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How To Extract a Broken Light Bulb From a Socket

How to Fix a Broken Light Bulb Problem: When replacing a light bulb it was twisting in the light socket then when I turned the light back on the bulb popped and flashed then the power went out.


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A Damaged Light Bulb Can Cause An Electrical Short Circuit
Electrical Question: When replacing a light bulb it was twisting in the light socket then when I turned the light back on the bulb popped and flashed then the power went out.

This electrical repair question came from: Barry, a Homeowner from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Barry.

How to Fix a Broken Light Bulb Problem

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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

5 Responses to “How To Extract a Broken Light Bulb From a Socket”
  1. Mo Starks says:

    Please help – A bulb broke when trying to replace it and the metal socket is stuck in socket holder – thanks in advance.

    Mo

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Mo –
    Turn OFF the light switch or circuit.
    Remove the glass from the broken bulb.
    Take a small flat blade screw driver and gently pry between the socket and the broken bulb base pushing it in towards the center area.
    Do this all the way around the socket being careful not to damage the socket, bending only on the old bulb base.
    Lift out the old bulb or use pliers to gently unscrew the old bulb.
    Be Careful – Dave

  3. Greg says:

    I had the same problem as the original fellow, but when I finally got the old bulb piece out and put the new one in, the lights didn’t turn back on. Oddly enough the breaker didn’t trip when it originally shorted, but all the other lights on the circuit went out and are still out. Flipping the breaker off and on does no good. Is it a faulty circuit breaker or light socket that is the problem, and how do I diagnose the problem? Thanks in advance!

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Greg,
    If it was a bad light socket it would not keep the other lights from working. A voltage test should be made to see if there is power to the light circuit, and if not it could be a bad circuit breaker but this would be rare. There is a possibility that the circuit breaker really is tripped OFF but appears that it is in the ON position, or that you have not found the right circuit breaker. If the circuit will not reset then the wiring to the socket may be damaged or shorted out if the socket was turning while the bulb was being extracted. In this case the wiring to the socket will need to be repaired before the circuit breaker can be reset.
    Dave

  5. Greg says:

    I was able to track the problem back to the light switch. The dimmer had blown!
    Thanks for your help. 😉