Constantly Burning out bow light

[Basketcase]

Originally Posted by NoBones

You have a poor connection or a bad spot in the wire that runs from the ground
or from the hot that comes from the switch..
Check and re-do all connections IE: switch and splice from wire harness
to the Perko !! NO butt splice !! Only solder and heat shrink for your
connections.

I'm trying to wrap my head around this and I can't figure this out. A poor connection in the circuit will lower the voltage on the circuit, yes? How would that blow the bulb?

I too solder and shrink tube all connections but if you do, you need to make sure they are properly supported afterwards or you may end up with wires that break right where the solder ends due to the constant movement of being on a boat. I like the adhesive wall shrink tube. If you must crimp, use high quality connectors and a good crimp tool. Most people don't own a real crimp tool, and a soldering iron is much cheaper.

Edited because one of my statements made absolutely no sense.

[NoBones]

Originally Posted by Basketcase

I'm trying to wrap my head around this and I can't figure this out. A poor connection in the circuit will lower the voltage on the circuit, yes? How would that blow the bulb? I could see maybe a short after the bulb might cause it to act like a fuse but just a loose/corroded connection?

Very simple, that poor bulb is starving for the proper current for it
to function properly !! If there is a lack in carrying capacity in the wiring
system the bulb gives out prematurely ...

My electrical engineering degree from the early 70's still stands..

[Basketcase]

I do NOT have an electrical engineering degree, so I clearly don't have the background that you do. I would like to understand this because I find it interesting. I know my way around a fluke, and did 12v electrical work for 15 years and this never came up before. What exactly is it that happens to the bulb that kills it? I would not think lower current capacity of the circuit would cause MORE heat to the bulb. I would think less, which would extend the life of the bulb. Yes?

[FLexpat]

I'd use an LED bulb instead of incandescent (filament type). Incandescent bulbs can get pretty hot in small metal enclosures without any ventilation.