
Which brand of light bulb lasts the longest?
Philips X-Treme Vision These are the brightest, whitest, and longest lasting (for a high performance bulb) as I’ve found to-date. Notice that there is almost no film or coating on the glass of the bulb. That allows for the maximum amount of light to escape.
What do light bulbs last the longest?
The life expectancy of each bulb should be listed on the back of its packaging, and is normally based on three or four hours of daily use. LEDs usually have the longest lifespan, often lasting over a decade. Mostly, they are several times better than incandescent bulbs and most fluorescent bulbs.
Which led light bulbs last the longest?
Which LED bulbs last the longest? Our top pick for LEDs goes to the Philips 10W Frosted LED Light Bulb (view on Amazon) which is available in two colors and is said to have a lifespan of 10+ years. If budget is a concern, the Philips 60W Equivalent 2700K 2-Pack A19 LED Light Bulb (view on Home Depot) is a great choice.
Is a light bulb hotter than the Sun?
The sun is much more massive than a light bulb, so there's a lot more heat coming out of it. Lightning is hotter than the sun, 30,000 kelvins vs 6,000 kelvins, but it's not as massive and it only lasts a short time so it won't burn you unless you're pretty close.

What is the longest working light bulb?
The Centennial LightThe Centennial Light is the world's longest-lasting light bulb, burning since 1901, and almost never turned off. It is located at 4550 East Avenue, Livermore, California, and maintained by the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department.
How is the centennial bulb still burning?
Then in 1976, it was moved to another fire station in Livermore. A battery backup system was installed and the bulb was placed in a high area of safe keeping, so it could continue to burn uninterrupted... should the power go out. The Livermore lightbulb became the Centennial Lightbulb in 2001.
What lights last the longest?
LEDs are the longest-lasting light bulbs, lasting for years longer than their counterparts, with lifespans of up to 50,000 hours. They come in a variety of styles, shades, and shapes, making them the ideal energy-efficient and enduring option.
Can a light bulb last 100 years?
The Lightbulb Cartel Today, the average incandescent bulb lasts about 1,500 hours; even top-of-the-line LED bulbs, at $25 each, last 30,000 hours. Regardless of the Centennial Bulb's secret formula, it has burned for 113 years — nearly 1 million hours.
Is the firehouse light bulb still burning?
The Bulb is Still Alive! After being Off for over 10 hours on the morning of May 20, 2013, Retired Asst. Chief Tom Bramell called the Station Captain and bypassed the UPS generator, and it Worked!
Are 3 way bulbs being phased out?
Note: U.S. production will stop for 3-way and globe-shaped standard incandescent bulbs within the next three years, but they may still be on shelves in stores. Until inventory is depleted, consumers will still be able to buy these bulbs.
Who makes the longest lasting light bulb?
6 in Livermore, California, is the home to the Centennial Light Bulb, which holds the Guinness World Record of being the longest-lighting bulb in the world. It has been continuously burning since 1901. This hand-blown light bulb with a carbon filament was manufactured by Shelby Electric Co.
Do LEDs really last 50000 hours?
While incandescent light bulbs were built to last around 1,000 hours, the most enduring LED light fixtures have been tested to last as long as 100,000 hours. On average LED light bulbs will not have to be changed for at least 20 years.
Can you make a lightbulb that lasts forever?
Given the amount of money you are likely to spend on replacing spent lightbulbs every year, you might be wondering if there are any that could, theoretically, last nearly forever. As it turns out, there actually is. Called the Centennial Light, this is the world's longest-lasting lightbulb.
How long did Thomas Edison's light bulb last?
1,200 hoursThey continued to experiment with the filament until settling on one made from bamboo that gave Edison's lamps a lifetime of up to 1,200 hours -- this filament became the standard for the Edison bulb for the next 10 years.
Why do LED light bulbs not last?
The most common reasons for LED blowing out are high voltage, bad contacts, use of incompatible dimmer switch, or recessed lighting. Other causes include overheating due to not using the right fixtures, or simply a bad batch of lightbulbs!
Why do LED bulbs last so long?
Because LEDs are as much as 90% more effective than incandescent light bulbs, they have a much longer lifespan. This is because they have no working parts that will burn out or break over time. An average LED light is a very robust piece of kit.
Why does the centennial light bulb last so long?
The "Centennial Bulb," on the other hand, has a filament made of carbon, which is far stronger than tungsten, as it runs continuously at a much lower wattage than your average incandescent bulb.
What is the Centennial Bulb made of?
carbon filamentThe Centennial Bulb has a carbon filament in a vacuum bulb. It was made by the Shelby electric company in the late 1890s. The glass bulb appears to be a little dark with a red filament (low temperature) glowing inside. It was originally labeled a 60 Watt bulb.
How old is centennial light bulb?
