Bathroom light not working!?

Question

My bathroom light bulb blew so I took out the bulb, went to Homebase and bought what looks to me the exact same bulb (it's a recessed ceiling light, 240V, 60W). Screwed in the new bulb - no light. Tried both new bulbs to no avail, but both new bulbs work in other lamps and the old bulb doesn't. What am I doing wrong? I looked for circuit breakers and found "sockets" and "lights" so I guess if the switch had tripped all the lights wouldn't work. Please help having baths by candlelight is not fun anymore!!

Answer 1

The centre or possibly the side contacts in the ES lampholder have lost their 'springiness' and failed to contact the lamp cap. You could try turning it in a bit harder, and then try bending the contacts slightly towards the cap. (With the lamp out and the power OFF!) A common problem with old ES lamphoders.

Answer 2

Alot of times in these situation the old bulb has pushed the contact at the bottom of the lamp holder up to high hence not allowing the new bulb to make contact. I'd suggest turning off the circuit and using long nose pliers or a screw driver bending this contact down a little. Failing that i'd suggest the actaul fitting, would be unlikely to be the switch as it was working b4. Hope this helps

Answer 3

We had a similar issue and it turned out to be the fixture itself. Sometimes they "go bad". If you are handy and veeeeerrrryyyyy careful they are not hard to replace. the hardware store can help you choose a new one to wire in but be sure to turn off the electricity first either by tripping the circuit breaker for that room or removing the fuse if you have old type screw-in fuses. Pay attention to the wiring colors on the old fixture as you un-wire it to wire in the correct sequence for the new socket. It is usually best to hire an electrician or use a friend with experience in electrical work to avoid a fire or electrocution hazard, especially with recessed lighting..those suckers get really hot!!

Answer 4

Seems to me that you have a break in the circuit that supplies the bathroom light. Have a go at this (during daylight hours!) and please be careful!!!!
1. Flick OFF the circuit breaker that controls the lights in your dwelling.
2. CHECK that ALL the lights won't work first (for safety's sake!). . .then
3. Remove the switch from the ceiling/wall and check all the wires are screwed into the connectors firmly. (You'll nee a very small screwdriver for this stage.)
4. Reassemble everything you've taken apart carefully before you. . .
5. Flick the circuit breaker back on for the lights.
6. Test the light is working.

Hope this works. . .if not, get a qualified electrician ;-(

Answer 5

Try switching off an on all your circuit breakers. Make sure you have your new light bulb in the socket. This should tell you if it's a breaker . If this doesn't work try a different light fixture an see if it will work. You need to know how to wire it.

Answer 6

Some screw fitting light sockets need the bulb to be turned quite tightly to make a complete electrical connection. Be very careful and use your judgement as to what is a reasonable turning force - breaking the bulb is not a good result!

Answer 7

Turn off the mains and make sure the wiring in the switch or pull switch is secure. Look at the screw fitting with a torch to make sure it is not damaged or corroded. Check the bulb holder wiring and try again.

Answer 8

I suggest that youdo lock your door and maybe shove a towel or some cloth to block the light from beneith your door. As for sound, buy a headset so that the sound goes into the ear instead of the whole room. You dont really want the sounds of a woman groaning filling your whole room now do you? Be cautios, if you hear any sounds, then immediatly turn off your browser. happy jacking.

Answer 9

steam may have got into the fitting and it will have corroded it. a new fitting will be required if this is the case. different fittings have different zones where they can be in a bathroom look on back of box or a wire may have came loose in the fitting or switch. turn of your lights at circuit breaker check no other lights working the house. take off the fitting/switch if you feel confident enough. baring in mind that it is now illegal for you to do this unless you are a competent person under legislation which came into force last year in the uk. best thing to ask someone to do it if your not confident.

Answer 10

It might be the actual bulb holder that is at fault. Try unmouting the holder from the ceiling and replacing it with another one.