Changing an outdoor light bulb is a relatively simple task that most homeowners can tackle themselves. With a few basic tools and safety precautions, you can swap out an old, burnt-out bulb for a new one in just a few minutes. Learning how to change your outdoor light bulbs allows you to replace them right when they burn out, keeping your home’s exterior well-lit and more secure.
When to Change an Outdoor Light Bulb
Outdoor light bulbs have a shorter lifespan than their indoor counterparts. Exposure to the elements can lead to faster degradation of the filament and other components inside the bulb. On average, you can expect an incandescent outdoor bulb to last 1 year or less before burning out.
Signs that it’s time to replace an outdoor light bulb include:
- The bulb no longer turns on or flickers inconsistently.
- The bulb appears visibly burnt out when inspected.
- The light appears significantly dimmer than surrounding outdoor lights.
- Neighbors or visitors comment that your exterior lighting seems dull.
Acting quickly when you notice one of these signs can help prevent your outdoor space from being left in the dark. Changing the bulb right away provides consistently bright illumination.
Supplies Needed
Changing most basic outdoor light bulbs is a quick job needing only a couple supplies:
- New light bulb – Check the base type and wattage printed on the old bulb before purchasing a replacement. Buying the wrong bulb type or wattage can prevent the light from working properly.
- Ladder – To reach light fixtures located high up on your home or garage. Select a ladder tall enough to safely access the fixture.
- Replacement gasket or seal (optional) – Some outdoor light fixtures include a rubber gasket that seals the top of the bulb from moisture. Over time, this gasket can degrade or fall out. Picking up a replacement while purchasing your new bulb can allow you to restore the fixture to its original condition.
- Gloves (optional) – Wearing gloves helps protect your hands from sharp edges on the fixture and keeps your hands clean when removing the old bulb.
- Cloth or paper towel – Useful for wiping down the fixture once the old bulb is removed. This clears away dirt and debris to create a clean socket for the new bulb.
That covers everything you need for a routine outdoor bulb change. Now let’s look at the easy process to get your exterior light glowing again.
Turn Off Power to the Light
Before changing the bulb, always turn off power to the outdoor light you’ll be working on. This essential safety step prevents electric shocks or other hazards that exist when handling a live fixture.
There are two main ways to cut power:
- Shut off the circuit breaker – If you know which breaker controls power to that particular outdoor light, head to your home’s breaker box and switch it to the “Off” position. This cuts electricity flow to the entire circuit until flipped back on.
- Unplug or shut off the light – Outdoor lighting often has individual controls right on the fixture itself. Look for a switch to turn off the light or a plug that connects to an outlet. Flip the switch or unplug the cord to immediately stop power to that light only.
With the light deactivated, you can now safely move on to the bulb replacement steps. Always double check that the bulb is off by flipping the light switch on and off. If the bulb doesn’t illuminate at all, you know for certain the power is disconnected.
Remove the Old Outdoor Light Bulb
The next step is to remove the burnt-out bulb from the socket so you can insert the new replacement. The specific technique for this depends on the fixture type:
Standard Screw-In Bulb
For traditional bulbs with screw-in Edison bases, simply grasp the bulb gently and rotate it counterclockwise to unscrew it. Wear gloves to protect your hands and get a better grip on the often smooth glass surface. Unscrew slowly to avoid cracking the bulb glass.
Once fully unscrewed, you can pull the old bulb directly from the socket. Be prepared for accumulated dirt and dead insects to come loose as you remove it.
Pin-Style Retaining Clip
Some outdoor floodlights and spotlights have a wire clip or metal pin that holds the bulb in place. Locate the spring-loaded clip and pull it back enough to loosen its hold on the bulb. With the clip released, slide the bulb sideways out from its bracket.
Locking Ring Assembly
High-wattage security lights frequently have a locking ring that holds everything in place. Simply rotate the outer ring counterclockwise until you can lift it up off the fixture housing. This provides access to slide the bulb out by its base.
Take care not to drop the glass bulb during removal, as this can create a hazard. Also be mindful of the bulb’s temperature; it may still be hot immediately after turning off if it was recently illuminated.
Inspect and Clean the Fixture
Before installing the replacement, take a moment to inspect the empty fixture and clean it if necessary. Look for:
- Corrosion or rust – Common on older outdoor fixtures, which can damage the electrical contacts. Lightly sanding can help improve the connection.
