cleaning corrosion out of light sockets
#1
09-08-09, 07:00 PM
cleaning corrosion out of light sockets
Hello,
There are a few lights in our house that won't go on - actually, they go on and off. One week, they're on, the next they're off. I've tried replacing the bulbs several times. My father suggested that maybe there's too much corrosion build up inside the socket. He suggested I turn off the power at the breaker, take out the bulb, and scrape it down with a metal wire brush.
Does this sound like good advice?
There are a few lights in our house that won't go on - actually, they go on and off. One week, they're on, the next they're off. I've tried replacing the bulbs several times. My father suggested that maybe there's too much corrosion build up inside the socket. He suggested I turn off the power at the breaker, take out the bulb, and scrape it down with a metal wire brush.
Does this sound like good advice?
#2
09-09-09, 05:17 AM
If, after you take the bulb out, you see there is actually corrosion, usually the only part that is affected is the main contact. Pry up slightly on the tab contact and clean the contact with the eraser on a pencil (preferrably a pen eraser). Then replace the bulb. If it still does the blinky thing, your problem may be beyond the socket, or the entire socket may need replacing.
