Q&A for How to Change a Light Bulb

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Question

Why are the lights in my house flickering?

Daniel Stoescu
Master Electrician
Daniel Stoescu is a Master Electrician and the Owner and Operator of Home Tech Solutions, LLC in Hampton, Virginia. With over a decade of experience, Daniel specializes in wiring residential, commercial, and light industrial structures. The Home Tech Solutions team has over four decades of combined experience and offers comprehensive solutions for residential electrical needs.

Daniel Stoescu

Master Electrician

Expert Answer

There are a few possibilities, including loose connections, a bad switch, a faulty ballast, and bad bulbs.

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Question

How do you remove a broken light bulb?

Community Answer

Try the potato method: Take a potato, slice it in half (crosswise) and push the cut end onto your broken light bulb. This should help you to twist the bulb out of the socket. See How to Remove a Broken Light Bulb with a Potato for more details.

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Question

How do I change an outdoor fixture that is enclosed?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Most outdoor fixtures have a cutout at the bottom that allows you to remove and replace the bulb. You may need to unscrew the cover in some cases. Refer to any labels that tell you how to change the bulb.

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Question

The light bulb is broken and still in the fixture. How can I get it out?

Community Answer

Be careful here. Turn off the power at the fuse box, and put on a pair of gloves. Unplug the fixture if there's a plug. Then, try using a pair of pliers. Use the pliers to grab the base of the broken light bulb, and turn it. It should come out. You can also use the pliers to remove any remaining bulb shards in the fixture. Remember, the shards are sharp, so be careful.

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Question

How do I change a light bulb that is stuck?

Community Answer

You can buy a small suction type tool to remove a stuck bulb at many hardware stores. As always, make sure the power is turned completely off at the fuse box before you attempt this. Put the suction cup on the stuck bulb. Twist to the left. The suction will provide additional grip, making it easier to remove the bulb.

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Question

How do I identify the type of light bulb?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Look at the top of the bulb while it is off. You will see the brand name, the rated wattage, and the brightness.

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