Defying time: The 122‑year-old light bulb that outshines modern LEDs

How long should a light bulb last? According to laws or voluntary obligations by the manufacturer, the expected lifespan would range from 2-5 years.

The modern light sources, predominantly LEDs, usually promise a lifespan of about 10-15 thousand hours, as per manufacturer specifications. Assuming that LEDs in homes are switched on for an average of 3 hours daily, this translates to an approximate lifespan of 10-15 years.

In comparison to traditional light bulbs, this might seem quite a decent lifespan. However, there exists an ancient light bulb that has defied the passage of time.

Known as the Centennial Light, this bulb was first switched on in 1901 and has been burning almost non-stop ever since. The 'almost' accounts for a few short interruptions due to relocations, renovations, and power outages. Due to the relic value, the bulb wasn't unscrewed during recent relocations; instead, it was cut out along with a section of cable, which was later connected to the power source at the new location.

While the Centennial Light was initially used in a private home, it has spent most of its life casting light in a firehouse in Livermore, California. The bulb, manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company in the late 19th century, features a standard design - a carbon filament housed inside a glass bulb.

Originally, the Centennial Light boasted a power of 30 watts, but now it emits very little light, around the same amount as a 4-watt night lamp. You can view the light's live transmission on the web page connected to a camera facing the bulb.