How to troubleshoot this old pocket light
#1
04-14-18, 12:41 PM
How to troubleshoot this old pocket light
I have this old pocket light that doesn't seem to work. It hasn't worked since we bought our house. Other ceiling lights in the room work, but this one does not. Tried different bulbs, too.
How can I go about trying to troubleshoot this thing to get it working? It is probably from 1965 when the house was built.
I know they have LED kits to put into pocket lights, but I'm afraid if the bulb doesn't work the kits won't work either. Unless I solve the root cause of the problem.
How can I go about trying to troubleshoot this thing to get it working? It is probably from 1965 when the house was built.
I know they have LED kits to put into pocket lights, but I'm afraid if the bulb doesn't work the kits won't work either. Unless I solve the root cause of the problem.
Last edited by PJmax; 04-14-18 at 02:00 PM. Reason: added pic from link
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#2
04-14-18, 01:28 PM
Member
Hi Brian, never heard a recessed fixture called a pocket light before,any way that trim will pull down from the ceiling, simply pull it straight down maybe give it a slight twist, there could be a thermal switch inside that has opened.
Post some a pic of what you find inside.
Geo
Post some a pic of what you find inside.
Geo
#3
04-14-18, 02:05 PM
Thanks!
Here are some more "recessed lighting" images.
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
Here are some more "recessed lighting" images.
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
#4
04-14-18, 02:08 PM
There are four wires that prevent me from pulling the fixture down more. It doesn't appear I can disengage the wires. But maybe I can if I dig around.
#5
04-14-18, 02:18 PM
Group Moderator
Squeeze those two wires together on both sides.
Picture courtesy of the Family Handyman
Picture courtesy of the Family Handyman
#6
04-14-18, 02:22 PM
Thanks!
Here are some images...
• Where the wires come out of junction box
• Where the wires go into the fixture.
• And the place where the bulb screws in
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
Here are some images...
• Where the wires come out of junction box
• Where the wires go into the fixture.
• And the place where the bulb screws in
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
imgbox - fast, simple image host
Last edited by PJmax; 04-14-18 at 02:28 PM. Reason: added two pics from links
#7
04-14-18, 02:37 PM
Group Moderator
That's an old fixture. I believe well before thermal switches were routinely installed.
Markstone mfg holds several of the patents for early recessed lighting. I wasn't aware of the company and could not find any specific information on their recessed lighting. It looks like that silver junction box may be removable to access the wiring splices. That would need to be checked with a voltmeter to see if there is power there.
Markstone mfg holds several of the patents for early recessed lighting. I wasn't aware of the company and could not find any specific information on their recessed lighting. It looks like that silver junction box may be removable to access the wiring splices. That would need to be checked with a voltmeter to see if there is power there.
#8
04-14-18, 07:00 PM
Member
Do you have a volt meter ? If so test from the screw shell to the center terminal in the bottom of the socket, also with the power off try and pull that center terminal down a bit so it contacts the bulb base better.
Geo
Geo
#9
04-15-18, 03:32 PM
Thanks for the tips.
• I pulled down the center terminal, that didn't fix the problem
• Bought an electrical tester. It seems to be getting electricity. Although, maybe not too strong of a current. The tester went off, but it didn't seem to go off each time. But this could be user error since it is my first time and hard to find raw wire.
• I do have other eyeball recessed lighting from this manufacturer in the house. I might be able to take that eyeball from the spare bedroom and put into this can in the living room.
• Or if it is easier can I just switch out the socket?
• I pulled down the center terminal, that didn't fix the problem
• Bought an electrical tester. It seems to be getting electricity. Although, maybe not too strong of a current. The tester went off, but it didn't seem to go off each time. But this could be user error since it is my first time and hard to find raw wire.
• I do have other eyeball recessed lighting from this manufacturer in the house. I might be able to take that eyeball from the spare bedroom and put into this can in the living room.
• Or if it is easier can I just switch out the socket?
#10
04-15-18, 04:40 PM
Member
Are you using a non contact tester? If so get rid of it and get a cheap analog volt meter, you can also test the terminals that are riveted to the top of the socket to see if you are getting power there,
Geo
Geo
#11
04-15-18, 07:25 PM
Thanks for the advice.
Are you saying the non-contact meter will not give me a good reading? And the other one would give me more fidelity?
Are you saying the non-contact meter will not give me a good reading? And the other one would give me more fidelity?
