Table lamps and light bulb problem

Maz

Hello,

Just wondering if any of you kind folk with electrical appliance knowledge could help me out here!

Lightbulbs in two of my table lamps went pop so I duly bought a couple of replacement bulbs.

When I tried to fit them, for some reason, they wouldn't slide iinto place as they would normally. They sort of sat on top of the fitment but wouldn't slide into the grooves to secure the bulb. I didn't want to apply too much pressure in case they shattered but it was as if I couldn't push the bulb down far enough to twist into place. (Hope this makes sense!) Both lamps are standard bayonet bulbs not screw ins.

Anyone know why this is and is there anything I can do about it? Loathe to consign them to the bin!

bryanb

You have to press down to overcome the contact springs.

Maz

bryanb wrote: »

You have to press down to overcome the contact springs.

I did do this but as I say, I had to apply a lot more pressure than usual and was worried that the bulb would shatter if I pressed down too hard. I really like these lamps, they're quite unusual. Worth trying again do you think?

ian103

obvious question is it the narrow baynet fitting?

if it is the standard, the i suggest trying again but cover the buld with a cloth in case it shatters

newbie1980

sometimes if a bulb has been in a while the baynet swells and maybe the pins stick and it just takes a bit of brut force to twist it in

shegar

I always wear a glove when I fit light bulbs, cos like you I have to really press them in and im scared of getting my hand cut to bits.....

Maz

Thanks for all the sugggestions, I'll try them both again tomorrow.

Avoriaz

Are the light fittings and the bulbs both standard two prong bayonet fittings?

Some modern lights have a three prong fitting that require a three pronged bulb. We have them in the hall and landing of our 2004/5 built house. They are supposed to discourage people using filament bulbs as only low energy bulbs are made to fit.

They are a PITA as the bulbs are expensive and hard to find. As soon as our last spare bulb blows I will be replacing the fitting with a normal 2 prong fitting.

Maybe you have a 3 prong fitting or a three prong bulb.

Prong might not be the correct term. My New Year hangover is preventing me from coming up with the correct word.

olias

I have twice had occasions recently when the bulbs on my table lamps have blown. On taking the bulb out, the bit at the base with the prongs on has sheared off and been left in the lamp, with only the bulb and half the metal bit at the base coming away. The first time, I did not realise and tried to put another bulb in, bot obviously it wouldnt 'push home' as there was the remains of the other bulb still there - if that makes sense. I had to use a pair of needlenose pliers to grasp and remove the offending bit of the old lightbulb (after unplugging it first of course!).

Could this be your problem?

Olias

muckybutt

newbie1980 wrote: »

sometimes if a bulb has been in a while the baynet swells and maybe the pins stick and it just takes a bit of brut force to twist it in

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: best reply ive seen yet this year....ohhhhh dear

muckybutt

Avoriaz wrote: »

Are the light fittings and the bulbs both standard two prong bayonet fittings?

Some modern lights have a three prong fitting that require a three pronged bulb. We have them in the hall and landing of our 2004/5 built house. They are supposed to discourage people using filament bulbs as only low energy bulbs are made to fit.

They are a PITA as the bulbs are expensive and hard to find. As soon as our last spare bulb blows I will be replacing the fitting with a normal 2 prong fitting.

Maybe you have a 3 prong fitting or a three prong bulb.

Prong might not be the correct term. My New Year hangover is preventing me from coming up with the correct word.

This one is even better :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Right then, there are bayonette fittings and small bayonette, there are also edison screw and small eddison screw fittings all of which are commonly found in table lamps.

The ceiling version you are describing is a compact fluorescent or PL type which will be either a 2 pin fitting or 4 pin fitting there is no 3 pin fitting - never has been that I am aware of and ive been a sparky over 20 years.

Both bayonettes and edison screw fittings can come loose in the fitting meaning when you remove the lamp the metal part of the lamp stays in the fitting, to remove you will obviously have to remove the plug, then with a large flat blade screwdriver or long nose pliers insert them into the metal bit that has been left behind and unscrew it.

Sorry but had to laugh.