Although I am not an electrician, I am a former home builder and home owner. I have removed many broken bulbs over the years. The following tips are the best in my experience.
· The first and most important step is to make sure the electrical power is off at the socket. Never attempt to remove a broken bulb with the power on. Turn off power at the breaker box. All breakers in the breaker box should be labeled. If available, a non contact voltage detector is a great way to verify the power is off at the socket.
· Next you will want to use a tarp or some type drop cloth to protect your floor from falling pieces of glass.
· Protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles. Protect your hands with heavy leather gloves to prevent cuts from the broken glass.
· Insert needle nose pliers into the socket with both hands and spread the pliers open as far as you can. Now turn the pliers counter clockwise. The metal sides of the bulb should start to loosen. Continue turning until the bulb is removed.
· If the metal part of the bulb refuses to turn, try to grab one side of the metal part of the bulb with your needle nose pliers and turn counter clockwise. It may be necessary to use a flathead screwdriver to wedge between the socket and metal and bend thee metal slightly so you can get a grip with your pliers. Now attempt to turn the bulb again. If the bulb still refuses to turn the metal will probably start tearing. That’s okay, continue tearing the metal until it finally loosens and comes out.
· If these attempts fail you will probably need to replace the socket. Replacing light sockets will be covered later.
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