Why a Lamp Holder or Socket May Not Be Working

What could be the problem with a light socket that is not working? How to Repair a Lamp Holder and Why a Lamp holder May Not Work, Here are a few things that I have found that will prevent a light socket or lamp holder from working.

How to Get That Light Socket Working

Electrical Question: What could be the problem with a light socket that is not working?

I have a dual flood lamp  motion detector light where only one of the lights work.

• I replaced the lamp on the bad side twice, but only one light is side still not working.
• The other side works just fine.

This electrical wiring question came from: Don, a Homeowner in Nebraska.

Additional Comments: 1st time using

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Don.

How to Repair a Lamp Holder and Why a Lamp holder May Not Work

Application: Light Fixture Wiring.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture.
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Replacement parts for the light fixture should be compatible with the type of lamps that have been installed.

Problems with Older Lamp Sockets and Holders and How to Get Them Working Again

• Here are a few things that I have found that will prevent a light socket or lamp holder from working:
• A loose or unconnected wire in the light fixture wiring. Yes, every once and a while a wire can slip out of the wire nut or splice connector. Make a visual inspection and make the necessary repair.
• A depressed or worn out center socket contact. This is the center metal contact inside the socket itself. Some light bulbs have a deeper base that can bend this metal piece down really far back into the socket, while other light bulb bases are not as deep which can prevent the center contact point of the light bulb base from making connection with the light socket contact. This is corrected by turning off the power to the light fixture and gently pull the depressed socket contact up slightly.
• A broken wire or bad connection to the base of the light socket. Every once and a while, a rivet wears out or the robot that makes these sockets sneezes (or something) and a faulty socket is produced. This is also called a lemon light fixture.
• A bad light bulb (but you already tried this.)

The Following will assist you with Light Sockets and Lamp Holders

Motion Detector Wiring

• Installing Motion Detector and Security Light Fixtures

• Installing motion detector lighting fixtures provide security and energy savings and they can easily replace an existing exterior wall fixture.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. 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 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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