If you’ve ever been in a situation where you can’t tell if a lightbulb is blown, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many people face.
Luckily, there are ways to determine whether or not a halogen bulb is blown. This blog post will discuss some of the easiest methods for telling if a halogen bulb is blown.
We will also provide some tips for replacing a blown bulb. So, if you’re wondering how to tell if halogen bulb is blown, keep reading!
Summary: Identifying a blown halogen bulb is crucial for maintaining proper lighting functionality. To determine if a halogen bulb is blown, first perform a visual inspection. Ensure that the power is off and the bulb has had time to cool down before handling. Look for signs of damage, such as a broken or distorted filament, blackened or discolored glass, or a compromised seal.
These signs usually indicate that the bulb is no longer functional and needs to be replaced. If the visual inspection is inconclusive, use a multimeter to test the bulb’s continuity. Set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting, and touch the probes to the bulb’s contact points. A functioning halogen bulb should display a low resistance value. If the multimeter displays a high resistance or no reading at all, the halogen bulb is likely blown and needs replacement.
How to Tell if Halogen Bulb Is Blown: 8 Signs to Look For
1. Check for Broken Filament
A broken filament is the first and most obvious sign that a halogen bulb is blown. If you see that the filament inside the bulb is broken, then the bulb is blown.
The bulb’s filament can break for several reasons, such as due to too much heat or voltage. It may also cause the surge protector to trip.
2. Blackened or Discolored bulb
Another sign that a halogen bulb is blown is if the bulb is blackened or discolored. This is usually due to the filament burning out.
When the filament burns out, it can cause the bulb’s glass to turn black. Check if the glass of the bulb is blackened or discolored. If it is, then the bulb is most likely blown.
3. No Light Output
If the halogen bulb does not produce any light, it is definitely blown. This is the most common sign that a halogen bulb is blown.
On the other hand, if the bulb is not lit, it is either due to a broken filament or not receiving any power. When this happens, simply replacing the bulb should fix the problem.
4. Flickering Light
If the light from the halogen bulb is flickering, then it could be a sign that the bulb is about to blow. The filament inside the bulb can become loose over time and cause the light to flicker.
If you notice that the light from the bulb is flickering, then you should replace the bulb as soon as possible. Make sure the flickering is not due to any other problem, such as a loose wire connection.
5. Dim Light Output
If the light output from the halogen bulb is dim, it is another sign that the bulb is blown. A dim light usually indicates that the filament inside the bulb is not getting enough power.
This can happen if the voltage supplied to the bulb is too low. Simply replacing the bulb should fix the problem.
6. Loud Popping Noise
If you hear a loud popping noise coming from the halogen bulb, then it is a sign that the bulb is blown. The loud popping noise is usually due to the filament inside the bulb exploding.
When this happens, the glass of the bulb can also break. However, it may also happen that the bulb’s glass breaks first, and then the filament explodes. Either way, if you hear a loud popping noise from the halogen bulb, it is definitely blown.
7. Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell coming from the halogen bulb, it is another sign that the bulb is blown. The burning smell is caused by the electricity arcing inside the bulb.
This can happen if the filament is not properly seated in the bulb or if there is a break in the filament. Make sure that, if you notice this sign, you replace the bulb as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
8. Multimeter Showing Infinite Output
If you have a multimeter showing an infinite output, then the halogen bulb is most likely blown. This is because when the filament inside the bulb breaks, it can cause the electricity to arc inside the bulb.
This will cause the multimeter to show an infinite output. If the light bulb was ok, it would show the resistor value in ohms. It would show a 150-200 ohms measurement for a 12 volt, 55-watt halogen bulb. However, if the multimeter shows an infinite output, the bulb is blown.
10 Common Reasons That Causes Halogen Bulb to Burn Out
Now that you know how to tell if the halogen bulb is blown, here we have discussed the most common reasons that cause your halogen bulb to burn out. Knowing this will help you take preventive measures to prevent your bulb from burning out prematurely.
1. High Voltage Output
One of the most common reasons that cause halogen bulbs to burn out is high voltage output.
When the voltage supplied to the bulb is too high, it can cause the filament inside the bulb to burn out. Make sure that you are using the correct voltage input for the bulb.
2. Excessive Current
Another common reason for halogen bulbs to burn out is excessive current. When too much current flows through the bulb, it causes the filament to get hotter and eventually burn out.
Make sure that you are using the correct, current rating for the bulb. Also, check your wiring to ensure no excessive current is flowing through the bulb.
3. Using the Wrong Bulb Wattage
If you are using a bulb with too high wattage, it will run too hot and may cause the filament to break.
The correct wattage for your fixture can be found inside the lamp cover or in the product manual. Check if the wattage of the new bulb is the same as the old one.
4. Improper Handling
Halogen bulbs are delicate and can be easily damaged. Make sure to handle them with care. Avoid touching the glass part of the bulb with your fingers as the oil from your skin can cause it to overheat and break. Also, avoid dropping or bumping the bulb as this can damage the filament.
5. Excessive Vibration
Halogen bulbs are designed to withstand a certain amount of vibration, but too much vibration can cause the filament to break.
Ensure that the bulb is screwed in snugly and that there is no loose wiring that could cause the bulb to vibrate excessively. Also, make sure your ceiling fans and other appliances are properly balanced and not wobbling.
