Lamps help in improving the general decor at home. They are stylish and help to illuminate the room excellently and softly. It is frustrating when you try reaching out to the lamp, and it’s not working. Don’t panic. Defect lamps are not complicated to fix and repair. It’s something you can do by yourself.
When there is power and the lamp isn’t lit, check to see if it’s plugged in correctly. The pet was running around and loosened it. If all that is ok, check to ensure the bulb is not blown. Get another bulb and fix it in the lamp and try lighting it.
Hopefully, that worked out. If it doesn’t, then don’t worry. You don’t have to throw the lamp away. I will discuss step-by-step guidelines on how to fix your precious light.
7 Steps To Fix A Lamp That Won’t Turn On
The following are the step-by-step processes to easily access and fix a lamp that won’t turn on. It is a DIY-type task that anyone can handle effortlessly. Read through this guide and fix the worn-out lamp quickly.
Step 1: Primary Assessment
After checking and confirming that there is a power supply, ensure that the lamp is plugged into a working socket just to be sure where the problem lies.
I am confident that the lamp is at fault for failing all the above attempts. It’s time to gather some tools ready to dismantle the light, check the inside, and fix the lamp. Tools needed include:
- flat head screwdriver;
- crosshead screwdriver;
- long-nose pliers;
- multimeter;
- wire cutter;
- Sheath strippers;
- wire stripper;
- An electrical tape.
It is also advisable to have a new fuse and replacement bulb holder. Ensure all the tools are assembled before commencing the task.
Step 2: Disconnect From Power
The first and most important step when dealing with electrical appliances is to ensure that they are unplugged from the electrical outlet. By doing this, the risk of hazards will be reduced, and can avoid any risk of electric shock.
Step 3: Remove The Shade, The bulb, and The harp
Remove the shade and the harp, the wire that holds the shade. This should give enough room and space to figure out where the problem is. Also, remove the bulb to prevent it from breaking while fixing the lamp.
Step 4: Unscrew The Plug
Start by unscrewing the plug using the screwdriver to check and see if the fuse has been blown up. A fuse is a safety device that provides overcurrent protection. It contains a wire that melts out when too much current flows through it.
Check the fuse using a multimeter. A fuse usually has some metal on both ends. Connect the red probe on one end and the black probe on the other. When the needle in the meter moves from left to right, the circuit flows, and the fuse is OK.
Fix it back well. If you just want to change the fuse with a new one, ensure to use a fuse with the same rating as the previous one. Before screwing back the plug, check to ensure all wires are tight and secure. Ensure that the sheath cable is firmly held in the plug
Step 5: Cord Inspection
Inspect the cord to ensure it has not been cut off. Check that there are no exposed wires in the cord to prevent electric shock. The next part we are going to check is the switch.
Step 6: Examining The Wires In The Switch
The switch may be at fault if it feels loose or if the clicking sound it makes when turning on and off is a bit dull than usual. The button can be attached to the cord or to the lamp itself.
If it’s on the cord, it will have four wires, two leading to the lamp and two from the plug. Carefully loosen the screw of the switch. Tighten the loose wires and re-test the lamp.
If the switch is attached to the lamp, remove the socket shell and pull up the control to expose the wires. The hot wire is attached to the brass screw and the neutral wire to the silver screw. Note this, especially if there is a need to replace the switch.
Step 7: Repairing The Bulb Socket
The bulb socket is relatively easy to repair, just ensure that the metal tab is not lying flat on the socket, for this leads to a break in the circuit as the metal tab is not coming into contact with the base of the bulb.
Pull the metallic tabs up and retest the lamp. Alternatively, just replace the whole socket bulb with a new one. The process is still simple. You must just screw off the old socket and screw in the new socket bulb.
Symptoms To Tell A Lamp You Need To Fix Immediately
The following key symptoms indicate that a lamp needs to be fixed as soon as possible. They should not be ignored. Knowing them will lessen further damage and aid in fixing the issue.
- Blown Up Bulb:
Lamps are sources of light. Therefore, there is a problem if it is not lit. Check to ensure that the bulb has blown up. If so, replace it. Also, check that the bulb is firmly fixed in its socket since continuously turning on and off the lamp may loosen the light.
- Bulb Burn Quickly:
It’s pretty costly to purchase a new bulb now and then. Bulbs may burn out if the power is too high for them to handle. Therefore, always ensure that when purchasing a bulb, buy the one with the correct wattage.
- Flickering Lamps:
Flickering lamps may occur when the metal tab in the socket bulb does not come into good contact with the bulb. Fix by pulling up the metal tab using pliers to complete circuit flow. Loose wiring in the socket may also lead to flickering. Tighten the wires.
- Lamp Switch That Gives Off Sparks:
This is very dangerous as it can lead to electric shocks, especially for kids. Lamp switches may give off sparks if there is a problem with the wiring and power circulation. Just fix it using the above steps or call an electrician. The best solution is to get a new switch and replace it.
- Dim Lighting:
Worn-out bulbs produce dim light. Replace it with a new one.
If this does not solve the issue, check the socket bulb. Tighten the loose wires, and check that the metallic tabs are not flat.
- Worn-out Lamp Wires:
Wires wear out due to being eaten by rodents or pets. Exposed wires are dangerous as they lead to electric shock and may also break the circuit. They should be replaced.