117 years oldThe fire department says that the Centennial Light Bulb is at least 117 years old, and it has been turned off only a handful of times. You can see this incredible feat of electrical engineering in The Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and even General Electric.
How long did Thomas Edison's light bulb last?
1,200 hoursThey continued to experiment with the filament until settling on one made from bamboo that gave Edison's lamps a lifetime of up to 1,200 hours -- this filament became the standard for the Edison bulb for the next 10 years.
How long has a light bulb been burning?
A modern marvel in hand-blown glass and thick carbon filament hangs 15 feet above the ladder trucks in a Livermore, Calif., fire station: a light bulb that has been burning for over a century. Many attribute the bulb’s long life to its thick filament, its low wattage and the fact that has almost never been turned off.
When did the Livermore Centennial light bulb first come on?
No one can say when the Livermore Centennial Light Bulb light bulb first received power, but it probably switched on sometime between 1901 and 1905. Since then, with the exception of the four times it has been moved, the bulb has been in continuous operation.
Who made the Livermore Centennial Light Bulb?
The four-watt Livermore Centennial Light Bulb was manufactured by Shelby Electric Company in 1901, roughly twenty years after Thomas Edison first patented his incandescent light bulb. It has been recognized by both the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley's Believe It or Not, and authenticated by engineers from General Electric.
How long will the Methuselah bulb last?
A lot can happen in 111 years. The so-called methuselah bulb has outlasted the Shelby Electric Company, which General Electric purchased in 1914; it has outlived the people who blew its glass and who put it together; it survived the first web cam installed to keep an eye on it.
How old is the longest light bulb?
It’s a fact: the world’s longest burning light bulb is 116 years old, almost 117 years old if it makes it into 2018.
How Can The World’s Longest Burning Light Bulb Still Be Working?
It’s definitely a mystery as to why the Centennial Light is still working 116 years later after installation. But it isn’t the only one that has been around for a long time.
How long does a Centennial light last?
So from 1901 until today (2017), the Centennial Light was stationed in a fire house, and has been burning for over 1 million hours. To compare, your typical incandescent light bulb (which has since been phased out) is said to last only 1,000-2,000 hours. Your average LED light bulb can last up to 50,000 hours.
Where was the Centennial Light installed?
The first installation of the Centennial Light took place in 1901 at a fire department hose cart house in Livermore, California. The man who donated the light bulb went by the name of Dennis Bernal, owner of the Livermore Power and Light Company.
Where is the second longest burning light bulb?
The Guinness Book of World Records has the second world’s longest burning light bulb as the Palace Theater Light Bulb in Fort Worth, Texas, still burning since 1908 (making it 109 years old this year). Two others lasted in their early 90s, and another that burned out in 2001 lasted for 71 years.
Who made the Centennial Light?
The Centennial Light was manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company in Shelby, Ohio. Designed by Adolphe Chaillet, this light bulb was an “improved” version of Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb. Starting at 60 watts, the longest burning light bulb has since dimmed down to its current 4 watts.
Does the Centennial Light have a vacuum?
In regards to the Centennial Light, some believe that it has an impeccable seal, maintaining its vacuum, which keeps the filament from aging. The Centennial Light also has been continuously on, never being turned on and off over its lifetime, (except for a few power outages, and its 4 times of relocation), claiming another theory for its amazing longevity.
Where is the longest lasting light bulb in the world?
The Centennia 087116251 Light is the world's longest-lasting light bulb, burning since 1901, and almost never switched off. It is at 4550 East Avenue, Livermore , California, and maintained by the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department. Due to its longevity, the bulb has been noted by The Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and General Electric.
Who discovered the longest bulb in the world?
Its unusual longevity was first noticed in 1972 by reporter Mike Dunstan. After weeks of interviewing people who had lived in Livermore all their lives, he wrote "Light Bulb May Be World's Oldest", published in the Tri-Valley Herald. Dunstan contacted the Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley's Believe It or Not, and General Electric, who all confirmed it as the longest-lasting bulb known in existence. The article came to the attention of Charles Kuralt of the CBS-TV program On the Road with Charles Kuralt.
What channels have featured the California bulb?
The bulb has been visited and featured by many major news channels in the United States, including NBC, ABC, Fox, CBS, WB, CNN and NPR. The bulb has received letters acknowledging and celebrating its longevity from the city of Shelby, Ohio, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the California State Assembly, the California State Senate, Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, Senator Barbara Boxer, and President George W. Bush. The bulb was featured on an episode of MythBusters on December 13, 2006, in the PBS documentary Livermore and episode of California’s Gold with Huell Howser, in an episode of 99% Invisible, in the web series 17776, and by documentary filmmaker Roberto Serrini in the web series TravelClast.
When was the bulb on Mythbusters?
