What blows...

Ginseng · Jul 9, 2003

What blows the filament in a light bulb when you push it too hard? Is it overvoltage or overcurrent?

Wilkey

Max · Jul 9, 2003

Overheating

Ginseng · Jul 9, 2003

Ok. Overheating from excess voltage or excess current?

shiftd · Jul 9, 2003

I think it is both. The overvoltage makes overcurrent as the bulb follows a simple ohm's law V = I * R. But, the overheating is caused by over current as the heat generated by the filament follows equation P = I^2 * R. So, over voltage makes overcurrent and overcurrent makes overheating ==> blows the filament

FalconFX · Jul 9, 2003

The filament can act as a resistor of sorts for only a short while before heat will melt it. You can push in too much current without a high voltage flip, so I'd say your starting point to watch out if you're worried about flashing a bulb is to watch for high voltage...

Ginseng · Jul 9, 2003

Thanks Shiftd, FalconFX,

Your explanations were most helpful.

Wilkey

What blows...

Ginseng

Flashlight Enthusiast

Max

Enlightened

Ginseng

Flashlight Enthusiast

shiftd

Flashlight Enthusiast

FalconFX

Flashlight Enthusiast

Ginseng

Flashlight Enthusiast

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