Globe shelf life

The reasons why a lamp may not be working can be varied. The most common cause is the use of poor replacement globes. Like all components, globes have a set life span and will need to be replaced. When one globe does go, replace both because they will have the same life span and the other one will probably fail soon after the first. Also use quality globes, which are normally available from an auto-electrician and will last longer. Heat can be a problem affecting globe life. Globes heat up quite quickly when in use, and can fail if there's not enough air flow around them to dissipate the heat. It's a particular problem with high-mount stop lights which are often contained within small, tightly sealed housings with little cooling air flow. Added to which it is not uncommon for owners to fit incorrect globes, usually globes of too high a wattage, and these can overheat more easily in the stop-light environment, sometimes to the point of melting the socket. Water is another cause if there's a poor seal around the lamp.