We have some can-style lights in our basement that were using CFL spiral lightbulbs from the previous owner (There are two sides of our basement, each side has three bulbs; As they go out, they are replaced with LED bulbs from Walmart)

One of the bulbs on this side has been non-operational for awhile, but I didn't think there was any harm in leaving a non-operational bulb in the socket, so I left it alone. Maybe 20 minutes ago, a second bulb went out - and as I was preparing to change the bulbs, the first non-operational one made a popping noise like you'd expect from a bulb going out (only this bulb hasn't produced light in over a month).

When I unscrewed the bulb, the base felt pretty warm and it had a smell to it.


Now I have a couple of questions:

- Is it normal for CFL style bulbs to stop working before they actually go caput like this?

- Is the smell just the bulb having gone out for good?

- Is this something I should be concerned about - or do I just chalk it up to the bulb being bad and finally going out?


(Yes, I am aware that it's probably nothing - but after almost having an electrical fire due to arching in a previous house, I'm hypervigilant about this sort of thing)

 

I don't think there is one normal way for CFL bulbs to die. I've seen several exhibit odd behavior when they die.

It's possible an internal component of the bulb smoked, causing the smell.

I'd replace all your CFL's with LED's and then you don't have to worry about them.

 

I agree dump those CFL's. If your concerned about the sockets try using standard filament bulbs. If they work well without incident them LED's should be fine.