Empty Sockets in Multi Fixtures

michaelson

When I was growing up my dad always told me "don't leave empty sockets in light fixtures because it's a fire hazard; bugs crawl in and burn up." I feel like that's a rather strange claim but have been doing it ever since.

I was changing some lights today (in big opaque globes) and I wondered if I could just install one of the two in each globe. 23W CFL is plenty for the area. Now my question, do I need to leave the burned out bulbs in there or can I take them for recycling leaving the sockets open.

gregzoll

I would just put in the bulbs, then install a dimmer if you do not wish to have the full lighting of 60watts x how many sockets, or just go with lower wattage bulbs. As for recycling, who does that with bulbs? I recycle them into the garbage can.

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k_buz

I mean, I know what you are saying, but having burnt out bulb can short out and trip the breaker too. Fire wise...I mean, how long and how hot is a dead bug going to burn? Long, and hot enough to ignite a plastic socket rated to have a bare light bulb very close to it? Doubt it. I would be more worried about exposing yourself to live parts.

Truth be told, I have unused sockets thruout my house.

fa_f3_20

Honestly, I'd probably just leave the sockets open. I've seen June bugs get into sockets before, and all it does is smoke and smell awful. The only exceptions might be when (1) the socket faces up and it isn't enclosed, or (2) it's where children can stick their fingers in it.

If you could find some of the old socket adaptors that let you plug a 2-prong plug in, you could screw those in. Or get some 15A Edison base fuses and intentionally blow them.

michaelson

The problem with the dimmers is that they can't be used on most CFL bulbs. I guess what I could do is install smaller CFL bulbs, and just install both. I think I agree with k_buz, ceramic sockets are not going to catch fire when a curious ladybug crawls in.

rjniles

If you really think you need to plug the hole:



Then:

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