Heat Lamp Bulb Exploded?

I bought this 100Wa daytime heat lamp about a week ago. Today I had it running for about 8 hours, I turned it off for one hour, I turned it back on for one hour and it exploded when I wasn't in the room. Three days ago my 75W night lamp that I purchased at the same time as last week stopped working out of the blue. I took it back and exchanged it but I'm worried it might be an electrical problem and I don't want my apartment to catch fire. Have you had any bulbs explode?

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...%2F58VIwT6.jpg

Might be the lamp fixture.
Make sure the fixture supports the bulbs wattage.
Even if it does, the fixture might just be faulty.

I've never had one explode on me in a year, just die out.
I use infrared bulbs. People also use ceramic heat emitters too. Again, make sure your fixture supports their wattage.

Could it be because I had the fixture plugged into the outlet that said "adapter?"
I need to buy a new fixture now anyway, I can't get the exploded bulb out from the socket.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...%2FrY0Ku6O.jpg

Some of the bulbs can be really touchy and delicate, they don't like a lot of turning on/off or any movement many say will damage it but usually they just pop and die, don't explode. I don't like bulbs at all for this reason, they don't last and they crap out quickly it seems. Is there any chance it got splashed with water? There's no need for light emitting bulbs for a ball python and would be easier to go to a ceramic heat emitter on a dimmer if you are heating by lamps. They seem to last pretty well-I've only had one of those die on me over the years.

There's no movement unless I'm opening the lid to handle/feed them. Is there a certain brand you would recommend?

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Originally Posted by Monty44

Could it be because I had the fixture plugged into the outlet that said "adapter?"
I need to buy a new fixture now anyway, I can't get the exploded bulb out from the socket.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...%2FrY0Ku6O.jpg

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Hm... Maybe? I'm not sure what that means. Check the manual if you still have it, but I wouldn't plug the next one into that just in case.

I've never seen a power strip like that and a quick google search also didn't bring up what those "adapter" plugs could stand for. They sure look like regular "US" outlets.

You could post that picture on a electrician forum and ask for info.

Personally, I just wouldn't use that powerstrip. They do not cost much, and if I wasn't sure exactly what is going on with it. I would replace it.

You can get the bulb out of the fixture... just take some needle nose pliers, grab the base (you can bend it a bit to get a better grip) then twist it to the left to unscrew it.

If I were to take a wild guess those end plugs are for large adapter plugs, such as DC chargers and whatnot, they just leave extra space between them so they fit but they are the same outlets. Just my guess.

Needle nose pliers will get the base out of your fixture.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

Some of the bulbs can be really touchy and delicate, they don't like a lot of turning on/off or any movement many say will damage it but usually they just pop and die, don't explode. I don't like bulbs at all for this reason, they don't last and they crap out quickly it seems. Is there any chance it got splashed with water? There's no need for light emitting bulbs for a ball python and would be easier to go to a ceramic heat emitter on a dimmer if you are heating by lamps. They seem to last pretty well-I've only had one of those die on me over the years.

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I think a heat mat is the best way to go. Bulbs scare me because they can explode, plus the get super hot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Monty44

Could it be because I had the fixture plugged into the outlet that said "adapter?"
I need to buy a new fixture now anyway, I can't get the exploded bulb out from the socket.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...%2FrY0Ku6O.jpg

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These adapter outlets are just spaced out further to accommodate larger plugs (ie, low voltage transformers, etc). There's no difference in that plug to the one on your wall.

PredatorKeeper87 is correct, sorry I didn't quote you.

Remember also that power strips should be replaced annually for safety bc the internal diodes and such wear out. Except for a few name brand power surge protectors like Belkin they can be problematic. Especially the real cheap ones from the 99cents store should be avoided. Try to get a brand name, and Belkin is top of the line.

I know someone mentioned it but cold water on a hot light will make it explode too. Be careful when refilling water dishes not to splash it on the light.

if you are going to stick with bulbs I would recommend going with an outdoor flood bulb from your LHS. Not only are they cheaper, but they are more resistant to impact, moisture etc. They also put out quite a bit more heat, so you can in turn lower your wattage quite a bit. For example I use three 39W bulbs in my Tegu cage to achieve a hot spot between 110-120 depending on the ambient in the room.

with raising chicks. I've blown up heat bulbs before, I don't like them. I've also had a fixture kill several bulbs in a row, with no apparent reason. sometimes it's the fixture, sometimes the bulb.