6. Frequent On/Off Cycling
If you often turn your halogen lights on and off, it can shorten their lifespan. Halogen bulbs last longest when they are left on for extended periods. So if you need to turn them off frequently, try using a dimmer switch to prolong their life.
If you don’t have a dimmer switch, you can try using a regular light switch, but turn the lights off slowly to avoid shocking the filament.
7. Poor Quality Filament
If the filament in your halogen bulb is of poor quality, it will likely blow out faster than a bulb with a high-quality filament.
Make sure to buy your bulbs from a reputable source or brand to get a high-quality product. A reputable brand will have a lower defect rate than an unknown or off-brand one.
8. Incompatible Dimmer Switch
If you are using a dimmer switch with your halogen bulbs, make sure it is compatible with them. Some dimmer switches are not meant to be used with halogen bulbs and can cause the bulbs to overheat and burn out.
Check the product manual or packaging to ensure that your dimmer switch is compatible with your bulbs.
9. Loose Wiring
If there is loose wiring in your fixture, it can cause the bulb to overheat and burn out. Check all the connections in your fixture and tighten any loose screws.
You also need to make sure that the wire is the correct size for the bulb. A too-small wire can cause excessive current, which will overheat and burn out the bulb.
10. Using Bulb With Unsupported Fixtures
If you are using a bulb with an unsupported fixture, it can cause the bulb to overheat and burn out.
Likewise, when you use a light bulb with incompatible fixtures that will have higher or lower wattage that isn’t recommended for the specific fixture, it will overheat the bulb and cause it to burn out.
So to make sure your bulb has a long lifespan, check the wattage before you buy and use it with the fixtures.
Few Helpful Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Halogen Light Bulb
1. To ensure your light bulb has a long lifespan, invest in high-quality light bulbs. A high-quality light bulb will have a lower defect rate and last longer than an unknown or off-brand one.
2. Be sure to follow the proper wattage for your light fixture. Overloading a fixture with too high of wattage can cause heat build-up and shorten the lifespan of your light bulb.
3. Once you have found the perfect light bulb for your needs, take extra care of it. Gently screw in and out the light bulb to avoid breakage. Do not touch the light bulb’s glass with your fingers, as the natural oils from your skin can shorten the light bulb’s lifespan.
4. If you need to move or adjust a halogen light bulb, first turn off the power to avoid getting burned. The heat generated by a halogen light bulb can cause serious burns.
5. Make sure there is no excessive vibration coming around the light bulb. Too much vibration can cause the filament inside the light bulb to break, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the light bulb.
6. Check if your bulb is getting enough ventilation. A lack of ventilation can cause heat build-up around the light bulb, which can shorten its lifespan.
7. If you notice your light bulb is flickering, this could be a sign that it is about to fail. A loose connection can also cause flickering, so make sure to check all connections before replacing the light bulb.
8. Always try to keep your halogen bulb clean. Dust and dirt can build up on the glass of the light bulb, which can cause it to overheat and fail prematurely.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Halogen Bulb?
The average lifespan of a halogen bulb is around 2,000 hours. However, this can vary depending on the bulb’s brand, type, and quality. Some bulbs may last longer, while others may only last for a few hundred hours.
If you want your bulbs to last as long as possible, make sure to buy from a reputable brand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.
Look for signs of blackening or soot on the glass to tell if a halogen bulb is blown. This is a sure sign that the bulb has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Another way to tell if a bulb is blown is by checking the filament.
If the filament is broken or missing, the bulb must be replaced. Finally, if the bulb is not lighting up at all, it is probably blown and needs to be replaced.
Is the Halogen Bulb long-lasting?
Halogen bulbs are becoming increasingly popular as long-lasting and energy-efficient lighting solutions. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs last much longer and use less energy when turned on. This means that they can be used for years without needing to be replaced, saving you time and money in the long run.
Additionally, their light output is brighter and more natural than other types of lighting, which makes them ideal for task lighting or accent lighting in any home or office space. Their versatility makes them a great option for illuminating any space, from professional offices to cozy family rooms.
What to Look For When Buying a Halogen Bulb?
When buying a halogen bulb, make sure to buy from a reputable source or brand. A reputable brand will have a lower defect rate than an unknown or off-brand one.
Also, check the wattage before you buy and use it with the fixtures. Using a bulb with an unsupported fixture can cause the bulb to overheat and burn out prematurely.
So make sure you have checked the wattage of your light fixture and compare it to the wattage of the bulb. When buying a halogen light bulb, check for a CE or UL certificate. These quality assurance marks tell you the product has been tested for safety.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to tell if halogen bulb is blown, you can confidently determine whether it needs to be replaced.
For example, if the light doesn’t seem as bright as it once did or if it flickers when you turn it on, there’s a good chance the bulb has blown and will need to be replaced.
Be sure to keep an eye on your home’s lighting and replace any bulbs that have gone out so you can continue enjoying bright, cheerful spaces.
Always try to read the product’s manual to ensure you are using it correctly and safely. If you have any other questions about your halogen bulbs, please reach out to us for assistance. Thanks for reading!
Read Also:
1. Complete Guide for Removing a Halogen Bulb That Is Stuck
2. 8 Easy Steps to Change a Double-Ended Halogen Bulb