Is there a safe way to change a lightbulb, or is it just my bad luck?

Answer 1

Changing light bulbs is safe. What did you do?

Answer 2

If you are SHOCKING yourself you need to (a) shut off the power to the light first, (b) avoid touching the metal base of the bulb and (c) if you are still getting shocks from a particular fixture, have a qualified electrician check the wiring -- it may have a fault.

If you are BREAKING BULBS, that's another matter. If you break bulbs in lamps you are likely squeezing too hard! In ceiling fixtures (especially ceiling fans or other fixtures where the bulb points DOWN), the heat from the bulb will often cause the bulb to separate from it's base. If this happens, make SURE the power is off and remove the base with pliers that have insulated handles -- touch no metal parts!!! To prevent future problems use only bulbs that are specifically labeled for burning in ceiling fans or bulb-down and choose a lower wattage of bulb (these produce less heat and are less likely to come apart when removed).

Answer 3

I guess we need to know what was the unsafe result of changing the light bulb?

If you stand on a latter while suffering from an inner ear infection, you could fall.
If you standing on a latter, in a walkway, there is always the possibility that someone could run into the latter and knock you down.
If you grab a hot bulb with your fingers you could get burnt.
If you are wet you could get a shock, or even cause the bulb to burst and cut yourself.

Honestly I have changed a lot of light bulbs, in my lifetime. I never managed to have an accident, other than perhaps dropping the bulb and breaking it.

Answer 4

There are many companies that sell a "light bulb changer". All it is is a pair of thongs that are insulated for both heat and electricity.

Some of the easier methods include:

1) Use a pair of rubber gloves (gives gripping power, insulation from both heat and electricity, and of course keeps one's hands clean from the usual buildup of dirt.

2) Find a cloth that isn't too slippery, dampen the cloth, and use the cloth to unscrew the lightbulb and insert the new one.

Answer 5

I've never had any issues changing lightbulbs. If it just burnt out and is still hot, I use a towel to prevent burning myself, but other than that, no problems.

Answer 6

turn off the light or unplug the applicance. If you are really concerned you can turn off the electricity in the breaker box, but that really isn't necessary.

if the light bulb is broken with sharp glass around it, you can cut a potato in half and push the potato into the broken glass part and remove the light bulb by turning the potato

Answer 7

Responder Lexie's advice is good. I'll add only that if the bulb does not turn easily when you are trying to remove it, you can wrap it with a towel so that if it should break you will not cut your hand.

Answer 8

make sure the bulb is out and cool to the touch,remove by turning counter clockwise,replace with new bulb, and turn the light on.

Answer 9

I always have the electricity turned off and I put on rubber gloves that grips the bulb.
Hope this helps you!!!
CeaCea

Answer 10

turn light off first!