Light bulbs blow

[dtroughton]

Our light bulbs blow with monotonous regularity. I recently tested the voltage of our supply and it is 250V (just within the 230V +10% - 6% limits). I'm sure this means that many of our appliances rated at 230V are using more electricity and costing us more to run. Is there a way to regulate the supply voltage back to 230V.

[woodchopper]

Are you buying the cheaest bulbs around ?
If so not a good Idea - candle lamps are renowned for not lasting any length of time and the cheapest bulbs from the local supermarket are the same.

[EDLEE]

The old saying -- You get what you pay for -- only seems to hold true if you are lucky. They do sell " long life " and " service" light bulbs for a slight premium. They may be your answer if the price suits you. They are simply manufactured with a slightly thicker filament.

[buildersmate]

As you correctly say, under the Electricity Supply Regulations the utility companies must maintain your supply at 230V, +10%, -6%. If your supply is outside these limits you have the right to have it tested by them and they must sort it out for you. Such problems are not common but they do happen. Talk to the electricity distribution company for the area where you live (NOT your supplier, as not often the same thing these days).

[Nickynoodles]

You are all so right!!!

We moved house last year and the bulbs "pop" for a pastime, I thought there was something wrong with the house till I changed the bulbs I was using - not one has gone since!!!!

[dtroughton]

We use all sorts of bulbs they all seem to go quickly. I read somthing recently that said by reducing the supply voltage of a bulb by 5% reduced light output by 20% and doubled its life expectancy. I am feeding my bulbs with 20V - 9% higher voltage than they are rated at. This will reduce the expectancy of any buld significantly. Unfortunatly I don't think I have a case with the electricity company because the supply is within limits. Unfortunatly the limits are extra wide to allow the companies not to have to make changes when the supply was changed from 240 to 230V.