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View Full Version : vintage incandescent filament bulb will not work


Cocochin
Aug 21, 2016, 04:47 PM
Hello, I have 3 pendant lights and put the vintage squirrel cage type of incandescent lights in each. For some reason the middle light will not work with the vintage type light. When I put a regular bulb in it works though.
Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

ma0641
Aug 21, 2016, 06:17 PM
Have you switched bulbs to make sure the currently inoperative one works or not? The usual culprit is a low solder bead on the bottom or the blade in the socket is heat fatigued and bent down too much.

Cocochin
Aug 22, 2016, 05:14 AM
Have you switched bulbs to make sure the currently inoperative one works or not? The usual culprit is a low solder bead on the bottom or the blade in the socket is heat fatigued and bent down too much.

Yes, I've switched bulbs to verify they work. To try and give you more reference, there are 3 pendant lights; the first one works with different bulb types, the middle one only works with a regular incandescent, and the last one works with different bulb types. Took it apart again last night verify all the wiring again and everything looks correct.

Missouri Bound
Aug 22, 2016, 06:21 AM
Yes, I've switched bulbs to verify they work. To try and give you more reference, there are 3 pendant lights; the first one works with different bulb types, the middle one only works with a regular incandescent, and the last one works with different bulb types. Took it apart again last night verify all the wiring again and everything looks correct.

This is a common problem with those type of lamps. Most likely you aren't able to screw it in as far as it needs to go. The bulb isn't making contact with the small tab at the base of the socket.
1. Turn off the power.
2. Wearing a leather glove to protect your hand try tightening the bulb a little more... albeit carefully. You don't want to cut your hand or break the bulb.
3. Depending on your expertise level you could try to bend up that small tab at the base of the socket just a little. Again, only if you are comfortable and if the power is off.

Cocochin
Aug 22, 2016, 06:32 AM
Thanks for your response Missouri. I will check that out when I get home and get back to you.Hopefully it's that simple... the same bulb works in the other fixtures.