The bulb was featured on an episode of MythBusters on December 13, 2006, in the PBS documentary Livermore and episode of California’s Gold with Huell Howser, in an episode of 99% Invisible, in the web series 17776, and by documentary filmmaker Roberto Serrini in the web series TravelClast.
What is the pendant light at Fire Station 6?
It is titled "A Million Hours of Service". The pendant light at Fire Station #6 in which the bulb is installed. In 1976, the fire department moved to Fire Station #6 with the bulb; the bulb socket's cord was severed for fear that unscrewing the bulb could damage it.
Where was the Centennial Light invented?
It was manufactured in Shelby, Ohio, by the Shelby Electric Company in the late 1890s; many just like it still exist and can be found functioning. According to Zylpha Bernal Beck, the bulb was donated to the Fire Department by her father, Dennis Bernal, in 1901. Bernal owned the Livermore Power and Water Company and donated the bulb to the fire station when he sold the company. That story has been supported by firefighter volunteers of that era.
When was the most durable light bulb invented?
The bulb was officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as "the most durable light" in 1972, replacing another bulb in Fort Worth, Texas. The bulb was listed in the book for the next 16 editions. It was not listed during 1988–2006, without a reason being given, before returning in 2007.
Where is the longest lasting light bulb?
Location: Livermore, California, USA. photo source: Wikipedia. According to Guinness World Records, the Centennial Light is the world’s longest-lasting light. The light bulb was first turned on in 1901 and is currently 116 years old.
What is the oldest light bulb in the world?
1. Ediswan Light Bulb. Although the Ediswan light bulb owned by Beth Crook is relatively unknown, especially compared to the other long lasting bulbs on this list, Crook claims that it is the oldest still-working light bulb in the world.
How old is the bulb in the sandbox?
The last time Crook was interviewed was in 2013 when she said that the bulb was 130 years old. According to Crook, the bulb dates back to 1883 and was first owned by Florence Crook and has been passed down in the Crook family over the years.
How old is the centennial bulb?
The bulb, which has no official name and is just called “the bulb”, is about 90 years old.
Where is the centennial bulb located?
Location: Ipswich, England. photo source: centennialbulb.org. The light bulb at the Martin & Newby Electrical Shop in Ipswich, England was one of the longest-lasting light bulbs until it burned out in 2001.
Where is the light bulb in the fire station?
In 1976, the bulb was moved to Fire Station 6 at 4550 East Ave., Livermore, California, which is where it still remains today.
Who made the Edison bulb?
The bulb is supposedly one of the original bulbs ordered by Christian Thams – a Norwegian architect, industrialist, businessman and diploma best known for constructing the first electric railroad in Norway – from the Edison factory in the United States for use in electric railcars.
How long has the light bulb been on?
In fact, it's been going for more than a century. The world's longest-burning light bulb has been shining * since 1901, when it was first turned on in Livermore, Calif. (It's gone out during a couple of power outages, and it was briefly turned off when it was moved in 1903, for a week in 1937, and in 1976 when it was moved again.)
Who made the Edison bulb?
Mastermind electrician Adolphe A. Chaillet designed the bulb, and his Shelby Electric Company manufactured it. The carbon filament was the defining feature, allowing the bulb to burn longer and at a lower temperature than tungsten-based Edison bulbs. Still, Shelby built the bulb for only a year. The conspiracy-minded say it was planned obsolescence that doomed the Shelby bulb. The more rational-minded say it was because the carbon filament within was too expensive.
Where did the Chaillet bulb come from?
Edison's version may have outlived Chaillet in the market, but Chaillet's bulb is a long-lasting masterwork. The bulb, made out of handblown glass, found its first home in the fire department hose cart house in Livermore.

Overview
Longest-lasting light bulb
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 1901) and has only been turned off a handful of times. The bulb has been noted by The Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and General Electric as being the world's longest-lasting light bulb.
Other long-lasting light bulbs
The second-longest-lasting light bulb is in Fort Worth, Texas. The bulb, known as the Eternal Light, was credited as being the longest-lasting bulb in the 1970 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records, two years before the discovery of the Livermore bulb.
The bulb was originally at the Byers Opera House, and was installed by a stag…
Edison and the Eternal Light
Thomas Edison designed a bulb that was supposed to last forever, called the Eternal Light, and turned it on on October 22, 1929. The bulb is located in the Edison Memorial Tower at the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, a small museum near the tower in Menlo Park, New Jersey. The tower fell down in 1937, but the bulb's power was supposedly uninterrupted, according to General Electric, and the bulb continued to burn while a second tower was constructed. However, accord…
See also
• Adolphe Alexandre Chaillet
• Eternal flame
• Phoebus cartel
• Sanctuary lamp
External links
• Livermore's Centennial Light
• Light Bulb Methuselahs
• Christian Science Monitor: Livermore's Centennial Light
• Watt a Lightbulb at Snopes.com