Removing a damaged light bulb requires a number of hazard precautions, but with the right tools, even a stuck light bulb can be removed without you needing the services of an electrician. If your light bulb is always hard to remove, read further in this guide for ways to solve this problem.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing the Light Bulb
Step 1. Put on gloves and a transparent eye patch
Always wear thick gloves before touching broken glass, so you don't get cut. Ideally, you should wear these thick gloves over rubber gloves so you don't get electrocuted, just in case the power comes back on while you're working. A transparent blindfold will protect your eyes from shards of glass, and is especially important if the light fixture is on the ceiling.
- If the light fixture is on the ceiling, you will also need to wear a hat in addition to a transparent eye patch, to prevent shards of glass from getting in between your hair.
- Even if you are removing the bulb from the holder, there is a small chance that the light bulb will still have power due to a short circuit. Wear special electric shock-resistant gloves to protect yourself from this kind of danger.
Step 2. Remove all the glass shards from the floor
You can use a broom, mop, or vacuum cleaner to sweep all the glass shards into the dustpan and remove them. Very small pieces of glass can be removed using a sheet of paper or cardboard that is quite stiff, while glass powder can be removed using pieces of tape.
Warning: Compact fluorescent light bulbs, which are also called energy-saving light bulbs and are usually screw-shaped, can release mercury vapor if they rupture. Open a window or door that faces outside, turn off your heating or air conditioning, and only use a vacuum cleaner as a last resort.
Step 3. Place a tarp as a base to catch any remaining glass shards, if necessary
If there is still a fair amount of glass stuck to the bulb, or the bulb is attached to a ceiling mount, place a tarp as a base under it, so you can more easily clean the glass debris.
Step 4. Unplug the lamp power cord from the power source if the plug is located on the wall
If the broken light bulb is plugged in there is a table lamp or lamp post, all you need to do to disconnect the power supply is to unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Step 5. Turn off the power in your home, especially in the area where the light is located, if the fitting is on the wall or on the ceiling
Find an electrical power panel that has a disconnect lever or fuse and an amperage connected to the light fixture you need to work with. Remove the fuse by turning the thread, or move the direction of the lever to cut the electric current to the off position.
- If the fuses or circuit breakers are not labeled, turn off the power to each circuit. Don't assume that the lamp's power is out by simply turning it off on the closest circuit.
- If there is no natural light in the room where the faulty light bulb is located, find a flashlight before you turn off the power.
Step 6. Try to turn the thread of the bulb in a counterclockwise direction, while wearing gloves
Do this only if you have worn thick gloves that protect your hands from possible cuts. If the light bulb is attached to a wall or ceiling mount, rubber gloves will also protect you from being electrocuted by a short circuit.
- Make sure that you don't drop the bulb when it's unplugged, so you don't have to clean up any more glass shards.
- If the thread turns stuck when you remove it, turn it the other way around (clockwise), then continue turning in the correct direction. Forcing jammed thread turns can break your light fixture.
Step 7. Use special needle-nose pliers for more pressure and precision
These electric pliers help you to grip the metal base of the light bulb with its slim and precise tip. This tool can help you to turn the thread of the bulb base with more pressure than if you were to use your hands alone. Always turn it counterclockwise.
- Don't worry if the base of the bulb is cracked or broken. This will actually make it easier for you to take it off, and you'll end up throwing the bulb away anyway.
- If you don't have electric pliers, borrow them from your neighbors or buy them. Do not use alternative methods before reading the Warning section below this guide.
Step 8. Try using electric pliers from inside the base of the bulb
If you can't grip the outside of the bulb base, or turn the thread counterclockwise from the outside, try inserting the ends of the pliers into the inside of the damaged bulb, and extending both ends of the pliers outward toward the sides. the inner side of the base of the light bulb. Twist counterclockwise as before.
