For over a century, a small but resilient light bulb in Livermore, California, has continued to shine, earning recognition from Guinness World Records as the longest-burning light bulb in history.
Known as the Centennial Light Bulb, it has been glowing almost continuously since 1901 inside Fire Station #6. Originally a 60-watt carbon filament bulb manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company in Ohio, the bulb now emits a dim 4-watt glow but remains a symbol of endurance and historical significance.
The bulb was donated to the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department by local businessman Dennis Bernal when he sold his Livermore Power and Water Company. For decades, it was treated as just another fixture until the 1970s when reporters began investigating its remarkable longevity, sparking local and global interest.
The Centennial Light has only gone dark a few times, mostly due to station relocations. In 1976, when the fire station moved, the bulb was escorted by a firetruck procession, and an electrician ensured its flawless installation at the new location.
In 2013, a brief power outage caused panic among its global admirers, but firefighters quickly restored it within 10 hours. To prevent future mishaps, it is now connected to an uninterruptible power supply.
Experts attribute its longevity to several factors:
Minimal switching – Frequent on-and-off cycles shorten a bulb’s lifespan.
High-quality materials – The bulb’s filament and glass are sturdier than modern counterparts.
Low wattage – The reduced power draw prevents overheating and burnout.
A Community Treasure
Beyond being a historical curiosity, the Centennial Light is a source of pride for Livermore. In 2001, the town celebrated its 100th anniversary with a barbecue and live music. In 2011, it reached one million hours of continuous burning, marked by a global livestream event.
Visitors are welcome to see the bulb in person at Fire Station #6, where firefighters proudly showcase this small yet mighty survivor. The Guinness World Record recognition solidifies its place as a testament to durability and innovation in early electrical engineering.
