When the GE energy saving light bulbs burn off, do they actually explode??

Question

I am curious about these light bulbs. I have these all over the house. I have read that they contain mercury and that there is a process when they break. When these light bulbs burn off or die, do they actually explode?? Or do they break only when it accidentally falls?? I am just worried that one day I turn on the switch and the light bulb explodes, making a mess all over the place.

Answer 1

I have quite a few of them around the house and only one or two have ever burned out.  They last longer than normal bulbs.  None of them exploded when they burned out.

Answer 2

If you want it to explode drill a little hole in it and fill it with gun podwer.  When someone turns on the light boom. I have one waiting for the punk down the street who tries to steal my tractor again. I'll turn on the light and watch that punk run. LOL!

Answer 3

i think a bulb will only explode if the voltage in its socket is so high that it exceeds the voltqge limit of the bulb.

aside from that, the bulbs do not explode at normal conditions, they just burn out, or the contents in the bulb is used up.

Answer 4

Only one of mine has actually burnt out yet which is impressive considering how many of the old bulbs I went through.  It didn't do anything terribly impressive though, just died - no explosion, no mess.

Answer 5

NO they don't. only if they break on the floor.