How Long Does Tungsten Filament Last in a Light Bulb?

The service life of the tungsten filament in a traditional incandescent light bulb typically depends on several factors, including the bulb’s design, wattage, usage patterns, and build quality. Here are typical estimates:

Regular incandescent light bulbs: The tungsten filament in regular incandescent light bulbs typically has a short lifespan, somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 hours. This is because the working principle of this light bulb involves passing an electric current through a tungsten filament, causing it to heat up and emit light. Over time, the tungsten filament thins due to resistive heating and eventually breaks, causing the bulb to go out.

Long-life incandescent bulbs: Some incandescent bulbs designed to be more efficient use a special tungsten alloy to extend their life. These bulbs may have a lifespan of over 2,000 to 3,000 hours.

Energy-saving light bulbs: Energy-saving light bulbs, such as fluorescent lights and LED lights, use different technologies and therefore last longer. Fluorescent lamps typically have a lifespan of over 10,000 to 15,000 hours, while LED lights can last over 25,000 hours or even longer.