Refrigerators typically use a 25W or 40W standard appliance bulb. Some models use a T8 intermediate base light instead.
When the light goes out in the fridge, it may be tempting to replace it with whatever you have at home. That's not the best decision because many of today's products for standard fixtures produce too much heat for the appliance.
Refrigerators create vibrations generated during operation that the filament must withstand. A standard bulb cannot maintain its integrity over time.
An appliance light bulb features a more rugged filament and the correct base size and wattage.
There are many options when it comes to choosing a light bulb for the refrigerator. Each has specific features, though some are less suitable due to their construction.
Here's a closer look at each type and how they operate.
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Incandescent |
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| Halogen |
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| CFL |
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| LED |
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You know it's time to replace the light bulb in a refrigerator when it fails to engage after opening the door. Since this product only turns on when you're looking for something in the appliance, it usually needs one or two replacements over the unit's lifetime.
When you replace the current light with a refrigerator-rated LED bulb, you might never need to go through these steps again.
Most refrigerators have an outer cover that protects the light bulb. You'll need to take it out of the appliance to access the malfunctioning product. Most will snap out when pressing small tabs on the side, but some might be screwed into place.
If you need to use tools in the refrigerator to remove the light bulb cover, it is a good idea to turn off the power to the appliance before proceeding.
Once you have access to the light bulb, you can check to see if it requires replacement. Most will have dark areas burned into the glass or a loose filament you can hear rattling when handling the product.
The light bulb for a refrigerator twists out like any other fixture. If moisture is present, the base may stick slightly. If firm twisting isn't giving you any movement, a little mineral oil can provide some extra lubrication.
If the light bulb looks like it is still in usable condition, the socket could be an issue. Before proceeding with this step, you must turn the power off to the appliance.
Some sockets break or get dirty as time passes. If you clean the area with a lint-free cloth and warm water, you can restore the contacts to operating condition.
Reinstall the bulb, restore power, and check if it works. If it works, you can replace the cover. If not, you'll need a new bulb.
If your bulb and sockets look good, there could be an issue with the refrigerator switch that prevents the light from engaging. Look for a plunger-style lever in the door frame. If you depress and release it without the light coming on, try repeating that process a few times to remove stuck grease, dirt, or dust.
Cleaning the switch with warm water can help restore its functionality.
Older appliances can have this part wear out. The only way to restore power to the light is to replace the switch. You can purchase a replacement from an authorized dealer, remove the components from its wire leads with the power off, and install the new one.
The most common reason for a fridge light bulb to stop working is that the power cord was tripped, or the circuit breaker engaged. Check both components, especially if you don't hear the appliance operating.
Both power cords and electrical outlets can fail. If you have a GFCI outlet, it might have tripped if moisture contacts it.
This helps you select and replace the correct refrigerator bulb.
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