- Grab your non-contact voltage tester (you do have a non-contact voltage tester, don't you?).
- Turn on the switch.
- Move the tester near the sockets (don't jam it in the socket, it's non-contact, remember).
If there is voltage at the fixture, inspect the sockets to make sure the contacts are in the proper position, and clear of debris (remember to turn off the breaker, Before sticking your fingers in the socket). Sometimes the contact inside the socket can get bent, and prevents the bulb from properly making contact when screwed into the socket.
If no bells and whistles go off.
- Turn off the breaker.
- Carefully remove the fixture from the ceiling.
- Insure that all connections are secure, and properly connected.
- Inspect the fixture for signs of arcing, or other damage.
- Turn the breaker and switch on.
- Move the non-contact tester near the wires feeding the fixture.
If bells and whistles go off, replace the fixture (or have it done by an electrician, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself). If there are still no bells and whistles, you'll have to move to the switch to make sure it is functioning properly.
- Turn off the breaker.
- Carefully remove the switch from the wall.
- Insure that all connections are secure, and properly connected.
- Inspect the switch for signs of arcing, or other damage.
- Turn the breaker on, and the switch off.
- Move the non-contact tester near the wires attached to the switch.
- Turn the switch on.
- Move the non-contact tester near the wires attached to the switch.
If there is voltage coming into the switch, but not going out of the switch (when it's on). Replace the switch (or have it done by an electrician, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself). If there is no voltage at the switch in either position, call an electrician to trace the circuit further.
WARNING
If at anytime during the procedure you see sparks, the breaker will not reset, or you just don't feel comfortable doing any of the steps, please contact an electrician.
If I'm understanding correctly, E14 is the bulb base size (14 millimeter, right?). That means that the bulb is about $10. Which means that the cost in your time and energy to make good on the warranty (not to mention storing and then finding the original receipt again) is probably more than just buying another bulb.
That's not to say that you shouldn't buy the more expensive bulb, if you think it's better made go for it, but I doubt that you'll ever make good on the warranty.
As to why they burn out: How long did the 15W last? And what is the hood rated for (they usually have a sticker inside somewhere that lists maximum bulb size)? I'd put the 9W in, run it for a few hours and see how hot it seems to be by touching the outside of the hood. If it's really hot, then drill it out for airflow, if it's not, then leave it.
Best Answer
What were they thinking? I'll tell you exactly: "the last guy" installed that bulb from a boom lift or the top of the ladder and declared mission accomplished. Never thought about the feasibility of changing it from the ground in the future.
Rent a boom lift and change that fixture
Select one that has an Edison base aiming straight down, and that has a big enough hole in the shade that it can be reached. And then, put no bulb in it and come down to the ground.
Then, from the ground using a common bulb-changer stick, install a modern LED "bulb". Do not install the first bulb from the boom lift; that was the last guy's mistake!
If this just doesn't work out with that fixture, then take it down and put up another fixture that does, while you still have the boom lift.