Forum Discussion

delosholly's avatar
delosholly
Explorer
Apr 24, 2015

How to test for current

Our bathroom light wasn't working. I finally got the cover off and inspected the bulb. It appears to be good, no discoloration and no broken filament.

I am wondering if any current is getting to the bulb. My problem is that the bulb inserts into two extremely tiny holes. My meter's probes are too fat to fit into them. The bulb fits into a tiny ceramic piece with two wires coming out the back. The wires are covered with insulation, no bare wire exposed.

How can I test to see if current is making it to the fitting?
One more piece of info, this fixture would sometimes flicker before it stopped working.

Del
  • Use two pieces of wire that are about the same diameter as the light bulbs pins to "probe" the socket. Touch your leads to these probes. And yes, you're looking for voltage.
    Check the light bulb for continuity if you haven't already.
  • AngryBert-63 wrote:
    Wrap small solid wire around your meter leads or use a sharp lead to lightly pierce the insulation.

    I'm assuming you read out the bulb?

    You're looking for voltage - not current.


    Red face on me!! I did not check the bulb for continuity!! I will do that now... see, this forum works!!
  • Wrap small solid wire around your meter leads or use a sharp lead to lightly pierce the insulation.

    I'm assuming you read out the bulb?

    You're looking for voltage - not current.
  • Is there another bulb that's good somewhere that you can test with?