You can fix this
Likely cause: a burned-out or loose bulb
A good bulb brought the light back, so the switch and the wiring are doing their job. The old bulb had burned out or worked loose.
Why this happens
Family Handyman says that when only one light is out, the bulb is the first thing to try: tighten it if it is loose and replace it if it has burned out. It also says to check that the bulb's wattage does not exceed the maximum allowed on the fixture, which can cause overheating, and CPSC warns about the same thing. If the switch is a dimmer, DOE says LED bulbs must be designed for dimming and that the packaging will say whether a bulb is dimmable.
How to fix it
- Turn the switch off. If the switch is a dimmer with a small service tab on the front, pull the tab out before you touch the bulb and push it back in when you are done. Lutron and Leviton say that cuts power to the light. If a second dimmer controls the same light, pull its tab out as well. Lutron says to pull it on both. If the old bulb is hot, let it cool down first.
- Screw the new bulb in until it is snug.
- Find the wattage limit marked on the fixture and keep the bulb at or under it. CPSC notes that older fixtures may not show one, and that 60 watt bulbs are usually used with older fixtures.
- If the switch is a dimmer, use bulbs marked dimmable on the package.
- Not sure the old bulb is dead? Family Handyman suggests trying it in a fixture that works.
When to stop. CPSC says arcing, buzzing, odors or discolored lamp parts signal overheating. If you notice any of them, turn the light off and call a licensed electrician.
If this does not fix it, tell the licensed electrician
- If bulbs keep failing in this fixture, how often, and what type and wattage you used.
- Whether the fixture is on a dimmer.
- Any buzzing, smell, heat or discoloring at the fixture or the switch.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
Start this troubleshooter over
- Family Handyman: Light switch not working? Try this.
- Family Handyman: How to troubleshoot and fix a light
- CPSC Publication 518: home wiring (PDF)
- U.S. Department of Energy: Lighting controls
- Lutron: Diva smart dimmer instructions and troubleshooting (PDF)
- Leviton: Decora Smart dimmer DG6HD getting started guide (PDF)
- Lutron: Maestro dimmer instructions and troubleshooting (PDF)
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