They're Still Glowing! The World's Longest-Lasting Incandescent Light Bulbs

Light bulbs are something most of us take for granted, flipping a switch to illuminate a room. But these seemingly mundane inventions have a fascinating history. For example, did you know the first commercially viable incandescent lightbulb was patented by Thomas Edison in 1879 and could last over 1,500 hours? Today's LED bulbs can last even longer, but some record-setting incandescent bulbs have been glowing steadily for decades.

In this post, we'll highlight the longest-lasting incandescent light bulbs in the world. We'll look at where they are located, when they were first installed, and how long they've been shining. We'll also discuss what makes these bulbs so long-lasting, types of extra durable bulb designs, and tips for maximizing the lifespan of your own bulbs. Let's shed some light on the incredible longevity of these glowing glass wonders!

The Centennial Bulb

The Centennial Light is located in Livermore, California and was originally installed as a 30-watt bulb in 1901 at the Livermore Fire Department. This handmade carbon-filament bulb has been burning continuously for over 120 years, making it the longest-lasting light bulb in the world according to Guinness World Records, General Electric, and Ripley's Believe It or Not!.

Remarkably, the Centennial Light continues to function today, emitting a dim light at about 4 watts, and is maintained by the Centennial Light Bulb Committee. While most incandescent bulbs last only 750 to 1,000 hours, the Centennial Bulb has far surpassed all expectations. Its longevity can be attributed to its low wattage and nearly continuous operation, which prevents filament degradation from repeated on/off cycling. This iconic light bulb has illuminated history from the dawn of the 20th century to the present day.

Lighting Fact: Want to see the Centennial Light but can't make the trip out to California? The Centennial Light Bulb Committee set up a webcam so you view the light bulb anytime you want.

The Fort Worth Light

The Fort Worth Light was located in Fort Worth, Texas and was installed in 1908 at the Byers Opera House. When the theater was demolished in 1977, the bulb was moved to the Livestock Exchange Building. The Stockyards Museum acquired the bulb in 1991, where it was put on display under protective glass.

Known as the Eternal Light, it burned continuously for over 110 years, an incredible achievement. In 1970, The Guinness Book of World Records listed the Fort Worth light as the longest burning bulb in the world. It was bumped to second place after the discovery of the Centennial Light in California. The Fort Worth Light burned out in May 2022, ending its record-breaking lifespan.

The Ruskin Generating Station Light Bulb

The Ruskin Generating Station light bulb is located at the Ruskin Dam in British Columbia, Canada. First installed in 1930 when the dam was complete, this incandescent bulb has been on continuously with no interruptions since then. It was even on throughout a multi-year refit, which was completed in 2020. This light bulb may have the longest continuous service in the world, as other have had interruptions during their lifetime.

Edison & Swan United Electric Light Company Limited catalogue cover from 1983 (Image from Wikipedia)

Other Long-Lasting Incandescent Bulbs

There are several other notable incandescent light bulbs that are have stood the test of time, with a few of them still lit today. They include:

Kongevognen Light Bulb - Dating back to 1908, this bulb is located in Trøndelag, Norway in the "Kongevognen" or King's Wagon railway car. Not much is known about the history of this bulb, but it is considered one of the oldest working bulbs. The bulb is no longer run continually, but is turned on a few time a week.

The Gasnick Light Bulb - Considered the fourth-longest-lasting bulb in the world, this light bulb was located at the Gasnick Supply hardware store on Second Avenue in New York City. The owner, Jack Gasnick, claimed the bulb was first installed in 1912, however, the bulb's history was never fully verified. The bulb was last seen in 2003 when the store, along with the block it stood on, was torn down.
"The Bulb" - Installed sometime between 1926 and 1929, this incandescent bulb was located in Magnum, Oklahoma in a fire station. On duty personnel took care of the bulb until it burned out Friday, December 12, 2019.
The Martin and Newby Light Bulb - Located in Ipswitch, England, this bulb was first turned on in 1930 and burned out in 2001. It lasted an amazing 71 years.
The Ediswan Light Bulb - Purportedly the oldest working bulb in the world, this bulb can be found in England. First turned on in 1883, the bulb has been used sporadically since. The bulb was passed down to the last known owner, Beth Crook. In a 2013 interview, Crook (who was 79 at the time) said that her mother-in-law used to take it to school in 1889.
Edison's Eternal Light Bulb - Thomas Edison designed his Eternal Light Bulb to last forever, and first turned on himself on October 21, 1929. The bulb was originally housed in The Thomas Edison Memorial Tower in Metuchen, New Jersey. The light bulb survived the tower falling down in the late 1930s, and was even supposedly still lit. When Jack Stanley, curator of the Menlo Park Museum, took over running the tower in 2003, he discovered that the Eternal Light Bulb was hollow. The light from four automotive bulbs was being funneled up a tube to make the "bulb" appear lit.

What Makes These Light Bulbs Long-Lasting?

Researchers have studied many of these lights to try to explain what has made them so unique. They have found several factors that have helped contribute their their long lifespan. One factor is that many of these bulbs were produced when carbon filaments were still being used. Carbon filaments are thicker than the tungsten filaments used today, allowing them to better withstand higher temperatures as well as the wear and tear caused by normal bulb use. The bulbs were also manufactured with high quality glass and brass components.

