Can You Lubricate A Light Bulb Socket? (Three Lubrication Options)

Light bulbs are among the most delicate and necessary electrical installations in the modern era.

No place can operate without a light especially where is of great concern.

In this article, we narrow it down to lubrication of light bulbs sockets and other important tips. Read on

So, Can You Lubricate A Light Bulb Socket?

Yes. For optimum use and to guarantee extended durability, light bulbs need to be lubricated to prevent corrosion and to avoid scenarios where they stick to the sockets. Simply lube the threads of the light bulb with a bit of petroleum jelly. Vaseline does a good job here.

Keep reading this article to acquaint you with tips on how to lubricate light bulb sockets and more insights and tips.

How to Lubricate Light Bulbs

Occasionally, modern light bulb sockets are sticky.

As a result, potential issues with the glass portion are bound to occur. It might come under stress when screwing it and it can even damage the bulb entirely.

Though they are cheaper, carelessness can cumulatively cost you a lot of cash and that is why care is very paramount when executing such tasks.

Or worse still, the glass may shear off completely, which causes the metal cap to stick into a live socket.

Needless to mention, this can spark a fire scenario in the room and put the occupants and property under grave electric risks. Some fire causes have resulted due to this.

And that brings in the importance of lubricating a light bulb.

It is a simple home remedy to these potential problems.

It is especially useful when handling outdoor light fixtures. Lubricating a light bulb is an easy-to-learn activity and it does not take a lot of time.

You will require the simple equipment mentioned below:

  • A clean cloth
  • An alcohol pad
  • Petroleum jelly (ideal lubricant)

Important Steps To Get It Done

1. Thoroughly Clean The Sleeve Of The Light Bulb

Alcohol is the most recommended liquid for this purpose.

The contact cap should also be cleaned with alcohol to maintain it in a tidy condition.

Leave it for a few seconds to ensure that the alcohol in it has fully dried out.

2. Dip A Finger Into The Lubricant (Petroleum Jelly)

Apply a smooth and even coating on the light bulb’s sleeve.

This should not, however, touch the contact cap.

Any excess lubricant can be wiped away using a small piece of cloth.

3. Screw The Bulb In Fully

Usually, it is recommended to unscrew the bulb some few turns and then screw it in fully to ensure that it is tightly in place.

At this particular point, the bulb and the inner sleeve of the light fixtures must be having a nice and even coating of the lubricant.

This helps to prevent any sticking when removing it.

In case you note that your bulb is sticking in the socket, speedy action must be taken to resolve this.

That is why we have provided a brief guide below on how to handle this particular incident.

If not done properly, lubricating light bulbs can cause them to stick in the socket.

So, here is an ultimate guide to help you fix such unprecedented scenarios. Let’s get started.

How to Keep Lubricated Light Bulbs from Sticking In the Socket

A stuck light bulb in the socket can be a lot of frustrating. You twist and turn it in vain.

Eventually, you might even end up breaking it out by force.

Such cases can happen when light bulbs are not lubricated in the right manner as we mentioned in the previous section.

Light bulbs can also sick to the socket if they are exposed to moisture as in the case of outdoor light bulbs. How do you prevent this from happening?

1. Invest In Dielectric Grease

You can easily find this in the nearest hardware, automotive, or any electrical supply store.

This fluid is often used to solve electrical problems in the automotive industry but it can also be used to prevent moisture from coming in contact with part of your bulbs and causing corrosion.

2. Wipe Them Down

Thoroughly wipe your new light bulb threads with a clean microfiber cloth. This ensures that any dust or debris in the bulb is kept at bay.

3. Coat The Bulb

Using dielectric grease, coat the threads of the bulb. However, you should not apply too much of it as it might make it appear gunky. Simply apply enough grease for protection purposes.

4. Insert It

Carefully insert the bulb into the light socket. Then proceed to wash your hands with running water. Dielectric grease is not known to cause any skin irritation but it causes irritate your eyes.

Where Should You Not Apply Dielectric Grease In Your Bulb?

Dielectric grease is silicon grease.

Therefore, it should not be applied on silicon-based rubbers or plastics since it will shear them down with time.

Also, note that the grease is a poor conductor of electricity and should not be applied directly on the mating surfaces of any electric connection such as pins and sockets.

Can You Use Vaseline For Bulb Grease?

Well, Vaseline is one of the most readily available lubricants.

But can you use it in place of grease to lubricate light bulbs?

Yes. Vaseline can work as a substitute for dielectric grease. The difference in their functionality is that

Vaseline can degrade plastics and rubber over time.

Besides, it is also combustible. These problems are negligible though. But one should be considerate of the quantities they use.

Application of Vaseline on the light bulb is equally an easy undertaking.

Next time you decide to apply it in place of grease, simply rub a bit of Vaseline over the light bulb’s threads before screwing it in. you could also apply any other brand of petroleum jelly.

They execute the same job.

Like grease or other lubricants, it will prevent the bulb from sticking in the socket and save you from unfortunate scenarios of broken bulbs.

Is Petroleum Jelly/Vaseline A Good Conductor?

Vaseline and other petroleum jellies conduct electricity.

This is the chief reason why it is often preferred to other forms of grease.

Its major role is to prevent potential corrosion on parts of the light bulb and some other electrical devices.

It also fills in any gaps in the bulb that would otherwise promote the formation of ozone in the joint.

What Amount Of Dielectric Grease Can Be Used To Lubricate A Light Bulb?

Since dielectric grease is a poor conductor of electricity, it should not be applied in large quantities.

It is simply used sparingly to curb corrosion as we mentioned earlier in the article.

Rest assured that if applied too heavily, it will pose some issues.

Can You Apply Wd40 To Lubricate A Light Bulb?


Wd40 comes in a can similar to WD-40.

You can use it for lubrication purposes on your light bulb.

Simply spray the base of the light bulb with some small quantities of wd40.

Do not spray the light socket.

Once you are done, wipe away any excess of the lubricant using a small piece of cloth. Proceed to screw the bulb in the socket.

Final Words

Lubricating light bulbs is one step ahead in saving you on frequent installation costs.

Keep checking on them and be careful to follow instructions on installations, lubrication, and maintenance.

If you cannot handle the whole project yourself, get the requirements at your disposal and then hire an expert to handle it for you.

All the same, installation and lubrication of light bulbs can be done with ease when you have an ideal guide like this.

References

https://www.hunker.com/12256482/how-to-keep-light-bulbs-from-sticking-in-sockets

https://www.ehow.com/how_6618751_lubricate-light-bulbs.html