Miscellaneous Lighting Q and A
Q. I had a bulb burn out, and when I removed the bulb, the glass came off with the metal base remaining in the socket. I have bought some 'build grease' and that does help, but is there a 'good' way to remove the base from the socket?
A. With the power OFF at breaker, not just switch, carve a raw potato to fit tightly into the broken off socket and unscrew it that way. You also can usually get them out with needle nose pliers.
Q. What is the difference between a floodlight and a spotlight?
A. The floodlight will have a broader light pattern, while a spotlight will focus on a more narrow area.
Q. What is the advantage of a halogen bulb?
A. It provides brighter, cleaner light. However, it consumes lots of electricity and gets very hot. You should ensure that it stays away from draperies, bedding, clothing, and hanging plants.
Q. Do I need to buy a special bulb for my garage door opener?
A. It's best to use a rough service bulb.
Q. Do I need a special lamp for a droplight?
A. Use a rough service bulb. These heavy-duty bulbs will take rougher treatment and water droplets.
Q. My dusk to dawn light doesn't go off and remains on all day. Do I need to replace it?
A. First find the sensor and see if it is being obscured by something. If not, you can probably just replace the sensor.
Q. Is there a nightlight that will come on automatically when it gets dark for use in my bathroom?
A. Yes, it's called a photoelectric nightlight.
Q. I know there are fluorescent plant lights that stimulate plant growth, but do they make these bulbs for standard lamps?
A. Yes, there are incandescent models that screw in.
Q. I am going on vacation. Are there any easy-to-use products that will turn my lights on and off so it looks as if the house is occupied?
A. Yes, there are a variety of timers that simply plug in.
A. With the power OFF at breaker, not just switch, carve a raw potato to fit tightly into the broken off socket and unscrew it that way. You also can usually get them out with needle nose pliers.
Q. What is the difference between a floodlight and a spotlight?
A. The floodlight will have a broader light pattern, while a spotlight will focus on a more narrow area.
Q. What is the advantage of a halogen bulb?
A. It provides brighter, cleaner light. However, it consumes lots of electricity and gets very hot. You should ensure that it stays away from draperies, bedding, clothing, and hanging plants.
Q. Do I need to buy a special bulb for my garage door opener?
A. It's best to use a rough service bulb.
Q. Do I need a special lamp for a droplight?
A. Use a rough service bulb. These heavy-duty bulbs will take rougher treatment and water droplets.
Q. My dusk to dawn light doesn't go off and remains on all day. Do I need to replace it?
A. First find the sensor and see if it is being obscured by something. If not, you can probably just replace the sensor.
Q. Is there a nightlight that will come on automatically when it gets dark for use in my bathroom?
A. Yes, it's called a photoelectric nightlight.
Q. I know there are fluorescent plant lights that stimulate plant growth, but do they make these bulbs for standard lamps?
A. Yes, there are incandescent models that screw in.
Q. I am going on vacation. Are there any easy-to-use products that will turn my lights on and off so it looks as if the house is occupied?
A. Yes, there are a variety of timers that simply plug in.
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