Toddler knocked over a lamp with one of those god forsaken CFLs in it. [more inside]
posted by johnstrick on Apr 13, 2013 - 29 answers

While changing a bulb in one of our rooms, replacing a LED with a CFL because of a need for brighter lighting in this work area, it suddenly hit me: Why does an LED light have a bulb? In both incandescent and CFLs, the bulbs trap gas (or vacuum as the case may be.) But why an LED? It doesn't use a gas and it doesn't need to operate in a near-vacuum for efficiency. Closer examination showed that the bulb was plastic and had no lensing effect. This question is almost answered here. Because of the question regarding heat sinks (which seem much reduced in modern LED lights, I'm guessing the answer is because they get hot. So I'm guessing that's what it is, though I also think that having a bulb makes it easier to screw into the socket. Taking these points together, I can imagine getting a burn if there was not bulb by brushing up agains an LED stalk that was on until a few seconds ago when you decided to unscrew it. So...have I answered my own question or is there more behind the bulb?
posted by BillW on Jan 29, 2013 - 9 answers

Why do the glass parts of my light bulbs keep separating from the metal? [more inside]
posted by emumimic on Jun 2, 2009 - 7 answers

Three of our lights have burned out, and it's about time I replaced them. Thing is, I have no idea where to start. [more inside]
posted by robcorr on Feb 21, 2009 - 4 answers

Is it normal for a halogen light bulb to crackle a little bit after you first install it? [more inside]
posted by adrian_h on Jul 5, 2006 - 8 answers

Homerepairfilter: a light bulb blows out. The glass and metal part separate. How do I get the metal part out so I can replace the bulb? [more inside]
posted by Famous on Jun 6, 2006 - 21 answers