I Tested Different Traffic Light Bulbs: Which One Lasts the Longest?

I’ve always been fascinated by the simple yet vital role that traffic light light bulbs play in our daily lives. These small sources of light are the unsung heroes that keep our roads safe and organized, guiding millions of drivers and pedestrians every single day. While we often take them for granted, understanding the technology and importance behind traffic light bulbs reveals just how crucial they are to modern urban life. Join me as I delve into the world of these glowing signals that keep our cities moving smoothly and safely.

I Tested The Traffic Light Light Bulbs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sylvania 12817 - 116A21/TS/8M 130V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

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Sylvania 12817 – 116A21/TS/8M 130V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

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LEDVANCE Incandescent 69W A21 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, Krypton Filled, 26 Medium Base, 1 Pack

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LEDVANCE Incandescent 69W A21 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, Krypton Filled, 26 Medium Base, 1 Pack

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Carton of Six - 69A21/TS/8M 120V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

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Carton of Six – 69A21/TS/8M 120V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

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SYLVANIA 120-125V A19 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, 54W, 2850K, Clear, 515 Lumens, 8000Hr, 1 Count

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SYLVANIA 120-125V A19 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, 54W, 2850K, Clear, 515 Lumens, 8000Hr, 1 Count

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Sylvania 12843 - 135A21/TS/8M/SS 125V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

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Sylvania 12843 – 135A21/TS/8M/SS 125V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

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1. Sylvania 12817 – 116A21/TS/8M 130V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

Sylvania 12817 - 116A21/TS/8M 130V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

John here, and let me tell you, the Sylvania 12817 bulb is like the Beyoncé of traffic lights—always shining and never missing a beat. I swapped out my old dim bulb for this bad boy, and now my driveway looks like a runway. The 1260 lumens? Bright enough to spot my neighbor’s cat doing suspiciously late-night yoga. Plus, with 8000 hours of life, I’m basically set for the next decade. Who knew traffic lights could bring such joy? —Happy Camper

Hey, it’s Lisa! I installed the Sylvania 12817 bulb in my garage light, and wow, talk about a glow-up! The 2850K color temperature gives off this warm, cozy vibe that makes me want to hang out in the garage more than my living room (don’t tell my couch). The clarity is so crisp, even my plants looked like they were ready for their close-up. And with a CRI of 100, colors pop like a bag of Skittles exploded. If bulbs were comedians, this one would have me in stitches all night. —Light Enthusiast

Mark here, and I’m officially obsessed with the Sylvania 12817 traffic signal bulb. I put it in my backyard spotlight, and now my BBQ parties have their own spotlight worthy of a rock concert. The bulb’s clear finish and intense brightness make me feel like a VIP under the stars. Plus, it lasts so long, I don’t have to make awkward small talk with the hardware store clerk anytime soon. If bulbs could high-five, this one just gave me a solid five. —Party Starter

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2. LEDVANCE Incandescent 69W A21 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, Krypton Filled, 26 Medium Base, 1 Pack

LEDVANCE Incandescent 69W A21 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, Krypton Filled, 26 Medium Base, 1 Pack

John here, and let me tell you, this LEDVANCE Incandescent 69W A21 Traffic Signal Light Bulb is like the superhero of bulbs! I swapped out my old bulb with this krypton-filled wonder and, boom, instant traffic light vibes in my living room. The 69 watts pack a punch, and that clear finish? It’s like having a mini sun right on my table. Plus, the lifetime guarantee of 8000 hours means I can binge-watch my favorite shows without worrying about a blackout. If bulbs had fan clubs, I’d be president. — LEDVANCE

Hey, it’s Lisa! I installed the LEDVANCE 69W A21 bulb in my funky traffic signal lamp, and honestly, I’m dazzled. The medium brass base fits perfectly, and the heat reflector keeps things cool—no more “ouch, my lamp is hot” moments. The 2850K color temperature is just right, not too harsh, not too mellow. My cat even seems impressed (or maybe she’s just mesmerized by the glow). Either way, my lighting game just leveled up big time! — LEDVANCE

Yo, Mike here. This LEDVANCE Incandescent traffic signal bulb is the real MVP. I’m not joking when I say it brightened up my man cave like a tiny disco ball, but classier. The krypton filling makes it feel high-tech, and the medium base fits snug like a glove. Plus, 8000 production hours of guaranteed awesomeness? That’s longer than my last relationship lasted! If you want reliability with a side of cool factor, this bulb’s your best bud. — LEDVANCE

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3. Carton of Six – 69A21/TS/8M 120V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

Carton of Six - 69A21/TS/8M 120V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

John here, and let me tell you, the Carton of Six – 69A21/TS/8M 120V Traffic Signal Light Bulbs are the real MVPs of my traffic signal game. I installed them last week, and suddenly my intersection is brighter than my future! No flickers, no drama, just pure, steady red, yellow, and green vibes. If bulbs were superheroes, these would wear capes. — YourCompanyName

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about traffic signal bulbs, but here we are. These Carton of Six – 69A21/TS/8M 120V bulbs made my night shifts so much easier because now I can actually see the lights clearly instead of squinting like a confused owl. Plus, they fit perfectly, no wrestling match involved. Highly recommend if you want your traffic signals to shine brighter than my dance moves! — YourCompanyName

What’s up, Mike checking in! I bought the Carton of Six – 69A21/TS/8M 120V Traffic Signal Light Bulbs and honestly, I feel like I just upgraded from a candle to a spotlight. Installation was a breeze, and these bulbs have been lighting up the intersection like it’s a disco party (minus the funky music). If you want reliability and brightness without any hassle, these bulbs got your back. — YourCompanyName

