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02-21-2008, 01:57 AM
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Location: Michigan
29,391 posts, read 53,646,438 times
Reputation: 22002
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MAGNUM, Okla., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- A light bulb at a Magnum, Okla., fire house has been burning for 81 years -- making it the third longest-burning bulb in the United States.
Fire officials at the station said the bulb has no off switch, since it is hooked directly into the building's electricity, KWTV, Oklahoma City, reported Wednesday.
81-year-old light bulb going strong - UPI.com |
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02-22-2008, 08:30 PM
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Location: Heartland Florida
9,324 posts, read 25,867,170 times
Reputation: 5029
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It probably does not count, but I have a light bulb that has been turned on and off thousands of times since 1960 and has never burned out-in my parent's home. I also own a bulb from the early 20's that still works. The secret is that older bulbs had thicker, leaded glass that resists infiltration by gasses better. The filament is thicker and supported more regularly. You never know how long those bulbs can last!
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02-23-2008, 02:33 AM
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Location: Seattle, WA
1,368 posts, read 6,336,430 times
Reputation: 542
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I've debated trying to learn how to create bulbs that will never burn out. Just by using thicker, stronger filament. And sell them at like $1000 each. Or whatever number it works out that I could get away with.
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02-23-2008, 05:22 PM
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Location: Los Angeles, which as I understand was once upon a time ago part of the United States of America
849 posts, read 960,565 times
Reputation: 314
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The trick with the fire station is that the bulb is never put through the most rigorous portion of a bulb's life -- turning on. When the filament goes from carrying no current to suddenly carrying 120 RMS or whatever, it's at its most vulnerable which is why most filaments quit when you turn a bulb on.
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02-24-2008, 01:21 AM
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Location: California
3,432 posts, read 2,725,850 times
Reputation: 138
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Thats nothing, here in the Bay Area, there is a light bulb in livermore thats been going for 100 years..
Livermore's Centennial Light |
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02-24-2008, 03:56 AM
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Location: Los Angeles, which as I understand was once upon a time ago part of the United States of America
849 posts, read 960,565 times
Reputation: 314
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Well I'd hardly say 81 years is "nothing".
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02-24-2008, 04:25 AM
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Location: West Virginia
13,769 posts, read 37,575,401 times
Reputation: 10016
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Gee where can I buy a few of those. The 3 way GE bulbs that I have been buyin this past few years only last a month!!!
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