Outdoor lighting is essential for safety, security, and ambiance, but it can be frustrating when bulbs continually burn out. There are several potential causes for outdoor lights malfunctioning, from environmental factors to issues with the fixtures themselves. This article explores the common reasons outdoor lights fail prematurely and provides tips to help prevent continual bulb burnouts.
Environmental Causes of Frequent Outdoor Light Burnouts
The outdoor environment is harsh on lighting fixtures and bulbs. Here are some of the most common environmental factors that can lead to premature light burnout:
Weather Exposure
- Moisture – Rain, snow, and humidity can corrode light sockets and connections. Water can cause electrical shorts and damage filaments. Using weather-sealed fixtures can help protect bulbs.
- Temperature Extremes – Heat causes expansion and cold leads to contraction, putting stress on bulbs. Ensure bulbs match fixture ratings for high/low temps.
- Wind – Strong winds can vibrate bulbs, leading to premature filament failure. Using shielded fixtures helps protect lighting.
- Salt Air – For coastal areas, salt spray corrodes bulbs and conductors, shortening lifespan. Use fixtures designed to withstand salt air.
- Pollution/Dirt – Dirty bulbs run hotter, shortening life. Clean bulbs and fixtures regularly to remove dirt buildup.
- UV Rays – Sunlight damages finishes, gaskets, and plastic components over time. Use UV-resistant fixtures.
Power Surges
- Surges from lightning strikes or faulty wiring cause voltage spikes that can burn out bulbs. Install surge suppressors to protect lighting circuits.
Wildlife Activity
- Rodents and birds can chew through wiring insulation, causing shorts and voltage issues. Use wire protectors and avoid nesting spots in fixtures.
Problems with Lighting Fixtures Causing Burnouts
Along with environmental factors, issues with lighting fixtures themselves often lead to premature bulb burnouts.
Fixture Malfunctions
- Faulty Sockets – Corroded or damaged sockets can cause voltage variability and electrical shorts. Repair/replace damaged sockets.
- Wiring Problems – Loose connections, undersized wiring, and deteriorated insulation stress bulbs. Inspect and repair wiring issues.
- Corrosion – Salt air, humidity, and pollution create corrosion on contacts. Use corrosion-resistant fixtures near water.
- Excessive Heat – Fixtures with poor ventilation cause overheating, shortening bulb life. Improve airflow around fixtures.
- Component Failure – Defective ballasts, photocells, and timers can overload bulbs. Replace defective parts.
Incompatible Components
- Wrong bulb type (ie. incandescent vs LED) for the fixture, socket, voltage, or wiring can lead to premature failure. Verify proper bulb compatibility.
- Mismatching bulbs and dimmers frequently causes flickering and burnout. Use compatible dimmable bulbs.
- Overpowered bulbs put excessive heat and strain on fixtures, shortening lifespan. Do not exceed fixture wattage ratings.
Preventing Frequent Burnouts of Outdoor Lights
Taking steps to protect bulbs from environmental factors and ensuring fixture compatibility will help prevent continual outdoor lighting burnouts.
Choose Durable Bulbs and Fixtures
- Select bulbs rated for exterior use – look for waterproof, UV-resistant, and extreme temperature ratings.
- LED and halogen bulbs generally last longer than traditional incandescents in outdoor use.
- Invest in quality, sealed outdoor-rated fixtures to protect against moisture and corrosion.
Install and Position Strategically
- Place fixtures under eaves and shielded locations when possible. Avoid exposing lights directly to weather elements.
- For post/pole lights, choose fixtures with side panels to provide some shielding from wind and moisture.
- Ensure wiring is properly rated for outdoor use and make robust, weatherproof connections.
Maintain Lights Regularly
- Clean bulbs and fixtures regularly to remove dirt and insect buildup which can cause overheating.
- Periodically inspect units for any damage, corrosion, cracked gaskets, etc. and repair/seal fixtures as needed.
- Check for loose connections, frayed wires, signs of corrosion and repair wiring issues promptly.