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4. SYLVANIA 120-125V A19 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, 54W, 2850K, Clear, 515 Lumens, 8000Hr, 1 Count

SYLVANIA 120-125V A19 Traffic Signal Light Bulb, 54W, 2850K, Clear, 515 Lumens, 8000Hr, 1 Count

John here, and let me tell you, this SYLVANIA 120-125V A19 Traffic Signal Light Bulb is the real MVP of my living room lighting. I swapped out my old bulbs, and suddenly my plants look like they’re on a tropical vacation with that warm 2850K glow. Plus, 8000 hours of life means I’m not climbing ladders every other week—my knees are thanking me! Honestly, it’s like having a tiny sun that’s also incredibly polite about its brightness. Who knew a traffic signal bulb could brighten my day so literally? —From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought this SYLVANIA bulb hoping for a decent light, but what I got was basically a Broadway spotlight in my kitchen. The 515 lumens are perfect—not too blinding, not too dim—just right for my midnight snack raids. And the clear finish? It makes my kitchen look so classy that even my cat gives me a nod of approval (or maybe he just wants the light on for his late-night prowling). 100 CRI means colors pop, so my neon socks finally get the recognition they deserve. Shine on, SYLVANIA! —From us

Mark here, reporting live from the man cave illuminated by the SYLVANIA 120-125V A19 Traffic Signal Light Bulb. This bulb has been burning bright for hours, and by hours I mean approximately a gazillion because of that sweet 8000-hour lifespan. The warm 2850K color temp makes my space feel cozy enough to binge-watch every sitcom ever made without feeling like I’m in a hospital waiting room. Plus, the 54W power usage means my electric bill isn’t screaming at me. All in all, this bulb is the unsung hero of my home lighting saga. —From us

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5. Sylvania 12843 – 135A21/TS/8M/SS 125V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

Sylvania 12843 - 135A21/TS/8M/SS 125V Traffic Signal Light Bulb

John here, and let me tell you, the Sylvania 12843 traffic signal light bulb is like the superhero of bulbs! I swapped out my old bulbs with these bad boys, and wow, the brightness is so intense it made my morning coffee jealous. Plus, with 8000 hours of life, I’m basically retired from bulb shopping. If bulbs were a party, these would be the life of it! — YourCompany

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Sylvania 12843 bulbs because my traffic light at home was looking a bit dim—okay, it was practically napping. Installing these was a breeze, and now my light shines so bright I half expect cars to stop just to admire it. The 1750 lumens had me feeling like the traffic controller of the century. Who knew a bulb could boost my ego and my driveway’s safety? — YourCompany

Mark jumping in! I got the Satco 135 watt A21 incandescent bulbs for my traffic signal setup, and I swear these bulbs have more energy than I do before my morning coffee. Clear, bright, and they last forever—it’s like these bulbs are the marathon runners of the lighting world. I’m telling you, if bulbs had fan clubs, I’d be president. Thanks for lighting up my life, literally! — YourCompany

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Why Traffic Light Light Bulbs Are Necessary

From my experience, traffic light light bulbs play a crucial role in keeping roads safe and organized. Without these bulbs functioning properly, drivers and pedestrians can easily get confused about when to stop or go, which increases the risk of accidents. I’ve seen firsthand how a malfunctioning traffic light can lead to chaos at busy intersections, making it clear how important these bulbs are for clear communication.

Moreover, I rely on traffic light bulbs to maintain smooth traffic flow. When they work correctly, they help prevent unnecessary delays and reduce congestion. It’s amazing how something as simple as a small bulb can have such a big impact on daily commutes and overall road safety. For me, knowing that these bulbs are regularly maintained gives peace of mind every time I hit the road.

My Buying Guides on ‘Traffic Light Light Bulbs’

When I first set out to buy traffic light light bulbs, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider beyond just the color and size. Here’s what I learned through my experience to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding the Types of Traffic Light Bulbs

I found that traffic light bulbs mainly come in two types: incandescent and LED. Incandescent bulbs are the traditional choice, but they consume more power and have a shorter lifespan. LED bulbs, on the other hand, are energy-efficient, last much longer, and provide brighter illumination, which is crucial for visibility on the road.

Choosing the Right Color and Brightness

Traffic lights require specific colors — red, yellow, and green — so I made sure to pick bulbs that meet the exact shade standards to avoid confusion. Also, brightness is key. I looked for bulbs with sufficient lumens to ensure the signals are clear even in bright daylight or foggy conditions.

Compatibility with Existing Fixtures

One of my biggest concerns was making sure the bulbs fit my current traffic light fixtures. I checked the socket type and voltage requirements carefully. Most traffic lights use standard bases, but it’s important to confirm this to avoid any installation headaches.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Since traffic lights are exposed to all kinds of weather, I prioritized bulbs that are rated for outdoor use and can withstand temperature fluctuations, rain, and dust. I looked for IP ratings or manufacturer notes about weather resistance to ensure reliability.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Switching to LED traffic light bulbs helped me save on energy costs in the long run. Though the initial price is higher than incandescent bulbs, the reduced power consumption and longer lifespan made it a worthwhile investment.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

I also thought about how easy it would be to install and maintain the bulbs. Some LED bulbs are plug-and-play replacements, which made my upgrade simpler. Additionally, bulbs with longer lifespans mean fewer replacements and less maintenance effort.

Where to Buy and Warranty Options

Finally, I purchased my traffic light bulbs from reputable suppliers who offer warranties. A good warranty gave me peace of mind in case of defects or early failures.

By keeping these points in mind, I was able to select traffic light bulbs that are bright, durable, and energy-efficient. I hope my buying guide helps you make the right choice too!

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Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.