I have a sentimental lamp that stopped working. I replaced the bulb, but the light does not turn on. The lamp is over 50 years old and in very poor condition. The light/electrical outlet circuit breaker is on. Help me troubleshoot this lamp. It has sentimental value. What parts can go wrong with a lamp and cause it to not turn on?
LAMP REPAIR – Lamp Stopped Working – How To Fix A Faulty Light?
HOW TO FIX A LAMP THAT DOES NOT TURN ON: Be sure the lamp is plugged in, try a different power outlet, make sure the power outlet is on, try a different light bulb, check the circuit breaker, screw the bulb all the way in, wipe off the threads on the light bulb, turn the light switch to ON. Are the brass socket tabs located at the bottom end of the light socket properly positioned? Use needle nosepliers to adjust the position if necessary. Is the top of your lamp broken? Spindling can cause the wires to become loose. You should inspect the wiring to ensure it is not loose or damaged.
If your lamp does not illuminate, then a faulty bulb, a faulty power outlet, a faulty switch, a faulty light socket, a faulty plug, a faulty brass tab, or a faulty cord may be the issue. To fix the lamp, you’ll need to investigate the issue. For a step by step guide on how to fix your lamp, see below.
Lamp Parts Illustration – Credit: Pinterest
Lamp Repair/Replacement Kit
LIGHT BULB FAULT
First check that the light bulb is not burned out. Make sure that the bulb has cooled completely before you take it out of the lamp. Gently shake the light bulb to see if it’s burned out. If the bulb is damaged, you will hear the filament moving around. If your light bulb is faulty, you should replace.
POWER FAULT
If the bulb is working, next check to be sure the lamp is getting power. Make sure the lamp is plugged into. Check that the lamp is plugged into the power outlet. Check the circuit breaker box to see if the breaker is set for the outlet that the lamp plugs in. Turn on the breaker. If the breaker has tripped, there may be a larger problem. You will need to call an electrician to fix the issue.
LIGHT SWITCH FAULT
If the bulb is good and the breaker is on, check that the switch is working properly. There will be a switch at the base of the lamp that allows the bulb to screw into the socket. You should inspect the light switch and make sure it works properly. The switch should make a clicking sound when it is pressed or turned. If the switch doesn’t work properly, unplug it and disassemble the switch. If necessary, replace the switch.
LIGHT SOCKET FAULT
The light socket may have debris in it and therefore the bulb cannot make a connection. Unplug the lamp and remove the bulb from the socket. Check the socket’s bottom to make sure the terminals of the electric bulb are not touching the bulb. Make sure the lamp is not plugged in and pull the terminals up so that the light bulb can connect. The light socket will need to be replaced if it is damaged.
POWER CORD FAULT
If all other parts of the lamp are in working order, check the lamp power cord. Inspect the cord for damage and unplug it. The cord can be damaged and the light will not turn on if it is. It is possible that the power cord is old and fragile and should be replaced. If damage is discovered, remove and replace the lamp power cable.
ELECTRICAL PLUG FAULT
The electrical plug may have an issue. You should inspect the electrical plug for damage. The plug will need to be replaced if it is damaged.
ELECTRICAL FAULT WITHIN LAMP
Unplug the lamp from the power outlet. The socket should be plugged into the power outlet. A multimeter can be used to verify continuity. When the switch is turned on, check for continuity. If it is an electrical problem, the part will fail.
LIGHT SWITCH KNOB BROKEN
Light cannot be turned on? The knob of the light switch may be broken. A The lamp replacement knob is easy to replace and it’s inexpensive. You will need a replacement knob. You will need a new knob. Install the new knob, and make sure the light is on.
Lamp Not Working – Lamp Repair
Need help with a lamp that does not illuminate? Please submit your question using the form below. We can help you fix your lamp or light.
