How to Remove a Broken Light Bulb

Have you ever had a light bulb break while it was screwed into the socket? This is a common problem, but one that is surprisingly dangerous. Though you might be tempted to call a professional and demand electric renovations or a whole new electric wiring system, this is unnecessary. You might have also heard that a potato will help you in this situation. You can cut the potato in half, push it into the based and twist it out. This might work, but there are other, less culinary solutions that are also successful. Remember, if the electricity is left running, you can get electrocuted with the potato since it conducts electricity. Even the most basic lessons in electricity will teach you that.

Instead of reaching for a potato, reach for the power box. Shut the electricity off at the circuit system. If you do not know which circuit goes to the light in question, shut it all down. Before you begin unscrewing the light bulb, make sure you have the area covered beneath the broken bulb. This will catch any of the falling glass debris. Put on a pair of leather gloves so you do not have to touch the shards of glass directly. Finally, wear eye protection. This might seem like overkill, but imagine staring up into the light while unscrewing it. A shard of glass falls and pops right into your eye. It is not worth the risk of damaging your vision.

There are two ways you can precede once all of the necessary safety precautions are in place. You can use pliers and insert them into the broken base. Spreading the handles apart with both hands, exert force on the sides of the base and rotate the pliers counter-clockwise. Continue turning until the base is unscrewed. Be careful not to break the fixture by applying too much pressure. If you are facing a great deal of resistance, you might want to try another method.

Using a small screwdriver, insert the tip between the fixture and the bulb base. Bend it slightly inward enough for you to get a grip on it with pliers. Next, use the pliers to grab the metal lip and turn it counter-clockwise. There will be some resistance because of the bending, but you should be alright if you turn it back slight and then out again. Again, watch your pressure so you do not break the fixture.

To avoid a problem with a bulb getting stuck and shattering, do not over tighten the bulb when you put a new one into a fixture. You should turn it only until you meet some resistance and not tighten it any further. As long as there is no flickering, you have tightened the bulb enough. Tightening a light bulb beyond what is necessary is a common rookie mistake when it comes to home maintenance. It will only take one broken bulb before you realize a too-tight bulb is nothing but trouble. Once you have it removed, you can replace it with a well-screwed-in new light bulb.Ellie Lewis has often called on the expertise of a Dayton electric wiring specialist to fix complex electrical issues in her large office building. She hired a Dayton electric renovations specialist to update the wiring in her old house.

For more information about electric wiring go to
http://www.a-abel.com/Electric/default.aspx .

Author Bio: Ellie Lewis has often called on the expertise of a Dayton electric wiring specialist to fix complex electrical issues in her large office building. She hired a Dayton electric renovations specialist to update the wiring in her old house.

Category: Business
Keywords: Dayton electric wiring,Dayton electric renovations

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