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Troubleshooting Incandescent Light Fixtures

Problem 1

• Bulb Doesn’t Light

Diagnosis 1

• Plug has been pulled from receptacle.
• Bulb is loose; isn’t making contact with socket.
• Bulb is burned out.
• Cord is damaged.
• Switch is defective.
• Receptacle is defective.

Solution 1

• Push plug back into receptacle.
• Tighten bulb.
• Replace bulb.
• Replace cord.
• Replace switch.
• Replace receptacle.

Problem 2

• Bulb Flickers

Diagnosis 2

• Bulb is loose; barely makes contact with socket.
• Loose wire at socket terminal.
• Switch is defective
• Receptacle is intermittent.
• Receptacle wire is loose.
• Socket contact is dirty or corroded.

Solution 2

• Tighten bulb.
• Turn off power to circuit or unplug fixture; then secure wire.
• Replace switch.
• Replace receptacle.
• Reconnect or splice wires.
• Turn off power; clean contact.

Problem 3

• Fixture Blows a Fuse or Trips Circuit Breaker

Diagnosis 3

• Short circuit in cord.
• Plug is defective.
• Socket is defective.

Solution 3

• Replace cord.
• Replace plug.
• Replace socket.