3 bulb fixture. Turn the light on this morning and one of them is already burned out.

Is there a reason this is occurring?

 

[BigJ]

Do you have any way to measure the line voltage?

To elaborate more on this, if you're getting a reading in excess of 120v, you may need to use 130v bulbs.

Another common cause is vibration. Do you live in an apartment? Are there kids that run around a lot above where the light fixtures are?

 

[Throckmorton]

Designer? Are they Calvin Klein bulbs?

 

[AlienCraft]

I'm assuming there are no dimmers?

 

[Aztech]

You're not mixing Wattages are you? That would do it.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Originally posted by: Aztech
You're not mixing Wattages are you? That would do it.

Wouldn't explain the incandescent bulbs blowing though, won't affect those.

 

[compnovice]

Have you noticed the bulbs flickering a lot?

 

[alfa147x]

are playing with the light switch trying to get a rave going one? Invest in strobe light...

 

[jupiter57]

Could try tightening up the "sockets". Loose connections are lamp killers.
Trip the breaker to the fixture, then gently pull up on the "hot" contact in the bottom of the socket. If that is not making good contact, it would cause heat buildup and premature lamp failure.
As for the "Neutral" ring, I don't really know of a good way to tighten them up, but maybe try to gently pry them inward slightly to ensure good contact.
This is a recurring problem lately with all the China made fixtures flooding the market.

 

[sswingle]

CFLs that are turned on and off a lot die fast.

 

[AlienCraft]

Assuming no malfunctioning dimmers and secure connections elsewhere, this is probably the best answer yet.
Bad connection = increased resistance = more heat = increased resistance= more heat = ad infinitum.

Good luck.

 

[woodie1]

As mentioned above I would suspect the electric company is providing you with more than 120V. Get bulbs that are rated for 130V.

 

[nakedfrog]

Another vote for extra voltage on your lines.

 

[Bryophyte]

We had that problem when we lived in an apartment, and checked the voltage. It was well over 120V.