Why lamp stop working

How you do this will depend somewhat on the type of light fixture and the symptoms you observe. Always turn off power to the circuit from the circuit breaker box before touching a bare lightbulb socket.

Apparent problems with a ceiling light fixture are usually traced to some issue that is interrupting the flow of electricity from the wall switch to the light fixture. Diagnosing the problem will depend on whether the light bulb does not light up at all, or if it is flickering intermittently. If the light bulb does not light up at all, follow this troubleshooting procedure:. If the lightbulb flickers, follow this troubleshooting procedure:. Recessed canister lights are subject to some of the same problems found in ordinary ceiling light fixtures see above.

In addition, sometimes a recessed light fixture may mysteriously go on and of by itself. This is because recessed lights are equipped with limit switches designed to turn a fixture off automatically if the heat reaches an unsafe level. This can be for one of several reasons:. Many ceiling fixtures, especially those found in utility spaces, are controlled by switches or pull chains found on the fixture or socket.

To diagnose these:. In about 30 minutes you can repair the electrical wiring in almost any lamp—and make it safe as well. How do you know if a lamp socket is bad? To diagnose these: Check the lightbulb to see if it is loose in the socket, or has burned out. Check the socket tab in the center of the socket. With the power shut off, check the wire connections on the switch to make sure they are all tight.

Check the wires to the light bulb socket. How do you fix a light socket that doesn't work? Try this second fix before you call an electrician.

Turn off the power to the fixture and use a non-contact voltage tester to make sure the power is off. Then reach into the bulb socket with a flat-blade screwdriver and gently pry up on the tab that's centered at the bottom to restore good contact with the bulb.

What makes a touch lamp work? Touch lamps work on the principle of capacitance — the amount of charge something can soak up.

When we make contact with a touch lamp, we alter its capacitance. The lamp detects this and switches on or off accordingly. Can I use an extension cord to rewire a lamp? It's possible to use gauge extension cords to rewire table and floor lamps. The cord should be flexible and without twists and pinches. If it is old, discolored, stiff or damaged in any way, throw it away. Which is the hot wire on a lamp cord?

The smooth side is the hot and the ribbed side is the neutral. It's probably time to call an electrician. At least you can't blame it on your reliable old fixture. Looking for a Pro?

Call us at Circuit breaker Is anything else in the room failing to turn on? Light bulb Before you replace the existing bulb, give it a twist and a jiggle -- sometimes that works. Socket tab If a new bulb doesn't work, turn off the switch or pull the plug turn off the power, that is , and try bending up the little metal tab inside the bulb socket.

Lamp or fixture switch Now that the easiest tests have failed, it's time to focus on the wiring. Cord Both plug-in lamp cords and cords that tether hanging fixtures can come loose from the socket terminals, the internal fixture wiring, or the plug terminals.

Wall switch and fixture cable Before taking the fixture apart, you might as well check the wall switch and wire connections between the switch and fixture cable. Fixture wiring If the switch is getting power and is sending it to the fixture, it's time to take apart the fixture, as needed, to check the socket terminals and other wiring connections.

Circuit cable If item 8 proves that the switch isn't getting power and you're sure it's not due to a tripped or faulty breaker or blown fuse , you might have an interruption somewhere along the circuit path.

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