- Insect infestations – Spider webs and dead bugs are inevitabilities with outdoor lights. Clear away any debris clinging inside the fixture.
- Gasket/seal damage – Cracked or degraded gaskets allow moisture into the socket, shortening bulb life. Replace if the gasket is missing or split.
- Dirt and grime buildup – Especially prevalent on fixtures sheltered from rain. Wipe down the housing and contacts inside with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Taking a few minutes to make the fixture cleaner and more conductive extends the life of the new bulb you’re installing.
Insert and Secure the New Bulb
Once prepped, the fixture is ready for the new bulb:
- Verify that the replacement bulb matches the wattage printed on the old bulb or fixture housing. Using a higher wattage risks overheating issues.
- Confirm the new bulb has the correct base, such as a standard Edison screw-in or a pin base. Using an incompatible bulb won’t allow proper electrical contact.
- Remove the bulb from packaging and inspect it for defects. Look closely for cracked glass or loose filament wires, which indicate a defective product.
- Insert the new bulb directly into the socket, gently rotating it clockwise if it has screw base. Don’t force it if there’s resistance.
- For fixtures with clips or locking rings, realign the mechanism over the base of the bulb to hold it securely in place.
- If the fixture uses a rubber gasket, make sure this seal sits properly on the rim of the socket to protect the interior. Replace it if the old gasket is missing or damaged.
That’s all it takes to get your new energy-efficient bulb installed and ready to illuminate. Now it’s just a matter of turning everything back on.
Restore Power to the Light
After changing the bulb, you must reconnect power to perform a final test:
- If you shut off a circuit breaker, head back to the breaker box and flip it back to the “On” position.
- For lights with individual power switches, simply flip the switch to turn it back on.
- If you unplugged the light, reconnect the plug firmly back into the outlet.
- Turn the light switch on and off a few times to verify proper functioning. The new bulb should turn on immediately without any flickering or delay.
- If the light still doesn’t operate properly, recheck that the bulb is the right type and tightly secured in place. Also confirm the power supply itself is working fine.
Take care not to immediately touch the bulb after turning it on. The glass surface can be quite hot initially until it adjusts to the wattage level. Give it a few minutes, then touch briefly to confirm it’s cooling properly.
With that, you can consider the outdoor light bulb replacement a success! Take note of the installation date, since the bulb will eventually burn out again a year or so later. Following the steps above makes it easy to swap in a fresh bulb whenever needed.
Outdoor Light Bulb Types
When purchasing a new outdoor bulb, you’ll be met with many options. The most common bulb technologies seen in exterior lighting include:
Incandescent
- Very warm color temperature around 2700K
- Omnidirectional light spread
- Short 1 year average lifespan
- Cheap initial cost, higher long-term cost due to frequent replacement
- Work well with motion detectors due to quick illumination
Halogen
- Slightly cooler light around 3000K
- Can produce bright spotlights
- 1-2 year lifespan on average
- More efficient than incandescent bulbs
- Higher upfront cost but better long term value
CFL (Compact Fluorescent)
- Bright, white light between 2700K to 5000K
- Last 6-12 times longer than incandescent
- Take 1-2 minutes to reach full brightness
- Perform well in cold temperatures
- Contain trace amounts of mercury requiring special disposal
LED
- Very energy efficient and long lasting
- Directional light unless a diffuse bulb
- Vary from warm (2700K) to daytime (5000K) color hues
- Gradually dim over time rather than burning out abruptly
- No mercury and 100% recyclable
- Higher upfront cost but pay for themselves in energy savings
For most homeowners, LED is the best all-around option when replacing outdoor bulbs thanks to its energy efficiency, lifespan up to 25,000 hours, and flexible light color. Just be sure to get a “warm white” LED in 2700-3000K to mimic the familiar glow of incandescent bulbs.
Safety Tips for Changing Outdoor Bulbs
Replacing an outdoor light bulb is generally safe and straightforward. However, anytime you work with electricity and heights, extra precautions are needed.
General Safety:
- Turn off power to the light at the source before servicing to avoid shocks. Double check it’s off using the light switch.
- Use a sturdy ladder appropriate for the height. Have someone steady the ladder if needed.
- Handle the bulb gently with gloves to avoid cuts and burns.
- Make sure bulbs are compatible wattages and bases for the fixture.
