Bulb problems

[Aobaybay]

I have a question about my HPS bulb.. i just recievied it in the mall today and went to turn it on to make sure it worked and everything was fine until i went to unscrew it and it made a pop noise then started to smoke the light stayed on and seems like it still works but there is a little piece moving around inside then bulb its self..... Any suggestions on what happen ???

Aobaybay Reviewed by Aobaybay on 09-11-2010. Bulb problems I have a question about my HPS bulb.. i just recievied it in the mall today and went to turn it on to make sure it worked and everything was fine until i went to unscrew it and it made a pop noise then started to smoke the light stayed on and seems like it still works but there is a little piece moving around inside then bulb its self..... Any suggestions on what happen ??? Rating: 5

[Dutch Pimp]

don't unscrew a HID light bulb...when the power is on....:wtf:

[oldmac]

.....or when it's too hot.

[gypski]

don't unscrew a HID light bulb...when the power is on....:wtf:

Yep, looks like you need a new bulb.

[McLuvin]

It very well could have needed to cool before you moved it. But, depending on where you got it, most bulbs come with a warranty. You may want to see if you can get it replaced.

Good Luck imp:

[Dutch Pimp]

.....or when it's too hot.

Hi ...oldmac...:thumbsup:

Since we're talking HID light bulb rules:

1. power off...let it cool for 20-30 minutes...bulb should be cold

2. don't get your fingerprints on the glass bulb...wrap it a paper towel

3. some bulbs can be fussy about being in real tight...but, don't use a pipe wrench......the fault lies with the base...not the bulb

...everybody feel free to add more rules!

[Prodaytrader]

I dont see why this wont work, but I used to use silicone grease, very very lightly around the shaft (ohhh ya) to lube (getting worse) the metal base on the bulb of 110 volt incandescent bulbs. Old man taught me that long ago, but haven't used that trick in a while as it seems as the newer bulbs have less of an issue with this. I can easily see how the HPS bulbs would continue to suffer from this issue though. I concur with the tightening of the bulb...dont screw it in tight...it doesn't need to be that tight.

HPS bulbs have a tendency to rattle a bit as there are long wires in there that tend to bounce around. You sure that's not what your hearing? To the best of my knowledge, a HPS bulb doesn't necessarily indicate it's bad just because of the sound it makes. I say if it's getting hot and light is pouring out then your probably ok. Not sure what to say about the smoke and pop though. I'd think the bulb would either work or not work. It's not like a Xenon HID bulb where different parts can fail. It either all works or doesn't at least that's the way I see it.

[Ocotillo]

If I had to guess, it sounds like the "outer vacuum" jacket of the bulb cracked inside the base. Did the bulb "hiss" after the noise? Was the smoke inside the bulb?

I've intentionally busted some old bulbs just for fun. You would notice the inner "tube" is the actual bulb and the outer glass of the bulb is just a jacket. That outer bulb seems to either be under vacuum and/or charged with an inert gas. You could break away that outer bulb and the inner "tube" would still work although it would be very hot and exposed to the atmosphere. I don't know if they do this so the inner bulb won't burst or burn out prolly?

I can say I would not risk using a bulb that could possibly explode or leak some possible mercury vapors. I'd buy a new bulb(s) and return this one.