Repairing Light Fixtures

L ight fixtures are attached permanently to

ceilings or walls. They include wall-hung
sconces, ceiling-hung globe fixtures, recessed
light fixtures, and chandeliers. Most light Electrical box
fixtures are easy to repair using basic tools and Metal braces

inexpensive parts.
If a light fixture fails, always make sure the light
bulb is screwed in tightly and is not burned out. A
Hot wire
faulty light bulb is the most common cause of light
fixture failure. If the light fixture is controlled by a
wall switch, also check the switch as a possible source Grounding wire
of problems.
Light fixtures can fail because the sockets or Neutral wire
built-in switches wear out. Some fixtures have sockets
and switches that can be removed for minor repairs. Mounting strap
These parts are held to the base of the fixture with
mounting screws or clips. Other fixtures have sockets Grounding screw
and switches that are joined permanently to the base.
If this type of fixture fails, purchase and install a new
light fixture.
Damage to light fixtures often occurs because
homeowners install light bulbs with wattage ratings
that are too high. Prevent overheating and light fixture Mounting
failures by using only light bulbs that match the screws

wattage ratings printed on the fixtures. Fixture base

Techniques for repairing fluorescent lights are
different from those for incandescent lights. Refer to
pages 288 to 293 to repair or replace a fluorescent
light fixture.

Tab
Brass screw terminal

Tools & Materials 쑺

Socket (cutaway)

Circuit tester Combination tool

Screwdriver Replacement parts,
Continuity tester as needed Shade

In a typical incandescent light fixture, a black hot wire is

connected to a brass screw terminal on the socket. Power flows
to a small tab at the bottom of the metal socket and through a
metal filament inside the bulb. The power heats the filament and
causes it to glow. The current then flows through the threaded
portion of the socket and through the white neutral wire back to
the main service panel.

278 ■ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WIRING

 Before 1959, incandescent light fixtures
Electrical Wood (shown cutaway) often were mounted
box blocking
directly to an electrical box or to plaster
lath. Electrical codes now require that
fixtures be attached to mounting straps
that are anchored to the electrical boxes. If
you have a light fixture attached to plaster
Hot wire lath, install an approved electrical box with
a mounting strap to support the fixture.

Neutral wire

Screw terminals
Mounting screws

Problem Repair

Wall- or ceiling-mounted fixture flickers or does not light. 1. Check for faulty light bulb.
2. Check wall switch and repair or replace, if needed.
3. Check for loose wire connections in electrical box.
4. Test socket and replace, if needed (pages 280 to 281).
5. Replace light fixture.
Built-in switch on fixture does not work. 1. Check for faulty light bulb.
2. Check for loose wire connections on switch.
3. Replace switch.
4. Replace light fixture.
Chandelier flickers or does not light. 1. Check for faulty light bulb.
2. Check wall switch and repair or replace, if needed.
3. Check for loose wire connections in electrical box.
4. Test sockets and fixture wires, and replace, if needed.
Recessed fixture flickers or does not light. 1. Check for faulty light bulb.
2. Check wall switch and repair or replace, if needed.
3. Check for loose wire connections in electrical box.
4. Test fixture and replace, if needed.

Repair Projects ■ 279

 ■ How to Remove a Light Fixture & Test a Socket
1 2

Grounding
screw

Turn off the power to the light fixture at the main service Test for power by touching one probe of a circuit tester to
panel. Remove the light bulb and any shade or globe, then the green grounding screw, then inserting the other probe into
remove the mounting screws holding the fixture base to the each wire connector. Tester should not glow. If it does, there is
electrical box or mounting strap. Carefully pull the fixture base still power entering the box. Return to the service panel and
away from the box. turn off power to the correct circuit.

3 4
Metal tab

Disconnect the light fixture base by loosening the Adjust the metal tab at the bottom of the fixture socket by
screw terminals. If fixture has wire leads instead of screw prying it up slightly with a small screwdriver. This adjustment
terminals, remove the light fixture base by unscrewing the will improve the contact between the socket and the light bulb.
wire connectors.

5 Metal tab
6 Neutral screw
terminal

Hot screw Threaded

terminal portion of socket

Test the socket (shown cutaway) by attaching the clip of a Attach tester clip to neutral screw terminal (or white wire
continuity tester to the hot screw terminal (or black wire lead) lead), and touch probe to threaded portion of socket. Tester
and touching probe of tester to metal tab in bottom of socket. should glow. If not, socket is faulty and must be replaced. If
Tester should glow. If not, socket is faulty and must be replaced. socket is permanently attached, replace the fixture.

280 ■ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WIRING

■ How to Replace a Socket
1 2

Remove the old light fixture. Remove the socket from the Purchase an identical replacement socket. Connect the
fixture. The socket may be held by a screw, clip, or retaining white wire to the silver screw terminal on the socket, and
ring. Disconnect wires attached to the socket. connect the black wire to the brass screw terminal. Attach the
socket to the fixture base, and reinstall the fixture.

■ How to Test & Replace a Built-in Light Switch

1 Retaining ring 2

Switch
leads

Remove the light fixture. Unscrew the retaining ring holding Label the wires connected to the switch leads.
the switch. Disconnect the switch leads and remove the switch.

3 4

Test the switch by attaching the clip of the continuity tester If the switch is faulty, purchase and install an exact
to one of the switch leads and holding the tester probe to the duplicate switch. Remount the light fixture, and turn on the
other lead. Operate the switch control. If the switch is good, the power at the main service panel.
tester will glow when the switch is in one position, but not both.

Repair Projects ■ 281

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