Light bulbs popping

[chucklechops]

Simple question. Would overloading a circuit cause light bulbs to keep popping? The previous owner has put 9 ceiling spots in the bathroom and landing but we've found that if you put more than about 6 40-watt bulbs in they'll start to pop seemingly at random. The circuit's on a 5a fuse.

(I don't intend to do anything other than replace the existing bulbs with lower wattage ones if this is the likely source of the problem.)

TIA.

 

[Damocles]

No.

If you have 100 bulbs, then it is 100x more likely that one will pop today than if you only have 1??

Maybe. Are the lights halogen and noticeably dimmer if lots are inserted? Halogens apparently pop quicker if they are run at a lower voltage. If they are mains voltage lamps, this should not be relevant. Might be if they are low voltage with several on one transformer. Could have been designed for 40W and someone has inserted 60s (or whatever).

Ordinary bulbs should last longer at lower voltage.

 

[chucklechops]

If you have 100 bulbs, then it is 100x more likely that one will pop today than if you only have 1??

Astute observation.

Sorry should have been clearer. Brand new bulbs are popping a few hours or days after they've gone in.

Are the lights halogen and noticeably dimmer if lots are inserted?

No they are the ordinary (incandescent?) type. There's no flickering, dimming or any other untoward behaviour. Basically, put too many bulbs in and a few will randomly pop.

Cheers.