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MikeVic
05-01-2009, 01:40 PM
Ok, so I have a light in my kitchen that takes three bulbs. There are two existing bulbs in there that say 60watts, and one smaller one that doesn't have anything on it.

The 60watt bulbs have burned out, and I put in new 60watt bulbs... they don't work. So I tried 40watt, and that didn't work. So I tried one of those energy-efficient spiral ones... that didn't work.

So then I thought maybe I'm using the wrong type... everything I tried was an "A19" bulb, so I tried an "A15" bulb... got one to work, and the other didn't.

Is there a lightbulb expert on here that can help me out as to why it's so hard to find replacement bulbs?? I only have one of the A15s that worked, and it just doesn't make sense why other bulbs aren't working... A15s are apparently for like, stoves and ceiling fans too...
Dr. Sak
05-01-2009, 01:46 PM
Are you sure there isn't a short?
MikeVic
05-01-2009, 01:54 PM
No I'm not sure... how do I check for that?
Dr. Sak
05-01-2009, 01:58 PM
Do you have a voltage gage? If so you can stick in in the bulb socket to see if there is current running to that particular one.
MikeVic
05-01-2009, 02:00 PM
Why would one bulb work and the other wouldn't though? I can try that one "working" bulb again I guess. I know I tried the existing bulb and it worked in another of the three sockets.

I have one of those so I can try that too.
Dr. Sak
05-01-2009, 02:02 PM
Oh I can almost guarantee there is a short. There are wires running from the main line to each of the bulbs...one of the wires must have a short in it.
MikeVic
05-01-2009, 02:05 PM
Thanks I can try that.

And since I like threads with images, here's one:
http://www.lightbulbwarehouse.com/home/images/frontbuddy.gif
sterlingice
05-01-2009, 02:11 PM
That just sounds dangerous

SI
bbor
05-01-2009, 02:25 PM
Stick your tongue in it.
flere-imsaho
05-01-2009, 02:40 PM
Set the fixture on fire. You'll have light.
CU Tiger
05-01-2009, 05:23 PM
Oh I can almost guarantee there is a short. There are wires running from the main line to each of the bulbs...one of the wires must have a short in it.


there is almost zero chance you have a short,
a short should trip a breaker.
If anything you have an "open"

I can explain the theory later if anyone cares....

each of the sockets will have a lead coming of it tied to a single wire which will go up and be connected to the power supply in the house. Most likely the connection has become loose and the junction is broke.

turn the light switch off remove all three bulbs and take the fixture down. check the wires and if nothing is obvious take a picture and post it.

Do not attempt to test with a meter as suggested, the bottom of the receptacle is the "hot" and the outside edge is the "negative" sticking a meter in a light socket in all but the best trained hands will result in a tripped breakeer, a burned up meter lead and a possible shocked operator.
Poli
05-01-2009, 05:25 PM
there is almost zero chance you have a short,
a short should trip a breaker.
If anything you have an "open"

I can explain the theory later if anyone cares....

each of the sockets will have a lead coming of it tied to a single wire which will go up and be connected to the power supply in the house. Most likely the connection has become loose and the junction is broke.

turn the light switch off remove all three bulbs and take the fixture down. check the wires and if nothing is obvious take a picture and post it.

Do not attempt to test with a meter as suggested, the bottom of the receptacle is the "hot" and the outside edge is the "negative" sticking a meter in a light socket in all but the best trained hands will result in a tripped breakeer, a burned up meter lead and a possible shocked operator.
As an electronic technician, I agree with this post.
Fidatelo
05-01-2009, 10:49 PM
CU Tiger basically wired my house. Listen to the man.
MikeVic
05-05-2009, 12:41 PM
Well, I bought some "Reveal" 40-watt ceiling fan bulbs and they work in all three sockets. The existing bulb works in all three sockets too. I don't quite understand it, but maybe it's just picky with the type of bulb... it works right now so I think I'll just keep buying these "Reveal" bulbs.

edit: Thanks for all the help!
Dr. Sak
05-05-2009, 12:45 PM
each of the sockets will have a lead coming of it tied to a single wire which will go up and be connected to the power supply in the house. Most likely the connection has become loose and the junction is broke.


Thanks for correcting me. In my haste to post the (possible) solution I didn't word it correctly, but what you said was what I was trying to get at. Thanks for correcting me.