How to Replace a Bulb Socket in a Light Fixture

Why Light Bulb Sockets Break and Choosing the Correct Replacement Parts

Black light fixture getting light bulb replaced by hand

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to $10

Most light fixtures have decorative parts and electrical parts. The decorative parts include the globe, the shiny tubing, and other embellishments that make the fixture nice to look at. The electrical parts consist of the sockets and their wiring.

Light sockets can stop working because they simply wear out and no longer make a good connection with the bulb, they can overheat (usually caused by a high-wattage bulb), and they can short out. If the light bulb and other wiring are intact but the light still won't turn on, it's likely that your socket has gone bad. Fortunately, if your light bulb socket is broken, you can take it out and replace it so your beautiful light fixture works like new again.

Choosing the Right Replacement Socket

Light bulb sockets come in a huge range of types and styles and are designed for specific uses and bulb wattages. The process for replacing the socket is the same for an outdoor or indoor fixture, but it's important to use the right socket for the fixture. Outdoor sockets are generally more robust than indoor sockets and often have special features that resist moisture.

For any type of fixture, choose a socket that looks identical (or nearly identical) to the original and has the same maximum wattage rating. You should be able to find the wattage rating on the old socket, usually on a silver label.

If a light bulb won't screw into the socket, your fixture's old socket may be bent, broken, or simply the wrong size for that type of bulb. Always ensure you're using the correct bulb for the fixture that does not exceed its wattage rating. On the other hand, if the light bulb fits but the socket is loose, this can be a potential fire hazard. The socket should be tightened or replaced if tightening is not successful.

While the same basic steps are followed for replacing a socket on a stand-alone lamp, for this project, we'll focus on ceiling light bulb socket replacement in a hard-wired fixture such as a ceiling fan.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Ladder (as needed)
  • Non-contact voltage tester
  • Screwdrivers
  • Pliers

Materials

  • Replacement bulb socket

Instructions

Materials and tools to replace a bulb socket in light fixture

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Instructions

  1. Turn off the Power

    Turn off the power to the circuit that you'll be working on by switching off the appropriate breaker in your home's electrical service panel (breaker box). If you don't know the specific breaker to flip, you should turn off the main breaker to kill power to the entire house.

    Circuit breaker switched off in home service panel

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Remove the Globe

    Remove the globe from the fixture. The globe may be held by internal clips, screws on the outer ring of the fixture, or a retainer nut on the bottom of the globe. Hold the globe in one hand while loosening the screw or nut with the other. Set the globe aside for now.

    Light fixture globe removed by hand while holding black retainer nut

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Test for Power

    Remove the light bulb from the socket, then use a non-contact voltage tester to check for power in the light socket. Touch the probe of a non-contact voltage tester to the metal tab inside the socket. Flip the light switch and test the socket again. The tester should not light up for either test.

    The reason for testing with both switch positions is because some switches (such as three-way switches) can be on or off in either position.

    Yellow non-contact voltage tester testing power inside probe

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Loosen the Fixture and Test for Power

    Loosen or remove the mounting screws securing the base of the light fixture to the electrical box in the wall or ceiling.

    Carefully pull the fixture away from the box without touching any wires. Test for power again by touching the probe of the voltage tester to each of the fixture wires and all of the wires in the box. The tester should not light up; if it does, return to the service panel and turn off the correct breaker, then retest the wires to confirm the power is off.

    Mounting screws loosened on black light fixture and pulled from box

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  5. Disconnect the Wiring

    Twist the wire connector (wire nut) counterclockwise and remove it from each set of wires, then separate the wires. Disconnect the ground wire from the box or fixture mounting strap, as applicable.

    Take the fixture down and place it on your workbench or table. Pull the black and wire wires from the bad socket through the hole in the fixture so that the socket can be removed.

    Orange wire connector removed from ground wires

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    Tip

    If the wires holding your fixture are connected with push-in wire connectors rather than wire nuts, the wires can be loosened by gripping the connector in one hand while twisting and pulling the wires with the other hand. You may want to use new connectors when reconnecting the wires after replacing the socket.

  6. Remove the Socket

    Look inside the socket and locate the Phillips screw (or screws) holding the socket to the fixture. Alternatively, the socket may be held by a retaining nut at the back of the fixture or bulb housing, or there may be a screw and a nut.

    Remove the light bulb socket by taking the screw or nut out with a screwdriver or pliers, as applicable. Remove the socket from the fixture, but keep the screw and/or nut in case you need it for the new socket.

    Philips screw being removed from fixture socket with yellow screwdriver

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  7. Install the New Socket

    Fit the new socket into the fixture in the same position as the original, and secure it with the screw and/or nut. Be careful not to tighten too much, as sockets can be fragile.

    New socket installed in light fixture and secured with yellow pliers

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  8. Reinstall the Fixture

    Hold the fixture back up to the wall or ceiling box and connect the wires as before, using the same wire connectors. Black wires connect together under one wire nut, and white wires tie together under another. Also reconnect the ground wire, as applicable. Mount the fixture to the electrical box with its mounting screws. Be sure that no wires are protruding from the fixture base; you don't want to pinch an electrical wire as you tighten down the fixture.

    Black light fixture reinstalled in ceiling box by hand

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  9. Clean and Install the Fixture Globe

    Screw a light bulb into the new socket, clean the globe (this is convenient while it's removed), and reinstall it onto the fixture.

    Light bulb installed in light socket with clean globe around

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  10. Turn on the Power

    Turn on the circuit breaker in the breaker box and test the fixture for normal operation.

    Circuit breaker turned on in home service panel

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

FAQ
  • How long do light sockets last?

    When kept in good condition, a light socket should not go bad on its own. However, it's very common for light sockets to become dirty, damaged, or burnt out from using bulbs with a wattage rating too high for the fixture. These issues can all lead to the socket breaking.

  • Do all light bulbs fit the same socket?

    Different light bulbs are intended for use with specific sockets. When replacing a light bulb socket in your fixture, always ensure you use the same type and size of socket to prevent electrical issues after installation.

  • Do electricians fix sockets?

    An electrician can replace a light bulb socket for you if the fixture is out of reach or otherwise difficult to repair. If the fixture is not hard-wired to your home (such as a table or floor lamp), you can have it repaired at your local lighting repair store.