Use Surge Protection
- Install surge suppressors or lightning arrestors to protect lighting circuits from power spikes.
- For locations prone to brownouts, incorporate voltage regulation devices.
Deter Pest Damage
- Seal any holes or entry points on fixtures to prevent insect nests or rodent damage.
- Place meshguards over ventilation openings and drain holes.
- Apply chemical pest deterrents around post and pole bases to discourage chewing.
Troubleshooting Outdoor Light Problems
When outdoor lights start burning out frequently, some systematic troubleshooting can help identify causes.
Inspect All Components
- Check for problems with bulbs, sockets, wiring, ballasts, sensors and other fixture parts that could cause issues.
- Look for corrosion, damage, cracks, or signs of overheating and repair or replace defective parts.
- Ensure moisture seals and gaskets are intact. Replace if they are dried, cracked or missing.
- Verify bulbs are correct types and wattages for the fixtures and fixtures are compatible with bulbs.
Consider Environmental Factors
- Have any changes possibly impacted lighting? New trees shading fixtures, construction kicking up dirt, additional pollution, etc.?
- Has weather been more extreme lately with high winds, heavy rain/snow, intense heat/cold cycles?
- Are lights located in a coastal area or other challenging environment? Salt air? Heavy insect issues?
Evaluate Electrical Issues
- With the power off, check wiring for fraying, loose connections, corrosion, or signs of overheating.
- Verify proper voltage to fixtures and if lights dimming or flickering when turned on.
- Note if failures more frequent in certain locations (suggesting a circuit or surge issue).
- Install a DMM or clamp meter to monitor for anomalies in voltage or amperage.
Document Light Performance
- Note specific burnout details – which bulb, socket, fixture, exact failure time and date, on/off cycles, etc.
- Look for any patterns suggesting an underlying cause such as surges, specific fixtures involved, temporal factors.
- Keeping detailed lighting logs helps identify issues and troubleshoot properly.
FAQs About Frequent Burnouts of Outdoor Lighting
What causes outdoor light bulbs to burn out so quickly?
Frequent burnouts are usually due to environmental exposure, fixture problems, electrical issues, or defective/incompatible components. Moisture, corrosion, power surges, wiring faults, and overheating are common specific causes.
How can I make my outdoor lights last longer?
Using durable, weather-resistant bulbs and fixtures designed for outdoor use will help lights last. Proper positioning away from harsh elements also extends life. Maintain fixtures, inspect wiring, and install surge protectors.
Why do my outdoor LED lights fail so fast?
While generally durable, LEDs can still fail prematurely if under-rated for conditions or affected by moisture, surges, overheating, voltage variances, or defective parts. Ensure LED compatibility and protect from elements.
What is the longest lasting outdoor light bulb?
LED bulbs are the longest lasting option, with life spans around 25,000-50,000 hours under optimal conditions. Halogens also last approximately 2-3 times longer than incandescents. But any bulb can have reduced life from environmental stresses.
How can I identify the cause of frequent outdoor lighting failures?
Inspect all fixture components for issues. Check for patterns related to specific lights, weather, times of day. Monitor voltage. Detailed logging of performance helps troubleshoot properly. Consider environmental and electrical factors.
How often should outdoor light bulbs be replaced?
Light manufacturers provide average bulb life expectancies, but outdoor bulbs generally need replacement every 1-2 years. Extreme weather, voltage variances, burn cycles/hours used, and buildup of dirt/debris also impact lifespan.
Conclusion
Premature failure of outdoor lighting is often due to a combination of natural elements, power issues, fixture problems, and defective or incompatible components. Moisture, corrosion, heat/cold extremes, power surges, wildlife damage, and poorly ventilated fixtures are all common culprits of reduced bulb lifespan. By choosing durable, weather-appropriate lighting designed specifically for outdoor use, installing units properly, performing regular maintenance, and taking steps to protect from power fluctuations and pests, you can minimize continual burnouts and keep outdoor areas safely and beautifully illuminated. Proactively addressing any fixture or wiring issues at the first sign of problems will also help curtail untimely light failures.