10 bulbs blown in 2 weeks - whats happening

[ashtons99]

Ten or more bulbs have blown in the house in this short time, everything from the microwave, cooker hood, picture light, 4 halogen downlighters and 2 conventional light bulbs.

It is happening on turn on, flick the switch and bang, the RCD trips, when reset I find another bulb blown.

Can anyone help before I call out someone although I feel this inevitable

 

[Steve]

the rcd trips? I'd expect the MCB protecting that single circuit to trip, but not an RCD. The lighting circuit isn't normally on an RCD.

 

[breezer]

not if he doesnt have split load

 

[ashtons99]

Yes sorry, my acronym error......its the MCB which trips

 

[bernardgreen]

Ten or more bulbs have blown in the house in this short time, everything from the microwave, cooker hood, picture light, 4 halogen downlighters and 2 conventional light bulbs.

It is happening on turn on, flick the switch and bang, the RCD trips, when reset I find another bulb blown.

Can anyone help before I call out someone although I feel this inevitable

Sounds like the incoming supply may be significantly over voltage. Only option is to get it checked. Ask the supply company to provide a voltage logger to prove their supply is OK.

Is there a particular time of day when this happens ? An industrial user on the same HV route shutting down equipment may cause the voltage on that HV route to rise before sub station tap changers compensate. (if they have them)

Bernard
Sharnbrook

 

[JohnD]

Incidentally, if you fit CFLs (those energy-saving bulbs) they are more resisitant to voltage fluctuations, and do not trip MCBs when they fail.

Another cause of filament bulbs failing early is a poor connection giving a slight flicker.

 

[plugwash]

Another cause of filament bulbs failing early is a poor connection giving a slight flicker.

or old lightswitches...........

 

[Pensdown]

.....or cheap lamps

And in my experience lamps are the opposite to buses, they always go together

 

[securespark]

Can I put my Osram hat on again? Can I? Can I?


For those who don't know, me and Osram go together like John & RCBO's....