Exploding Bulbs

[nailit]

Just got back home and switched my lamps on. One of them nearly exploded in my face, (grrrr).
Why do some light bulbs explode? (perhaps should have posted in science or some other catagory but never mind)
Also, do the newish energy saving lightbulbs ever explode?
Just curious here, thanks.

[Hopkirk]

I haven't heard of a low energy bulb exploding, but I have heard that if you break one you should open the windows and leave the room.

They contain toxic mercury.

[queenofmean]

No idea why but I managed to explode one once, Nungate wasn't impressed as the stalk got stuck in the fitting and I chipped the newish bathroom sink. Hope you are ok after the incident and that someone can better answer your question

[nailit]

^^blimey, thats worrying

[nailit]

That was to hopkirk

[queenofmean]

Lol I know you meant hopkirk, was worrying too telling Nungate what happened hehe

[nailit]

q of m
got the stalk stuck in this one. Will try the pliers approach to get it out

[Hopkirk]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-506347/An-energy-saving-bulb-gone--evacuate-room-now.html

[queenofmean]

Oops, just be careful and make sure the electricity is off before you do, don't want you having anything nasty happen. Good luck :)

[retrocop]

If incandescent old type cheap import candle bulbs placed up side dowi in a bulb holder boy do they pop when they blow.Excessive heat when inverted I believe.

[Buenchico]

In an attempt to gain AB's 'Pedant of the Month' award, I'll point out that (due to the near-vacuum inside them) light bulbs actually implode (rather than explode).

Possible causes:
http://www.ehow.co.uk/how-does_5558687_causes-light-bulbs-explode.html

It seems that energy-saving bulbs can also explode/implode. e.g:
http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=253551.0
and
https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090227094744AASDiP8

[Hopkirk]

Another reason to switch to LEDs

[jomifl]

Nailit fer chrisake make sur the power is off and use electrial (insulated) pliers.

Also if you can do it in daylight.

[nailit]

//just be careful and make sure the electricity is off before you do, //
If it wasnt for the occasional electric shock, I wouldnt have a sex life ;-)

[retrocop]

Apparently no probs with inverted Halogen or LED apart from silly money.

[Tilly2]

Did it actually explode, with glass shattering everywhere, Nailit?

[nailit]

Blimey, so many replies in so short of time. Thanks all.
Tilly, The 'bulb' part actually just popped of, leaving the stem in the lamp, so perhaps not so much of an explosian as a lift off.

[FoxLee2]

One tip I once read for removing part of a broken lightbulb, was to cut a potato in half and press the cut side into the remains and pull out.

[nailit]

^^cool tip Fox