Twenty years ago I bought a touch lamp made in China. It has a simple glass shade and 3 bulbs. The other day one of the bulbs went out. What went wrong?
Edison, Swan and a number of early light bulb makers, got together and deliberately engineered light bulbs to have a limited life, so that they could sell more. If however you can find one of the very early, and rare, bulbs, made before the cartel was formed, it may have a possible life measured in centuries.
The world's longest-lasting light bulb is the Centennial Light located at 4550 East Avenue, Livermore, California. It is maintained by the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department. The fire department claims that the bulb is at least 121 years old (installed in 1901) and has only been turned off a handful of times.
What I did find today at Dollar Tree is a 3 pack of bulbs rated 7 watt for $1.25. The likely replacement though is a 15 watt bulb at Walmart and it is a 2 pack for $3.00. None of these bulbs even look the same so I will change all 3 of the bulbs.
@Betty long ago, I once heard that turning bulbs on and off actually shortens their "lifespan." I have no idea if there were/is any merit to this idea.
I've heard the same thing. I believe they attribute the long-lasting Centennial Light's lifespan to that same principle. I think it has merit.
@Betty there have been times when I turn on the light and the bulb "snapped" and went out. I assume that is the same as touching it one too many times.
Planned obsolescence--it is "built" into everything we buy.
@Gwen_Wanderer And is responsible for so much of the garbage we throw in the landfills.