Good evening, everyone. I have a hanging light fixture that has been there for 25+ years, undisturbed. Recently, when replacing the couches in the room, the fixture was bumped (by my head) and, apparently, shorted out. The fixture is linked to a dimmer with what appears to be an power switch at the bottom of it.

I removed the bulb and what appeared to be chunks of carbon and carbon dust were falling out. Flipping the on/off switch, more “carbon” fell out. I took canned air and sprayed it out as much as I could until nothing else was coming out.

I replaced the bulb and turned it back on. It turned on, flickered and shorted out again. I repeated the process multiple times and the same thing happened.

Here’s my problem: my wife loves this stupid fixture. Can it be fixed without replacing the fixture itself?

I would attach pictures, but it seems I can’t using my iPhone.

 

We really need pictures. Sounds as if the fixture is toast. If it's a standard lamp fixture it can be easily replaced.

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/UgRcCQk.jpg" width="274" height="400"/>

 

Norm201, that is essentially a diagram of what I’m looking at, except inverted. I will have to get to a desktop computer and upload pics.

This site really doesn’t seem to like mobile users.

 

Yes, this site needs some streamlining, but the mods and experts are tops.
You should be able to buy replacement parts at most home improvement stores.

 

Try selecting "desktop" mode.
The following link explains how to set this site in your phone to desktop mode.
Then you can upload pictures.
Desktop mode

 

Ok, that was a pain and the website keep rotating my pictures for me, but it will have to do. Here is the fixture:



Here is a close up of the actual socket:



Here is a photo looking into the socket:



and a photo of a sample of what was coming out:



I hope this helps me help you help me.

 

Have another ................................

 

Remove the fixture from the ceiling so you can work on it.
See the socket shell in Norm201's picture the gray sleeve under it has probably deteriorated.
Squeeze the socket shell while pulling it apart and it should come apart. It is just held together by little teeth.
Be careful that you do not pull the wires through as sometimes they can be a pain to re-thread.
I usually tie a knot in them at the wall receptacle end.