IMPORTANT NOTICE

Do you always get frustrated when you are trying to carry out an important task and the light bulb burns out? Have you had to read with a torch light because your light bulb just wouldn’t come on? Have you always wanted to immediately troubleshoot problems with your lights? If your answer to any of the questions is YES, then count yourself lucky and read on! This article has been specially designed for you to be able to fix all the burnt bulbs in your house and even help your neighbours with theirs as well. This week, we have decided to provide you with some tips on troubleshooting problems with your light bulbs.

Light bulbs have a very simple structure and when a single light doesn't work, the problem is almost always associated with the bulb, the circuit breaker (or fuse), or the switch. The first and most obvious solution is to replace the bulb with a good one and, if that doesn't work, track down the problem through a process of elimination. The steps below can be followed to ensure adequate trouble shooting of issues with your light bulbs.

Step 1: The first and possibly most important step is to ensure that the electricity is turned off before working on the light bulb. If you are removing a light bulb from a lamp, all you need to do is unplug the lamp. If it is a light bulb that is wired into the ceiling, you will need to find the circuit breaker and turn off the electricity to that location. If you have any doubt about this, it is advisable to shut off all power. The last thing you want to do is to put something metal into a live socket. Even after you think the electricity is off, check it to make sure

Step 2: Test the bulb and, if necessary, change it. Be sure that the bulb is screwed into the socket all the way. If you put a new bulb in the socket and it still doesn't work, test the new bulb in a working socket. Before removing a bulb, always ensure that it cools off if it has just gone out. Alternatively, use an oven mitt if you have limited patience or need the light on immediately. Hold onto the top of the bulb lightly and turn it counter clockwise. Turning the bulb clockwise will tighten it, and it may crack in your hands. Slowly turn the bulb until it is released from the fixture’s socket. The replacement bulb should be turned clockwise into the socket. Again, do not over do this, as the bulb is made of glass and will crack or damage the fixture.

Step 3: If step 2 above does not rectify the problem, then you should proceed to step 3. Remove the bulb. Turn the lights on, and check to see if the socket is receiving power by touching the two leads of a voltage tester so that one touches the brass contact at the center of the socket and other touches the threaded metal bulb housing. If you get a reading of current, try another bulb. If you don’t, go on to the next step.

Step 4: Be sure that the circuit breaker (or fuse) for the non-working fixture has not tripped. If it has, reset the breaker or replace the fuse, and try the light again.

Step 5: If the step above still does not work, turn off the circuit breaker that serves the non-working fixture, unscrew the cover plate from the light switch, and use a voltage tester to be sure none of the wires in the electrical box are still "hot". Then be sure the wires are securely fastened to the switch’s terminals.

Step 6: Put the cover plate back on, turn the circuit back on, and try the switch again. If it does not work, go on to the next step.

Step 7: Turn the circuit back off, remove the cover plate, remove the switch and using a multi – meter or a continuity tester, check the switch.

Step 8: If the switch is defective, replace it with one that has the same amperage and voltage ratings. Since switches are quite inexpensive, it isn’t worth the effort to attempt repair.

Step 9: If the switch tests fine, remove the cover plate from the light fixture, use a voltage tester to be sure there are no hot (charged) wires in the electrical box, and then replace the light fixture.

Step 10: If none of the above steps helps, then call a professional electrician.

REMEMBER: When working on your light bulbs, do not touch water or any other liquid when handling the bulb, fixture and electricity switch. Also, always dispose of old bulbs in order to keep it out of the hands of children and pets. Ensure that you use the same wattage for all bulbs so that you don’t blow the fuse. Bulbs are usually cooler at the base than on the tops, so be careful when handling a recently burned out bulb. Most importantly, always use a stable step-pool or ladder when changing light bulbs that are beyond your reach. Do not climb on chairs and furniture.

AMFacilities offers a Total Facilities Management service for both home and offices and we’d be glad to work with you to address any issues you may have in maintaining your electrical systems. At AMFacilities we engage the right PEOPLE using the right PROCESSES to provide the right PLACE for our customers to live, work and play. Feel free to contact us for necessary advice in providing efficient facility management services for your home and office.

“The excitement of cheap service goes long before the pain of poor quality”.

For further enquiries please contact us on: 01 8161151, info@amfacilities.com, www.amfacilities.com