Should I Turn Off Electricity When Changing Light Bulbs?

This household task can turn dangerous quickly.

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Changing light bulbs is a common household chore, especially for rooms where lights are flipped on and off frequently. Whether you are changing out one bulb or multiple, it’s important to follow a few crucial steps when getting the job done. You may wonder: Should I turn off electricity when changing light bulbs?

The short answer is yes, to avoid any question of whether or not the power is on, the electricity should be turned off at the circuit breaker when changing a light bulb.

“While not everybody follows this step, it’s the safest way to avoid electrical shock or injury risk,” Express Electrical Services states.

Changing a light bulb at home is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to follow a few crucial tips for safety.

Turning the electricity off at the circuit breaker is the only way to ensure there is no power coursing through the light bulb socket when you change your bulb. That said, it is possible to change a light bulb without turning off the electricity, but it’s important to be absolutely sure the power is off.

“Before you do anything, make sure your light switch is in the ‘off’ position,” Texas-based Puckett Electric states. “Compare it to other switches nearby. Make sure it's not on, and you stand a next-to-no chance of shocking yourself while you work.”

Technically yes, but it’s not safe. It’s very important to make sure the power is switched off or the electricity is turned off at the circuit breaker before attempting to change a light bulb.

It’s important to follow safety tips beyond making sure the power is off when changing a lightbulb: