Do you turn off the circuit when changing a lightbulb?

[JohnW2]

On those rare occasions when I decide it really does need to be isolated, then I arranged all switches, up for off. Two ways, if both are up, it is off, ...

Fair enough, but one doesn't necessarily have that degree of certainty about 'switch positions' in many a property!

... and I will test and check it is off, before proceeding - I don't like surprises.

An irony there is that, should, for whatever reason, the lampholder remain ';live;, despite one's attempts to isolate it, then that ;'testing' probably exposes one to as much theoretical risk as would simply changing the bulb/.lamp

So the advice is - unless you are absolutely confident of your abilities, then isolate the circuit..

One cannot knock that as essentially foolproof advice but, as I've said, I seriously doubt that many people (of whatever degree of 'confidence') ever do it!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

An irony there is that, should, for whatever reason, the lampholder remain ';live;, despite one's attempts to isolate it, then that ;'testing' probably exposes one to as much theoretical risk as would simply changing the bulb/.lamp

Unlike some, I have faith in a decent voltstick. Test the stick works, both before and after use..

 

[JohnW2]

Unlike some, I have faith in a decent voltstick. Test the stick works, both before and after use..

Fair enough, but I'm still not convinced that there would be any less theoretical risk in using that than in replacing the lamp/bulb (particularly if it were a B22 or correctly-wired E27)

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Fair enough, but I'm still not convinced that there would be any less theoretical risk in using that than in replacing the lamp/bulb (particularly if it were a B22 or correctly-wired E27)

Well, if I were to notice some issue with the flex, lamp holder, or ceiling rose - then I might feel inclined to isolate, rather than risk tripping the circuit. Then I might feel inclined to reduce the level of risk from minimal, to zero.

 

[JohnW2]

Well, if I were to notice some issue with the flex, lamp holder, or ceiling rose - then I might feel inclined to isolate, rather than risk tripping the circuit. Then I might feel inclined to reduce the level of risk from minimal, to zero.

Yes, of course, but I think we are talking about (i.e. the OP was asking about) 'routine changing of a bulb/lamp in the absence of any suggestion of any 'issues' with flex, lamp holder or rose etc., aren't we?

IF there is any suggestion of any of those issues then, of course, one should isolate the circuit before investigating, and if the investigation confirms the presence of a problem, that that problem should be addressed/remedied (by the householder or an electrician) before a replacement lamp/bulb is installed.

 

[CAWORK]

A 1930s crafts and home maintenance book I have at home states "When changing a lamp, always make sure the switch is off, otherwise if the filament of the new lamp is faulty, it may cause the lamp to explode".

If I get a chance, I'll post a photo of the page (Having a few jars right now ....).

(Obviously, this was with incandescent lamps, and thinking about it, should it occur, apart from eye/bodily injuries from flying glass, it would be VERY easy to come into contact with live part contained within the bulb).

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

A 1930s crafts and home maintenance book I have at home states "When changing a lamp, always make sure the switch is off, otherwise if the filament of the new lamp is faulty, it may cause the lamp to explode".

Over the years of changing thousands of lamps, I've dropped a few, but never, ever had one explode.

 

[blup]

If the light fitting is so dodgy that you risk harm when replacing a bulb, you need an electrician to change those fittings.

I am not an electrician but over the years I have never flipped a MCB just to replace a bulb

Likewise but you tend to know your own house, whereas sparkles encounter of sorts of unknowns.

 

[mcprinter]

Over the years of changing thousands of lamps, I've dropped a few, but never, ever had one explode.

I was a very inquisitive but not so bright child at times.

One of my 'I wonder what will happen if I touch that' moments was with a switched on slide projector bulb.
It exploded.

 

[CAWORK]

As promised:

(The book even goes through the 'Step by step' process of "How to change a Fuseboard", stating "The fitting of a new Fuse board is simple!".........).

 

[SUNRAY]

Working with non domestic kit, such as but not limited to stage/effects lighting and projectorsI've known a number shatter when they blow.

Domestic wise shattering bulbs are not uncommon in some decorative fittings, lava & glitter lamps or example. Fluo tubes on quickstart ballasts (no starter) too, may be the reason they went out of fashion?

 

[JBR]

Just my four penn'orth, you understand, but all I find necessary is to turn off the switch on the wall or on the lamp. Just in case, tha' knows.

 

[RandomGrinch]

This guy seems happy enough that the power's still on...

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

This guy seems happy enough that the power's still on...

Imagine getting up there, and finding that you've brought a Phillips screwdriver, and you find it needs a straight one

Just around this place, doing minor repairs, the part I hate, is all the walking back and forth, getting all the tools etc. I need, to do a little job.