At what temperature range do light bulbs typically distort or swell?

Light bulbs, particularly those made of glass, can begin to distort or swell at temperatures around 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This is significant because at this temperature, the properties of glass change, leading to softening. When glass reaches its softening point, it can no longer maintain its original shape, which is why light bulbs can appear distorted or even break if exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.

Understanding the temperature behavior of glass is crucial for fire investigations, as it helps in assessing the conditions present during a fire and evaluating the extent of thermal damage to materials. Other temperatures listed either indicate a level that is too low, where glass remains stable, or are above the typical thresholds affecting light bulbs in typical scenarios, reinforcing that 900 degrees is the relevant temperature at which noticeable changes occur.