light bulbs..

[sara3]

okay, table lamp keeps turning into a flipping disco light. why does the bulb keep flashing on and off, then going off completely? it comes back on when I loosen and tighten it again.

if it matters, it's a screw cap R45 bulb.

but it can't be the bulb, can it? or the fuse?

[douglas9401]

Unplug it from the wall socket, unscrew the bulb and look for a small metal tag at the base of the fitting. Give it a gentle pull with your finger or a pen. The terminal may have been bent back over time and is just making connection and no more giving intermittent performance.

[sara3]

thanks Douglas, I'll try that when it goes off again.

and cools down.. it caught me out once, never again ;o)

[karenmac60]

This happened with my bathroom light and I just changed the bulb and there were no more problems - it was as if the bulb wasn't connecting properly, it would go on if you fiddled with it but then it would flicker and eventually go out. I presumed there was a problem with the wee element bits. If Douglas's suggestion doesn't work, try another bulb.

[sara3]

hi Karen, and thanks.. I do have spare bulbs but they're clear (not pearl) and they throw strange streaks of light up the wall!

it's stayed on since my last post (a whole hour!) so will fiddle next time it plays up.

[AlBags]

Howz the disco?
Slipped a disc yet?

[sara3]

well Mr Bags, surprisingly.. it stayed on last night after I posted! I'll update you later as to whether I'm wearing my spandex leggings and glittery boob tube.

[AlBags]

You'll upset Karen if you do ..
Those new shoes of hers would go well tho : )

[sara3]

yep, it's Disco Night :o/

new bulb, methinks.