Most people think changing a light bulb should fix all light-related issues.
Yes, in some situations all you need to do is change the light bulb. However, there may be a lot more going on that needs to be corrected.
This is why it’s important to learn how to fix a light that’s not working after changing the bulb.
If a light is not working after changing the bulb, it’s likely due to the circuit breaker or fuse getting tripped. This happens when the bulb blows out right away or the wiring is frayed. To fix this issue, replace the bulb, reset the breaker, and check the wiring.
Please note, turn off the power supply before working on the wiring. Do not attempt to fix or change it with the power running to the light source!
Here is more on what to do if a light is not working after changing the bulb.
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How To Fix A Light That’s Not Working After Changing Bulb
1. Reset the Circuit Breaker
The main issue has to do with the circuit breaker.
In most cases, when a circuit breaker trips, it will cause the power to stop running to the light source.
To fix this, you will have to go to the circuit breaker and reset it. This is the only way power is going to go back to the light for it to work.
When doing this, make sure to inspect the light bulb. You can also try reinstalling the light bulb to see whether or not it was loose. This will save you quite a bit of time rather than going to reset the circuit breaker.
For the most part, this will take a few minutes and should send power back to the light bulb.
2. Change the Light Bulb Again
If a light fixture is not working, you might have a light bulb that blew out immediately.
This is possible and it is something to account for. If a light socket has power but the bulb won’t light then it might be the bulb that’s the issue.
In some cases, the light bulb can burn out due to a sudden surge of electrical power. This can cause it to die on the spot. This goes for old and new bulbs.
As a result, changing the light bulb will take care of the issue. You can try to do this before looking at the circuit breaker but it is a common solution that will fix the problem.
3. Check the Wiring
You might have a situation where the wiring to the fixture is an issue.
If a light is not working after replacing the bulb then it is possible the wiring is frayed or loose. You will want to take a look at the wiring by removing the socket.
This will reveal wires running to the specific fixture.
When doing this, please turn off the power supply or you are going to get shocked. This is something that has to be done carefully.
If all of the wires are okay, it might have to do with something deeper inside the circuit. When this is the case, you will have to speak to a qualified electrician.
4. Retest The Bulb
When you have attempted all of these solutions, test the light bulb.
This will let you see whether or not light is coming from the bulb. For most cases, it will work now and you will be good to go.
As noted before, if the issue persists then it’s time to call an electrician. It is possible for the problem to be deep-rooted within the circuit and that will require a trained eye to fix.
How Can You Tell If A Bulb Is Blown?
You can tell a light bulb is blown when it doesn’t work when attached to the light socket. The bulb will also rattle when shaken and have loose filament inside. These are signs the bulb has blown out and needs to be changed.
Do not continue to use the light bulb.
This can pose a risk to the circuit and is never recommended. Change the light bulb, check to see if the circuit breaker tripped, and inspect the wiring too.
Final Thoughts
These are the steps to follow if a light is not working after changing the bulb.
If a light is not working after changing the bulb, it’s likely to do with the circuit breaker getting tripped. To fix this, reset the circuit breaker, change the light bulb, and check the wiring to see if it’s loose or frayed.
For most situations, this is more than enough to fix the problem.
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