"Michael Daly" wrote in message
able.rogers.com...

On 3-Feb-2004, "Oldylocks" no wrote:

I just don't know if I've ever
seen a black burned-looking spot on a bulb like that. Maybe it's just
about
to burn out?

It's not that uncommon, though you're probably more familiar with frosted
bulbs and don't notice. The filament will keep losing material and it
coats
the glass. Once it gets too fine, one surge (as in turning it on) will
cause
it to pop. Some types of bulb get coated thicker and faster than others -
Mini-Maglites (IIRC - krypton bulb) look silvered by the time they reach
the
end of their life.

Mike

So can the bulb get hotter than normal when this happens?
-Oldy