Best Way to Change a Light Bulb Holder

Isn’t it strange how when you get a toothache, it’s always over the weekend when all the dentist’s surgeries are closed, and you wind up spending all evening in a hospital A & E with a student dentist practising on your molars.

In the cold light of day and in differing circumstances it might not seem a very wise decision to let a novice loose inside your laughing equipment. But as I remember so well, at that stage, if the prognosis was ‘off with the head’ I would have willingly agreed!

What has the dentist got to do with a light bulb holder? Problems always seem to occur with lighting at night when it’s dark. OK, that’s fairly obvious because that’s when you use the lights! My point is, if possible, leave fixing them until the morning when you can turn off the power and actually see what you’re doing. Not only will the job be much easier in daylight – it will also be much safer!

Here’s a sequence of events which leads to a common problem in many households. The bulb to the central light in your living room blows and you decide to replace it. As you are replacing the bulb, the bulb holder crumbles and the new bulb pops out again. Suddenly, the simple job of changing a lightbulb becomes a daunting DIY task – or does it?!

Changing a Bulb

There are basically two types of bulb or light fittings – a (threaded) screw-in type and the more common double pronged, push and twist (bayonet) type. You should know what type of bulb you need – including the wattage – and always keep spares to hand.

Changing a light bulb is a simple task and it can be replaced without turning off the main power at the fuseboard. Make sure that the light switch is in the OFF position before you start. However, if the bulb holder is faulty, then you must TURN OFF the power from the mains fuseboard before you do anything. Position your steps under the light (do NOT use a chair) and assemble the replacement bulb holder and tools required on the platform. Undo the threaded plastic ring to release the lampshade and put it aside.

Removing The Old Bulb Holder

Before doing anything, turn the power off! Then unscrew the top section of the bulb holder to expose the two connecting wires. These wires will be held in place by two grub screws. Undo the two screws to release the wires and remove the damaged bulb holder. The top part of the bulb holder will then slide down over the wires to complete the removal process.

The ends of the wires often become brittle from the heat of the bulb over a long period of time, so cut off the last inch (25mm) of flex. Then use the wire strippers to strip back the wire casing a further 1/2 inch (12mm) before you fit the new bulb holder.

Sometimes, very old bulb holders can be difficult to unscrew. This is usually because engrained dirt has got into the plastic threads. A little lubrication will normally solve the problem.

Fitting the New Bulb Holder

Unscrew the top section of the new bulb holder and slide this over the wires. Then, use a strip of tape to hold the top section of the holder in place and stop it from sliding down, until you have connected the wires to the main body of the new bulb holder.

Undo the grub screws of the new bulb holder, insert the wires and tighten the grub screws one at a time. It doesn’t matter which side you put the wires into a bulb holder! Loop them over the supporting lugs to prevent the weight from being carried to the terminals and to reduce stress on the unit as a whole.

Remove the tape to release the top part of the bulb holder, and carefully screw it onto the main body. Then unscrew the plastic retaining ring which holds the lampshade in place, and insert the shade.

Carefully screw the retaining ring back on (taking care not to cross-thread), to hold the lampshade in position. Finally, insert your new bulb, and turn the power back on.

If you have any problems getting the new bulb holder to work properly, chances are that either the bulb has blown or the wiring is not properly secured. Check both and proceed as before until you get a result.