December 8, 2011 By ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under Light Fixtures, Troubleshooting

2 Comments

Changed a Light Bulb Now Fixture Does Not Work

Changed a Light Bulb Now Fixture Does Not Work

 

Why Light Fixtures Stop Working

Question: I was recently changing a burnt out light bulb in my kitchen and when finished I flipped the switch to make sure the light was good.

  • This tripped the breaker.
  • I switched the circuit breaker back on.
  • I tried it again with a different bulb.
  • The same thing happened.

This is an older home with older wiring and the fixture has seen better days.
What do you think is going on?

Thanks,
Steve

This electrical question came from: Steve, a Homeowner from Shellbrook Saskatchewan, Canada

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Steve.

Old Light Fixtures May Have Deteriorating Electrical Wiring

  1. The light fixture and the wring will need to be examined carefully to determine the fault and necessary repairs will be needed.
  2. You should try removing all the light bulbs and restore the power to the circuit to rule out any problems with the light bulbs or light sockets.
  3. With the circuit turned off, the light fixture may be disconnected from the ceiling electrical wiring, then cap the connections and restore the circuit power to isolate the light fixture from the circuit.
  4. Isolate each component of the light fixture electrical system until the problem is discovered.
  5. I suspect a problem with the electrical wiring of the light fixture.


The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Wiring

Kitchen Electrical Wiring

Lighting For The Home

Light Switch Wiring

How to Install Kitchen Electrical Wiring
kitchen-electrical-wiring
Kitchen Electrical Wiring

  • Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Kitchen Electrical Wiring

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all projects.
For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Your Area

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Comments

2 Responses to “Changed a Light Bulb Now Fixture Does Not Work”
  1. Dave Rongey says:
    August 19, 2011 at 12:41 am

    Josh,
    The dimmer switch was on while you changed the light bulb when the light bulb popped, so this damaged the dimmer switch and so the dimmer switch will need to be replaced.
    This a good example of why you should never replace light bulbs while the switch is on, especially dimmer switches because they are very sensitive and can be easily damage.
    Dave

  2. josh says:
    August 1, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    i recently was trying to screw in a bulb in my ceiling fan and the bulb popped. Now i replaced the bulb and it works ok, but the dimmer switch on the remote for it does not. i tried replacing battery so i know its not the remote…. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!


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