How To Replace A Light Socket In The Ceiling: Instructions Of Replacing A Bulb Socket In A Light Fixture


Step By Step Instructions Of Replacing A Bulb Socket In A Light Fixture

The majority of light fixtures have decorative as well as electrical parts. Some of the parts that come under decorative category include the globe, the shiny tubing, as well as other enhancements that make the fixture look very nice. The electrical parts comprise of the sockets as well as their wiring. Sockets can fail, due to the reason that they simply wear out and don't make a good connection with the bulb anymore, they can overheat (generally caused by a high-wattage bulb), and they can short out. However, if a socket fails, you can take it out and then replace it in order to make sure that your beautiful decorative fixture looks like new again & works exceptionally well.

What You Will Need

  • Ladder (As Needed)
  • Non-Contact Voltage Tester
  • Screwdrivers
  • Pliers
  • Replacement Bulb Socket

Step By Step Instructions

  • Turn Off The Power: First off all, switch off the power to the circuit that you will be working on & make sure to turn off the suitable breaker in your home's electrical service panel (breaker box). If you are not able to find out the specific breaker to flip, then you should turn off the main breaker in order to kill power to the entire house.
  • Remove The Globe: Pull out the globe from the fixture. The globe may be supported by internal clips, screws on the outer ring of the fixture, or a retainer nut on the underside of the globe. Take hold of the globe in one hand while unfastening the screw or nut with the other hand. Set the globe to one side for now.
  • Test For Power: Take out the light bulb from the socket, before using a non-contact voltage tester in order to check for power in the light socket. Join the probe of a non-contact voltage tester to the metal tab on inner side or surface of the socket. Flip the light switch before testing the socket again. The tester need not to light up for either test. The reason for testing with both switch positions is due to the fact that some switches (such as three-way switches) can be on or off in either position.
  • Loosen The Fixture And Test For Power: Loosen or get rid of the mounting screws attaching the base of the light fixture to the electrical box in the wall or ceiling. Pull the fixture away from the box with utmost care without touching any wires. Test for power again by joining the probe of the voltage tester to each of the fixture wires as well as all of the wires in the box. The tester need not to light up, if it does, return to the service panel as well as turn off the correct breaker, before retesting the wires to confirm the power is off.
  • Disconnect The Wiring: Twist the wire connector (wire nut) anticlockwise and pull it out from each set of wires, before separating the wires. Disengage the ground wire from the box or fixture mounting strap, as applicable. Take the fixture down before placing it on your workbench or table. Pull the black and white wires from the bad socket through the hole in the fixture in order to make sure that the socket can be removed.
  • Remove The Socket: Look at the inner surface of the socket and locate the Phillips screw (or screws) taking hold of the socket to the fixture. On the other hand, the socket may be supported by a retaining nut at the back of the fixture or bulb housing, or there may be a screw as well as a nut. Pull out the screw or nut with the help of a screwdriver or pliers, as applicable. Take out the socket from the fixture, however, keep the screw and/or nut in case you require it for the new socket.
  • Install The New Socket: Insert the new socket into the fixture in the same position as the original, and attach it with the screw and/or nut. Be careful not to secure it tightly, as sockets can be fragile.
  • Reinstall The Fixture: Take hold of the fixture back up to the wall or ceiling box and attach or fix the wires as before, using the same wire connectors. Black wires join together under one wire nut, and white wires tie together underneath another. Also rejoin the ground wire, as applicable. Mount the fixture to the electrical box with the help of its mounting screws. Be sure that no wires are extending from the fixture base, you don't want to pinch an electrical wire as you secure down the fixture firmly.
  • Clean And Install The Fixture Globe: Secure a light bulb into the new socket using screws, clean the globe (this is convenient while it is removed), and reinstall it onto the fixture.
  • Turn On The Power: Finally, switch on the circuit breaker in the breaker box before testing the fixture for normal operation.
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