You enter the room and turn on the light switch…
But nothing happens. You sigh and look at the light socket, and like countless times before you see it: a dead bulb. Probably should take it out. Or shouldn’t?
Sometimes your bulb breaks and you may have no replacement bulb. What to do in this case? Leave an empty socket or leave the used bulb there?
The answer to this question and more in this article.
It is dangerous to have an empty light socket?
Leaving a light bulb socket empty can be dangerous for various reasons.
The biggest risk is touching the now exposed wires, leading to an electrocution. You may be cautious enough not to touch the circuit, but curious kids may try to insert their fingers into the open socket or try to screw it.
It gets even more dangerous in the case of a table lamp because children can easily reach it and “have fun”. In this case, you better leave the bulb in or unplug the lamp. Without the power the table lamp is safe.
Even adults are not completely safe. When you enter the room, the light bulb shows that the energy is running by emitting light. Now there’s just a wire, and you can’t be too sure if there’s electricity going in the empty socket. One accidental touch is all it takes to hurt.
Electrocution strength
Now, how exactly is it dangerous to turn on a light without bulbs? Еmptу sockets usually carry 240V of electricity. Voltages between 100 and 250V are regarded as highly lethal. Suck shock can make your heart stop.
Of course, you’ll have to touch the wires to get exposed to such a massive voltage, and such happens usually on accidents. But it doesn’t diminish the danger, as accidents can always happen.
Fire danger
Another safety hazard is fire. When there’s an exposed wire, there is fire. Something flammable can accidentally get in the light sockets, like hair, dust, lint, or even a bug. They create a spark, and now you have a fire hazard to deal with.
In some cases, flame can start as a consequence of an electrocution. The electrocution will disrupt the circuitry, causing a firing spark. Your light socket will be damaged too afterward, probably. Maybe even the entire electric system of the house will be disrupted! Though rest assured, it’s quite unlikely to happen.
All in all, you better leave the dead bulb in the light socket. It’s safer this way, especially children.
Safety tips for dead bulbs and empty sockets
Now you may ask: how do I protect myself from an empty socket? I’ve already thrown away my only bulb.
In such a case, you’ve got to fill the socket with something or cover it. In such a case, you can use a tape. Turn the energy off and put tape over the socket. Just in case, we’re talking about electrical tape, not just an ordinary tape. The electrical tape acts as an insulator when used properly and blocks out most of the electric energy.
A good alternative would be to plug in a socket filler. Sometimes they are also called socket cases. They are simply plastic caps that you can screw onto the socket. They look not only more pleasant to the eye than tape, but they also serve their function well (mainly not letting children plug things into sockets).
Preventing safety hazards: change your bulb!
If you want to go all-out for safety and not think about changing bulbs now and then, consider LED lights. They’re efficient, and inexpensive and they’re rated to last for years and years. You won’t be worrying about lightbulbs for a long, long time.
The best way to deal with a danger is to go the safest route.
FAQ
Now you know that there’s no good in leaving sockets without their bulbs.
Let’s have a look at other questions you may have about a light fixture.
What happens if you turn on the switch without a light bulb?
Nothing immediate would happen. A light bulb socket won’t magically light the room, nor will it engulf the whole house with an explosion.
Without a light bulb or any other device connected to the circuit, there will be no load for the electricity to flow through, and therefore, no visible effect.
Is it safe to turn a light on without a bulb?
Is there any danger in lighting them with empty sockets? Yes, there is.
As was mentioned before, leaving an empty socket with power on can lead to electrocution and fire.
Can you use a light with a missing bulb?
No, you cannot use it with a missing bulb.
A light bulb socket is functionless without a bulb, as it is the bulb that produces light when electricity passes through it.
Without a light bulb, there is no source of light, and the fixture will not be able to function as intended.
Does a light still use electricity if there is no bulb?
No, technically. The current flows only if it’s closed (by a bulb in this case). So, if there is no bulb to close that circuit, the light fixture doesn’t use electricity.
A little note if you are surprised by the information. If the electricity doesn’t flow, how can you get electrocuted by touching a light socket? Well, in this case, your finger closes the circuit, and so electric energy flows. To you.
Lights out!
As for the final words, be cautious around anything connected to an electric circuit. You never know what to expect.
Even something as ordinary as light bulbs can become a source of a problem. Or the lack of them, to be more precise.
Keep spare bulbs, be safe, be happy!
