Every light fixture in your home plays a vital role in both the functionality and appeal of your living space. As such, you want to keep them all in good condition. However, if you’re particularly fond of a certain lamp, it can be much more than just an inconvenience to discover it’s suddenly stopped working. Fortunately, lamps are often simple to repair once you’ve determined what the problem is.

Why Your Lamp Isn’t Working Anymore

1. Defective Light Socket 

The light bulb can’t make electrical contact if there’s debris in the socket. To see if this is the problem, turn off and unplug the lamp, take out the bulb, and examine the inside of the socket for anything that could be blocking the connection. Also, if you see the little metal tabs have been pushed in too far, pull them back out so they can connect with the bulb.

2. Failed Lamp Switch 

To check for a malfunctioning lamp switch, listen carefully to the noises it makes when you turn it off and on. It may sound dull or start buzzing instead of clicking like normal, and it might also feel looser than usual. The whole socket will need to be replaced if the switch is built into it, but if it’s part of the cord, it will likely just screw off. In this case, the wiring inside the cord may be damaged, too. 

3. Damaged Power Cord

In many cases, the lamp’s cord has been damaged by a pet or trespassing rodent. Look for signs of visible damage, such as chew marks. This will prevent the light from receiving power. If you don’t see anything wrong, move the cord around in various angles to check if the light will come on for even a few seconds. If so, the wiring inside may be loose or damaged, and the cord will need to be replaced.

4. Faulty Lamp Wiring

Finally, there may be an electrical issue within the lamp itself. This can happen if there’s a bad socket or one of the wires is damaged due to using the wrong wattage bulb. The lamp will need to be taken apart and inspected to diagnose exactly where the faulty wiring is. 

If you’re having trouble with a lamp that holds special significance to you, contact Palette Studios for help finding a solution. They offer high-quality repairs on all types of light fixtures, whether it involves installing new parts or performing a complete restoration. The company has proudly been serving residents throughout the Greater Cincinnati area for more than a century, and the latest owners have carried on the tradition of providing unparalleled customer service. Call (513) 961-1316 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services.