Another factor is low wattage and consistent power. Many of these bulbs are used at a lower wattage than what they are rated. For instance, the Centennial Bulb currently operates on just 4 watts even though it is a 30 watt bulb. Some of these light bulbs are also kept on protected circuits to ensure they have protection again power surges and brownouts. It also ensures that they receive consistent power free of fluctuations.

However, the biggest contributor to the long life span of these light bulbs is the fact that many been on near continuously. If you aren't familiar with how incandescent bulbs work, power runs though the filament when the light is turned on. The power rapidly heats up and expands the filament, causing it to glow and generate light. When the bulb is turned off, the filament cools off and contracts. This process creates micro stress cracks to develop along the filament, which get progressively worse the more the bulb is turned on and off. Since these light bulbs at left on nearly all the time, there aren't as many stress cracks in the filaments.

How to Make Sure Your Light Bulbs Last

While you won't have light bulbs that will last a century, you can make sure that your bulbs last as long as possible.

Key Factors Affecting Bulb Life

In most cases, you will most likely go with LED bulbs since they have far superior life spans than an other lighting technology. However, if you do opt to look for incandescent bulbs, keep in mind these three key factors that affect bulb life:

Filament Design - the size and shape of the filament how efficiently it converts electricity into light. More efficient filaments put less stress on the bulb, increasing its lifespan.
- Coiled filaments are smaller and more tightly coiled. This allows them to operate at lower temperatures for a longer life.
- Large filaments are able to radiate heat more effectively due to having more surface area, and are ideal for general service bulbs.
- Multiple filaments allows for power to be more even distributed, reducing the strain on each filament. You will commonly see these used for 3-way bulbs.

Gas Filling - all bulbs will have a vacuum or a gas filling to help prevent oxidation of the tungsten filament. Some of the most common gas used are argon, krypton, or xenon.
- A vacuum helps prevent filament evaporation, but it allows for higher filament temperatures.
- Gas conducts heat better to help lower the filament temperature, but the gases can evaporate the filament.

Filament Material - what the filaments are made from. Some materials can better handle constant switching than others.
- Tungsten is the most common material used in incandescent bulbs, however it requires higher temperatures which shortens the life span.
- Halogen bulbs pair tungsten filaments with halogen gas. The gas helps redeposit evaporated tungsten back onto the filament to increase the life span.
- Infrared coatings are an advanced method of coating that helps control infrared light for increased efficiency.

Features to Look For

When shopping for any bulb, whether incandescent, halogen, or LED, there are certain features to look for that can indicate they can have a longer life span:

Low Wattage - lower wattage bulbs tend to last longer than higher wattage counterparts.
Reputable Brand - We-know established brands will usually have higher quality products
High Lumen Output - lumens are the measurement of the bulb's brightness. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light output.
Long Lifespan Rating - the lifespan will indicate the estimated number of house the bulb will last. Look for bulbs with at least 15,000 hours.
Energy Efficient Technology - LEDs will always be the most efficient and last the longest.

Caring for Your Bulbs

Proper care and handling of light bulbs is crucial to maximizing their lifespan. Here are some tips to keep your bulbs shining bright:

Handle bulbs with care. Don't use excessive force when installing or removing bulbs, and avoid touching the glass with your bare hands. The oils from your skin can cause hot spots that lead to early failure, especially with halogen bulbs. Wear cotton gloves or use a paper towel when handling bulbs.

Avoid vibration or impact. Dropping or jarring a bulb can lead to hidden cracks in the filament that cause it to fail prematurely. Install bulbs in fixtures that minimize vibration.
Keep bulbs clean. Dust buildup on the bulb can trap heat and lead to shorter life. Carefully wipe bulbs with a microfiber cloth to remove dust. For heavier dirt, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.

Proper handling and care makes a big difference in how long your bulbs will last. Be gentle, keep them clean, and give bulbs space to dissipate heat. With some basic maintenance, you can keep your bulbs shining brightly for years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do incandescent bulbs last on average?

The average lifespan of a standard incandescent light bulb is around 1,000 hours.

Are incandescent bulbs energy efficient?

Incandescent bulbs are not very energy-efficient. They produce more heat than light, leading to higher energy consumption. As a result, many countries have phased them out in favor of more energy-efficient options.

Do LED bulbs last longer than incandescent light bulbs?

Yes, LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan than traditional incandescent light bulbs. LED light bulb can easily last at least 15,000 hours, while many LED fixtures can last well over 50,000 hours.

How do incandescent bulbs work?

An incandescent bulb consists of a glass envelope and a thin wire filament. When electricity flows through the filament, it heats up and produces light.

How do incandescents compare to CFL and LED bulbs?

Compared to CFL and LED bulbs, incandescent light bulbs have a shorter lifespan, produce more heat, and consume more energy for the same amount of light. CFL and LED bulbs are considered more energy-efficient and have gained popularity as alternatives to incandescents.

Is the Eternal Light Bulb real?

Yes, it is real. It was designed and first turned on by Thomas Edison himself. It purportedly had been on continuously since 1929. However, it was revealed in the early 2000s that it was a hoax. Its actually a hollow bulb being illuminated by other lights.

Did the Centennial Bulb go out?

No, the Centennial Bulb is still lit. It The only times it has gone out has been due to power outages and renovations. It did loose power for about 10 hours on May 20, 2013 due to a faulty power supply.

Have you heard about other long-lasting bulbs? Tell us about them in the comments below. For help finding the right bulbs for your residential or commercial applications, call 1-800-624-4488 to speak with one of our lighting experts.