Electric fixture not working

[Slain]

I bought this sconce light, which I am attaching to an outlet controlled by a dimmer switch.

The electrical outlet gets the 110V as expected before attaching the light. After attaching the light, I put my multimeter probes into the socket where the bulb should go and can see the 110 V. But when I put the bulb in, it does not light up

I thought that the socket inside might be pushed all the way back and hence bulb not making contact, but I don't think thats the case. Interestingly, when I put in a fluorescent bulb instead, it just has a small flicker going.

Any ideas ?

[David L. Martel]

Slain,

Are you reasonably sure that you have wired the sconce correctly? Are you reasonably sure that the incandescent bulb is good? Does the dimmer decrease the voltage, as measured by your multimeter at the sconce?

Dave M.

[Slain]

Yes!!!! The wiring is straightforward!!!! black to black and white to white

Also, I would not receive any power at the socket of the fixture if that was incorrect.

The bulbs are good. Tested them at other places.

The dimmer I keep it at max to ensure that I am getting the max power...

[Joseph Meehan]

Could you clarify that? Is the current going to the outlet (plug in, not a fixture for a bulb)? If so ... Bad! don't control any outlet with a dimmer.

A _digital_ multimeter is very sensitive and can pick up 120V on a line not directly connected to any power source if the wires from it come close to an line that is powered.

This would tend to indicate that my comment on meters may be correct and you have a line that is NOT connected to a live circuit, but is picking up a little current from a live line close to it.

BTW if you are planning on using a fluorescent lamp on a dimmer, make sure it is suitable for use on a dimmer. If it does not specifically say it is, then it is likely not and could be a hazard if used with one.

[Joseph Meehan]

Actually you can.

But, depending on the dimmer it may not be the same as it would be without the dimmer. Some dimmers do not have a true full on.

[Slain]

Yes the current is coming to the outlet. I understand that the millimeter can be sensitive, but when I turn the dimmer off, I don't receive any power at the electrical outlet.

I tried both a fluorescent and a normal bulb for testing. And yes both of them work

[terry]

=2E Sounds like rather basic trouble shooting situation: One suggestion is. Hook it up without the dimmer, by bypassing the dimmer temporarily (you may find there is a black IN and a black OUT; try joining them together), and see if the bulb lights up. If not there is break or disconnection in the black wiring or the white unswitched and undimmed neutral wire is open somewhere or for some reason. Do not trust an electronic meter to measure voltages; even cheap meters can be so sensitive that they can pick up voltage induced into dead broken or disconnected wires from adjacent working conductors.

[David L. Martel]

Slain,

I'd suspect that the bulb and the sconce socket are not making contact. With the power off try bending the socket contact up a bit. With a towel wrapped around the bulb try screwing the bulb in a little tighter. Try another bulb.

Dave M.