- Keep electrical connectors dry without water exposure.
On Ladders:
- Maintain three points of contact when climbing. Don’t lean precariously to reach the fixture.
- Avoid using metal ladders near live wiring. Opt for fiberglass or wood.
- Never stand on the top rung so you don’t overextend your reach.
- Have an assistant provide a tool handoff and hold the ladder for you.
- Don’t try to change a light during wet, windy or icy conditions.
With Electricity:
- Position ladders at a safe distance from any overhead power lines.
- Turn off the power! Never change a bulb while the fixture is illuminated.
- If there is no individual switch, shut off electricity at the breaker box.
- When done, promptly restore power supply to the light.
- Call an electrician for help if needed, especially for high-voltage lighting.
Exercising common sense goes a long way towards your safety. Have a helper available for oversight whenever feasible. Avoid changing outdoor bulbs at night or during storms when visibility is limited. With preparation and care, this simple repair puts the light back in your lights.
Reasons an Outdoor Light Won’t Turn On After Changing the Bulb
You’ve changed out the burnt-out bulb, but your outdoor light still won’t illuminate. Don’t panic yet. Here are some of the most common reasons an exterior light fails to turn on after replacing the bulb:
Power is still turned off – Make absolutely sure you’ve flipped the switch back on both at the fixture itself and the circuit breaker or power source. It’s easy to overlook after changing the bulb.
Burnt-out bulb was the wrong type – If an incorrect wattage or style of bulb was previously installed, the replacement might also be incompatible with the fixture. Recheck bulb types to ensure it meets fixture requirements.
Bulb is defective – As mass-produced products, even brand new bulbs can be prone to defects like broken filaments right out of the box. Try another new bulb just in case.
Loose bulb – Especially if it’s a screw-in style, the bulb might not have been fully tightened and secured into the electrical contacts. Tighten it more firmly.
Loose wiring connections – Over years of use and exposure, wiring problems in the fixture can prevent electricity from reaching the bulb. This may require an electrician’s attention to repair.
Blown fuse – The bulb itself might be fine, but an overloaded circuit or short could have blown the fuse connected to the light. Replace fuse accordingly.
Bad socket, switch or motion sensor – With age and corrosion, the failure may stem from the other components in the system. Test these individually to isolate the problem.
Dusk-to-dawn sensor – Photocell sensors on exterior lights prevent them from illuminating during daytime. Blocking the sensor to simulate darkness can override this.
When a supposedly new bulb doesn’t light, methodically verify proper installation of the bulb itself first. Then expand troubleshooting to the other elements like circuitry and hardware if necessary. Doing this ensures you don’t overlook a basic explanation for the malfunctioning outdoor light.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Outdoor Light Bulbs
People often have additional questions when learning how to change over a burnt-out exterior bulb. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Do I need to replace the entire outdoor light fixture?
In most cases, simply screwing in a compatible new bulb is sufficient for repairs. Replace the entire fixture only if it’s damaged or significantly corroded.
How do I determine the correct wattage bulb?
Check the markings on the old bulb or inside the empty fixture socket for the wattage. Using the same wattage bulb is ideal for proper performance.
Why won’t my new LED bulb fit the socket?
If an old incandescent bulb was used, the bases are different. LEDs use a pin base while incandescent bulbs have Edison screw bases. Adapters can remedy this.
Can I use a higher wattage bulb for brighter light?
It’s not recommended to exceed the listed wattage, as this can produce excess heat that damages the fixture over time.
Is it safe to change bulbs in the rain?
No, water conducts electricity, creating a serious hazard. Always change bulbs in dry conditions after shutting off the power.
Do outdoor motion lights need special bulbs?
Standard outdoor floodlight bulbs work fine in motion detectors. LEDs switch on quicker when motion is detected.
How do I stop my outdoor light from turning on during the day?
Install a bulb with a built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor, or add an external photocell sensor wired inline with the fixture.
Why does my bulb stop working after a few months?
Frequent cycling from motion detectors can prematurely wear out filaments. Also ensure no moisture is entering the fixture.
Replacing burnt-out bulbs in outdoor lights is a routine task for most homeowners. Following basic safety steps and confirming bulb compatibility helps ensure the job is quick and problem-free. Proper ongoing maintenance keeps your home’s exterior nicely illuminated for security and aesthetics.