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superkick70 · Jul 7, 2008, 06:42 PM

Hello,
My question has to do with one of my kitchen ceiling light fixtures. Let me start at the beginning. I went to work early one morning and I noticed that the light fixture in question did not work. I didn't notice that it burned out like lights usually would but I thought that I would wait to change it when I got home. When I did arrive, I saw my wife in the kitchen and the same light was working fine like nothing was wrong. After she was done with it she turned it off and after a couple of hours I went back into the kitchen and turned the light on and nothing happened. I waited until the next morning and tried it again and nothing. It is now the third day and nothing is happening. I went and replaced the bulb and it didn't looked or sounded burned out but that didn't solve the problem. I even went and changed the light switch and that didn't do anything either. So I guess my question is what else can I look for besides maybe some corrosion or missed contact with the blub and the socket. Would you think I would need to rewire something since my house was built in 1954 and the wiring at the switch level has some weird fabric over it? I just don't know what else to look for?

Thanks for your time,
Joe H.

hkstroud · Jul 7, 2008, 09:27 PM

Well, I wouldn't go rewiring the house just yet.

Suggest that you purchase a small, cheap multimeter and let's do some testing. These can be purchased at Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears or about any hardware store for about $15 to $20.

Until then maybe you should just let the wife turn the light on. The light is a regular incandescent light, not a fluorescent or any thing like that is it?

superkick70 · Jul 8, 2008, 11:41 AM

The bulb is just a regular 60w incandescent light. Now the light doesn't turn on for anyone. Also, when I get the multimeter would I need to test out the fixture and the light switch or just one of them? My knowledge of electrical repairs mostly comes down to replacing switches and knowing to turn the power off when I need to do it. Thanks for your help.

hkstroud · Jul 8, 2008, 05:48 PM

Get the meter. We'll work through it togeather.

superkick70 · Jul 16, 2008, 06:45 PM

I borrowed a electricity proximity device that and I put it on near the light switch and it indicated that their was power at the switch and then I put it to the bulb socket and it showed the same thing... there is power there but it still won't light a bulb. I haven't used the voltmeter yet but I think this little device is just as good. I am totally stumped.

hkstroud · Jul 16, 2008, 06:56 PM

How many wires in the switch box?

superkick70 · Jul 17, 2008, 07:14 PM

There are two wires. One that attaches to the "top" screw of the light switch and one that attaches to the "bottom" screw of the switch. I'm pretty sure I secured those and there is a good connection with the switch.

hkstroud · Jul 17, 2008, 08:10 PM

OK, remove these two wires, touch the ends together and tape. Turn power on and see if light works. If it does you have a faulty switch, if not you have a problem in the ceiling box.

Stratmando · Jul 18, 2008, 05:04 AM

That tester only checks power, not the neutral or ground. That tester works because you are at ground potential. If you were at live potential, it would indicate when placed near a ground or neutral.
Maybe just get the cheap Neon tester with 2 leads.