- Tear In The Lamp Shade:
Lamps help to enhance the general appearance of the room. Maintain to ensure that they stay in good shape. Replace worn-out lamp shades as they diminish the aesthetic appeal.
- Wobbly Lampstands:
A lamp’s stand should be firm; wobbly stands are prone to falling, causing damage to the light, resulting in bulb breakage and injuries. Ensure that loose screws are tightened on frail frames.
7 Tips For Fixing A Lamp That Won’t Turn On
Up to this point, it’s pretty evident that lamps are simple to repair, and it is easy to replace the various parts of a lamp. By following the tips below, you will finally be able to illuminate the room and enhance its general appearance.
Tip 1: Check The Power Supply And The Bulb.
Ensure an adequate power supply. Check that the clamp is firmly connected to a working power socket. Shake the bulb to confirm it’s not burnt. If there is a small metallic filament inside the bulb, it’s burnt. Replace it with a working bulb.
Tip 2: Unplug The Lamp And Assemble The Tools.
Always unplug the lamp from the power socket when repairing it for safety purposes and assemble the tools for opening the light up, and figure out where the problem is.
If the bulb is ok and there is power flowing into the lamp, proceed to check the switch.
Tip 3: Check The Wiring In The Switch
The switch can either be on the cord or the lamp. There should be a clicking sound when turning it on and off. Tighten any wiggling wires in the switch. In some cases, the switch knob may be broken, buy a new switch knob and replace it by screwing it into the lamp.
Tip 4: Replace The Socket Bulb
Check inside the socket bulb to ensure that the bulb terminals are not lying flat as this breaks the circuit making the lamp not light. Also, check to ensure no debris may be blocking the terminals from contacting the bulb. If it’s damaged, a new one should replace the socket bulb.
Tip 5: Repair The Cord
Check the lamp cord. It should be in good shape. Exposed wires can lead to electric shock and break in the circuit. The worn-out cord should be replaced. If they are minor scratches, use electrical tape to seal the area completely.
Tip 6: Replace Blown-up Fuses
Blown fuses may also result in the lamp, not lighting. Fuses are inside the plug, and they help to break the circuit when there is too much current flowing. Hence, to protect the electric appliance, replace it by just screwing the plug open and changing it with a new one.
Tip 7: Light Up the Lamp
Reassemble the lamp, ensure that all the parts are where they should be, and tighten all the wires and all the screws. Plug it in a working socket and light it up. It’s all fixed up. Always ensure to unplug the lamp from the power soaked before fixing it.
Related Questions:
How Do You Fix A Push-Button Lamp That Won’t Turn On?
A push-button lamp may not turn on due to a problem with the lamp’s switch. It is pretty easy to repair since it may involve replacing the whole switch with a new one or tightening the wires of the existing switch.
Unplug the lamp from the socket, then remove the shade, the harp, and the bulb. Check the lamp socket out and ensure it’s okay, then snap it open by moving it counterclockwise. This will give you a clear view of the switch, tighten the wiggling wires, and reassemble the lamp. It should turn on.
How Do You Troubleshoot A Lamp Holder?
When the metallic tabs on a lamp holder are flat or if solid objects prevent the bulb from being in contact with the charges, there may be an issue. Fix by pulling up the metallic tabs and removing the solid objects, if any.
Then, reassemble and test the lamp. It can be replaced by fixing a new lamp holder, which is relatively easy. One may also decide to call an electrician to help fix the lamp holder.
What Do You Do When The Lamp Switch Turns But Doesn’t Click?
Loose wires in the switch of a lamp may cause it not to click. Dismantle the lamp and disconnect the bulb socket from the controller by snapping it or turning it clockwise. This will give you a clear view of the switch. Now, pull the switch up a bit.
You should be able to see the wires in the switch, tighten them using the appropriate tools then reassemble and retest the lamp. It should click. Alternatively, replace it by getting a new switch and replacing it on the lamp.
How Do You Fix A Broken Lamp?
Before attempting to fix a broken lamp, one must understand the lamp design, the different parts of the light, and the broken part. It might be the base or the switch, the socket bulb, or even the power cord.
Next is to assemble all the tools needed chiefly used are the screwdrivers, pliers, electrical tape, and a wire cutter. Disconnect the various parts of the lamp to work on the broken part effectively.
Why Has Your Lamp Stopped Working?
In most cases, lamps stop working because the bulb has blown up. Other times the fault is the socket, so it is advisable to try and connect it to a different power socket.
In some cases, the cord may have been cut off by rodents breaking the power supply to the lamp. Or the bulb terminals are flat hence not coming into contact with the bulb. These simple things can be fixed and replaced.
How Do You Fix A Lamp Socket?
To fix a lamp socket, you need a flat and cross-headed screwdriver depending on the screws in the socket and long-nose pliers. Unplug the lamp from the socket. Remove the shade, bulb, and harp. Pull up the switch cover to assess the lamp socket.
Examine the lamp socket to see if the metallic tab is lying flat on the socket. This may prevent contact with the bulb. If so, pull it up using pliers and try lighting it up. Firmly tighten the loose wire in the socket. Then assemble all the lamp parts, and light it.
Final verdict:
It’s now clear how to fix a lamp that won’t turn on. Make sure you understand the design of the lamp and the various parts of the lamp. Always unplug the lamp from the socket before starting to repair it.
Get to know the tools needed to carry out the task at hand. Understand which part of the lamp needs repairing, or replacement, or call an electrician to help fix your lamp.
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