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The World's Longest Running Light Bulb

Incredibly, there is a light bulb in Livermore, California that has been burning since 1901. The aptly named Centennial Light serves as a nightlight for the firetrucks of the Livermore Fire Department. There is a live webcam on the official website of the Centennial Light. It has been declared the oldest known working lightbulb by Guinness Book of World Records.

The Shelby Electric Company made the bulb. It was handblown and then outfitted with a carbon filament. It has about 4 watts of light.

If you happen to be in Livermore, California then you can stop in and visit the bulb, depending on the availability of the firemen. If you go to the rear of the station and ring a bell then you can ask them to let you in. Otherwise, according to their site, "you can see the bulb if you look through the window up on the top of the wall to your left." The photo below is courtesy of the Centennial Light Bulb Committee. There are more of photos to be found here.

The World's Longest Running Light Bulb

Comments

 

sara said:

That's pretty cool i guess. that's about a hundred and eight years ago. that might be a good speech for someone to make one day.

April 3, 2009 10:53 PM
 

Ronald said:

I haven't heard this new before,Its awesome and record.World's Long lasting light bulb since 1901, Its great to be still burning and its been 108 years and still counting.Manufacturer can be awarded with Genius Book record.

August 11, 2009 10:00 PM
 

John said:

Ronald - That is pretty crazy for a bulb to last that long; then again, it's only putting out less than 4 watts of light. The second longest bulbs supposedly dates from 1908. Wikipedia has a page devoted to the top long-lasting bulbs if you'd like to learn more: en.wikipedia.org/.../Longest-lasting_light_bulbs

Thanks for your comment!

August 24, 2009 3:22 PM
 

christinaq said:

THAT IS CRAZY HOW THERE IS A LIGHT BULB THAT OLD BUT THEN ITS WONDERFULL BECAUSE THATS SOMETHING NEW TOO ME I ALLWAYS THHOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD LAST MAYBE A YEAR IF THAT LOLZ I GUESS ITS NEW

September 2, 2009 6:42 AM
 

James said:

Energy efficient light bulbs are the easiest first step  consumers and businesses can take towards reducing their energy consumption.  Products have gotten light years better in the past few years and, in my eyes, indisputably  better for 99% of applications. Both CFL and LED light bulbs run much cooler  than incandescent bulbs, use energy much more efficiently, and do offer saving  on your electricity bill. I am a vendor of energy efficient bulbs, so perhaps I  am a bit biased, but I don't know why everyone doesn't switch today.

September 28, 2009 2:21 AM

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About Susanna

Susanna is a copywriter with LampsPlus.com. Working within the online world, she has created and syndicated content to support a range of brands. She has an almost unnatural interest in lighting design and is excited to combine her experience with her curiosity. She constantly looks for new innovations within the lighting field in materials and technology while struggling to find a solution for her high-ceilinged living room.
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