How to Change a Broken Light Bulb

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Written by Summer Banks

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light bulb

broken light bulb Intro: You decide to change a light bulb that has burned out and when you try to unscrew the light bulb, the bulb comes out but the metal part stays in the socket. What can you do aside from call an electrician to fix this common problem? Why not fix the problem yourself.

In order to fix this broken light bulb you will need a pair of needle nose pliers, a flashlight and a helper.

Step 1: Throw the breaker to the light with the broken light bulb. The helper can either watch the light or try the breakers. The key is to throw the one breaker that powers the light you will be working on. When in doubt, throw the main breaker to the house for added safety.

Step 2: Once the power to the light is off. Use the needle nosed pliers to grab onto the metal part of the light bulb in the socket. You will need to unscrew this part of the light bulb in order to replace the bulb. If you are having trouble unscrewing the bulb from the socket, a pair of rubber or non stick gloves can help you to unscrew the metal bulb part from the socket without the pliers.

Step 3: After the metal part has been removed, screw in the new light bulb and throw the breaker to the main house or the light you are working on.

If the light does not work, there may be an electrical problem with the socket or the light and an electrician may need to look into the problem. If the light is in working condition - congratulations on fixing the broken light bulb without an expensive electrician visit.

Tips: Throwing the main breaker can affect computers, large appliances and other electrical devices. Make sure everything is turned off before throwing a main breaker to the house.

If you are uncomfortable with the scope of work, try asking the electrician to work with you to fix the problem so you will feel safer if the problem happens again.

Light Bulb