When flourescent bulbs go bad

[spinbaby]

We just had one explode over the kitchen sink. Flying shards of glass, sparks, the works. Now we have to figure out what happened and how to fix it.

[Spinzonner]

1. Suicide Bulb

spreading darkness

[hobbit709]

2. Explode???

Never had one do that to me. Maybe it was made by Al Quaida

[nookiemonster]

3. They hate us for our illumination!!

Actually I think my bathroom scale might be rigged. I try to avoid it.

LOL

[demnan]

4. Don't buy that brand again

I've noticed light bulbs from some companies are really very low quality. Phillips are the worst. They don't last worth a squat. I don't know if they make florescents or not. Buy the GE bulbs if you want consistency.

[spinbaby]

5. It wasn't a regular bulb

It was one of those energy-saving flourescents. No idea what brand it was but it's been in that fixture since we put it in about five years ago.

[lpbk2713]

6. Read the label on the ballast (transformer)

And get the type of tube specified for that type ballast.

[spinbaby]

7. Ballast?

This was one of those florescent bulbs that just screws into a regular lightbulb outlet.

Actually, DH just called and said that the light fixture itself seems to have shorted out and exploded the bulb. It was from IKEA. I'll have second thoughts about ever buying a light there again.

[TrogL]

8. Replace all your bulbs from that manufacturer

It's Chinese, right?

There's been a recall.