I am creating my own light strand to use under a 20 x 20 foot tent. I have medium base sockets and am trying to use Compact Fluorescent bulbs. They will not thread into the socket properly. I've tried the regular bulbs and they work. Can someone help with this. Shouldn't all bulbs fit the sockets? Please note I did consult someone about doing this before I started and I'm sure they told me it would be fine.

Thanks

The design of the opening at the lamp socket, combined with a large base on the CFL lamp is causing this. You need to find a CFL lamp that fits the socket, or change the sockets to fit the available lamp.

Silly question, you may think, but check that the sockets are not left hand thread.

These sockets are available for construction sites, where large wattage, odd voltage rated lamps are used. And to prevent any taken to be used at home.

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

The design of the opening at the lamp socket, combined with a large base on the CFL lamp is causing this. You need to find a CFL lamp that fits the socket, or change the sockets to fit the available lamp.

Silly question, you may think, but check that the sockets are not left hand thread.

These sockets are available for construction sites, where large wattage, odd voltage rated lamps are used. and to prevent any taken to be used at home.

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I ended up using regular bulb.. 5 on each strand.. 60W.. and it worked.. provided great lighting.. although it pulled more current.. and I didn't take the bulbs out till the next day.. but my set up actually worked.. and I'm pretty happy with what I did..

I don't think the sockets are left hand thread but I'll double check them again.