Electrical – Light bulb keeps going out, but isn’t burned out.

electrical

Recessed light (can) in living room ceiling went out. When I touched it to replace it, it went back on, only to go out again the next day. I screwed it in tighter and it went on, only to go out again the next day. If it were a heat issue, it should come back on after it goes out, but it doesn't. Is this indicating a loose connection to the lighting fixture and is it dangerous? (Living in Oregon)

Best Answer

I'd try bending the hot contact in the socket out a little bit or a different bulb. If the problem persists I'd be inspecting the connections inside the junction box.

  • Try a different bulb (swap in a known working bulb, and swap this one out to a known working can light).

  • Try bending the contact out (the pin inside the socket).

  • Inspect the connections (remove the three screws holding the can light housing in. Pull it out of the ceiling and now you can access the junction box).

Rub the threads of new bulbs in your hair (to lubricate them) before you insert them.