Step 9. If all of the above doesn't work, use a screwdriver to help carefully move the pliers
Insert a small flat screwdriver between the base of the bulb and the lampholder. Carefully and gently bend the metal lever at the base of the bulb inward, until it is in a good position for you to grip it with electric pliers. Try to turn the thread as before.
Step 10. Dispose of all broken glass according to the regulations in force in your location
You may need to find your local regulatory guide on disposing of light bulbs, or contact your city's authorized waste disposal service and ask for their instructions. Ordinary bulbs that are round in shape can usually be thrown straight into the trash. Energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs that are threaded in shape may need to be taken to a waste recycling center in certain areas, due to the low mercury content in them.
Immediately empty the dust collection bag from the vacuum cleaner that has been used to suck up the glass shards into the trash
Step 11. Install a new light bulb while the power is still off
Keep wearing gloves and a transparent eye patch and keep the power off. Turn the thread of the bulb clockwise on the fitting, until you can feel the tightness. Do not apply pressure or coercion that is stronger than necessary.
You may want to read the section Preventing Jammed Rounds on Bulb Threads before installing a new bulb
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Jammed and Burning Rounds on Light Bulbs
Step 1. Pull the brass lever at the base of the lampholder into the correct position
If your previous bulb has stuck in its holder, it's probably because the little brass lever was pushed too far down to make contact with the bulb. This lever must be lifted at an angle of 20 degrees above the base of the lampholder. If not, turn off the power and use tapered electric pliers to gently pull the lever into the correct position.
Step 2. Gently install the new bulb
When installing a new light bulb, you must align its thread position with the thread on the fitting, and then turn the bulb slowly clockwise. As soon as it feels tight enough, stop spinning. If you turn on the power and the light only flashes, turn the power back off and continue turning only a quarter turn clockwise.
Warning: Always make sure that the lamp's power is turned off by unplugging the power cord from the source or by placing the light switch in the off position, before you replace the light bulb.
Step 3. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the inside of the lampholder
Do this only after you are absolutely sure that the power has been turned off. Remove the damaged light bulb from its holder, if any. While wearing gloves made of rubber or other shock-resistant material, take a clean, dry mop or towel and rub it on the inner surface of the threaded metal lampholder. You can also wipe the outside of the thread on the bulb before installing it.
- This cloth is useful for scrubbing and removing traces of corrosion or rust on the lampholders, thereby reducing the risk of charred bulbs or stuck threads in the lampholders.
- Use dish soap or a wire brush if the scale from the corrosion buildup cannot be removed by rubbing a cloth.
Step 4. Use a special cleaner for electrical appliances, to scrub away the thicker corrosion scale
If the scale is too thick to rub with a regular cloth, you may need to use a special cleaning agent. Use only cleaning fluids or sprays specifically made for this purpose.
Using other materials for cleaning and lubricating electrical appliances can risk scorching your light bulb, turning off the electrical current, or causing the thread to become stuck in the light fixture
Step 5. Use a bulb with a higher voltage capacity if your bulb burns out frequently
If your light bulb usually only lasts a few weeks or months, it may be because it's receiving too much power. Vibration that is too dense or temperature that is too high can also damage the light bulb quickly. A durable light bulb with a higher voltage capacity than is recommended on the lampholder will last longer.
- In Indonesia, most sources of electricity in homes have a voltage of 220 volts. Use a durable type light bulb that has a slightly more capacity than that.
- In the United States, most power sources are 110 volts. In the European Union and most other European countries, the standard varies between 220 and 240 volts.
- Voltage standards vary around the world. If you are not sure about the voltage in your location, see the list of voltages for each country and a picture of the types of power sources.
Warning
- Do not follow instructions that encourage you to use a potato or other object to remove a damaged light bulb. This will leave liquid or other substances on the light fixture, and will actually increase the risk of the new bulb breaking.
- If you decide to use another method despite reading the warnings above, you should still wear thick gloves with an electric shock-resistant material. Dry the item completely before using it, and empty the lampholder completely before installing a new bulb.
