Crazy light bulb

[M. Marks]

Hello,

I've been searching Google for an answer, and several of the topics in Google pointed to this group. So, first time poster to this group.

I have those CFL's. I recently had one go out, or I should say, half way out. The bottom half, closest to the base would stay lit.

I unscrewed the light bulb, and the bottom half was still lit! This stayed lit for almost a full 3 minutes. I thought it was a fluke, but for some reason, I screwed it back in. Bottom half lights up, and when I take it out, the bottom half is still lit! I amused myself doing this over and over, till I got tired of it.

Anyways, I've saved the bulb.

My question is: Do all these bulbs do this? Does anyone know what causes this in these bulbs?

Maybe, I have a one and only, and can sell it on eBay, and be rich!!!!!! Ok, I'll wake up now.

[David Nebenzahl]

On 5/22/2008 4:05 PM M. Marks spake thus:

No, they don't all do that. I've never seen it.

But it's easily enough explained: the electronics inside the bulb is screwed up, probably partially fried, and an electrolytic capacitor is storing enough juice to keep the bulb lit even after being unscrewed.

[gpsman]

Look for an image of Jesus in there somewhere, and put that puppy on eBay! -----

- gpsman

[gnu/linux]

not seen this b4, that is one screwed up mercury-vapor bulb you got there - save it for e-bay !!!

[badgolferman]

Maybe you're the one all charged up and the bulb is getting its juice from your hand.

[HeyBub]

I bet the engineers at G.E. or somewhere would LOVE to disassemble your bulb. Why not give 'em a call?

[franz fripplfrappl]

Sell it on Ebay. Some nut will buy it and pay you more than enough to fund your project.

[ransley]

maybe its you, or nearby is a T8, or transformer, static charges lite them. In winter I get static charged with low humidity and I light up cfls on my counter, but only for a second, your bulb is defective,

[Clot]

Loved it! :)

[Gary Dyrkacz.]

Now turn off the Tesla coil. What happens?