When you want to do a ceramic light socket replacement, the cost of replacing is usually very low, and the process is straightforward. Replacing ceramic sockets means you screw them into a recessed electrical box in the wall or ceiling. Electrical boxes are typical for a similar replacement socket installation or a more beautiful lighting fixture to be retrofitted. This post will discuss replacing an old ceramic light socket with minimal effort. But first, we look at the simple process required for replacing a light socket.
Here is an outline of a ceramic light socket replacement.
- Locate and turn off the light socket circuit breaker.
- Make sure the lamp socket is level by placing a step ladder under it.
- Unscrew the light bulb and use a voltmeter to check for electricity.
- Turn the two mounting screws on either side of the socket base counterclockwise.
- Switch on the multimeter by turning the selection switch.
- Find the new socket’s wire mounting screws.
- Connect the hot wire to the screw.
- Match the screw holes on the socket base to the electrical box.
- Screw the light bulb into place.
How much does it cost to replace a light bulb socket?
The labor cost for replacing a light fixture ranges from $65 to $175. This depends on the position of your light fixture and the sort of replacement you’re looking to make. Fixtures range in price from $20 for a basic choice up to $1,500 or more for a chandelier or other elaborate alternative.
Replacing an Old Ceramic Light Socket the Easy Way
Below is the complete guide on replacing the ceramic socket for a light bulb.
Locate and turn off the circuit breaker
Locate the light socket’s circuit breaker and turn it off; they are usually located in the main electrical panel of your home and should be clearly labeled according to the room number. Switch off each circuit breaker until the light goes out to establish which circuit breaker is at fault.
Use a step ladder to ensure the lamp socket is level.
Using a step ladder and safety goggles, climb into the light socket. Use an adjustable step ladder, which is best for this job type. You can easily find it on Amazon. You might wish to solicit the support of a friend to keep the ladder steady and assist you with tools and parts. Safety goggles shield your eyes from dust and other potentially dangerous particles.
Unscrew the light bulb and check with the voltmeter.
Unscrew the light socket and check for current using a voltmeter. A voltmeter is a device that measures the difference in electric potential between two locations in an electric circuit. It is linked in a parallel manner. We recommend using the AstroAI Digital Multimeter from Amazon, which costs less.
ACV stands for alternating current voltage, and the red wire should be connected to the metal tab in the middle of the socket, while you should connect the black wire to one of the threaded metal sides. There isn’t any energy if you don’t see the reading on your meter. The main circuit breaker switch can be turned off, disconnecting power to the house and rechecking the meter’s readings.
Unscrew the mounting screws on the socket base.
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the socket base. Socket fixtures may now be hung freely by two wires inserted into the socket fixture base after carefully pulling them out of the electrical box. Please take note of the wire colors and where they are located on the fixture: the black and white, which may be considered hot or neutral, may be different in older houses.
Then switch on the multimeter; when the selection switch is set to continuity or OHM X1K, connect the black and red leads of the multimeter. The meter or digital display will show a maximum reading, indicating a continuous circuit. The maximum reading is the hot wire.
If the maximum reading is present, the wire is hot. But when there is no reading? Repeat the method but touch the lead to a wire screw this time. Now you have a maximum reading and know which wire is hot.
Remove each wire by using a screwdriver to spin the wire screws in the opposite direction of the clock.
Find the new socket’s wire mounting screws.
New sockets have wire-mounting screws marked with hot (+ or red dot marks) and neutral (- or black/no dot marks). If the screws aren’t labeled, you can use a multimeter, a lead to one of the socket wire screws, and a lead to the metal tab in the middle of the socket to determine which screw is the hot wire. If there is no reading, repeat the operation, but touch the lead to the remaining wire screw this time. Again, a maximum reading and an understanding of which screw connects to the hot wire should be in place.
Connect the hot wire to the screw.
Inserting the wire below the screw and clockwise tightening the screw is the proper way to join the hot wire to the hot wire screw. Repeat this process for the neutral wire and the hot wire.
Match the screw holes on the socket base to the electrical box.
Line up the screw holes in the socket base with the screw holes in the electrical box and insert the screws one at a time, tightening clockwise with a screwdriver after each one has been successfully installed. Hand-tightening is sufficient to keep the fixture from breaking.
Screw the light bulb in place.
Install a light bulb and test for operation by turning on the circuit breaker and light switch while screwing in the light bulb.
What causes a light bulb to break in the socket?
Loose Connection in the Socket: Another potential cause of a blown bulb is a connection that is too loose in the socket. When a connection is sloppy, electricity does not flow smoothly through the contact. This can cause the fitting to overheat, which can cause the bulb to burst into flames or explode completely.
Can a blown light bulb blow a fuse?
The lighting circuit’s fuse will nearly always blow or trip simultaneously when a light bulb blows. It seems as though there is a larger issue than there is.
Resources:
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/replace-old-ceramic-light-socket-20498.html
- https://askinglot.com/how-do-you-remove-a-ceramic-light-socket