Pool light not working - but do have 12V at socket

[EmilePool]

Have an OLD (prob 30 yrs) Pentair pool light that quit working. First thought it might be the transformer so replaced controls with new Intermatic box. Still no go FYI, have 2 LED pool lights; one is working fine. When I check voltage at the fixture's socket I do get 12V, but when I screw in a bulb - NOTHING. Have tested bulbs and they are fine. NO CLUE Thanks for the help.

Add-on. Suspecting the fixture due to its age but no clue if these go bad. Will have to splice it since wires are "stuck." Can I use a 120V fixture with a 12V transformer and a 12V LED?

 

[Bperry]

Have an OLD (prob 30 yrs) Pentair pool light that quit working. First thought it might be the transformer so replaced controls with new Intermatic box. Still no go FYI, have 2 LED pool lights; one is working fine. When I check voltage at the fixture's socket I do get 12V, but when I screw in a bulb - NOTHING. Have tested bulbs and they are fine. NO CLUE Thanks for the help.

Add-on. Suspecting the fixture due to its age but no clue if these go bad. Will have to splice it since wires are "stuck." Can I use a 120V fixture with a 12V transformer and a 12V LED?

How are you confirming the bulbs are good?

 

[ajw22]

Will have to splice it since wires are "stuck."

Splicing pool light wires is never recommended but if you must...

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[EmilePool]

How are you confirming the bulbs are good?

9V battery lights them up

 

[Bperry]

9V battery lights them up

If they’re LED, is there a way to plug them in backwards? LED’s are diodes and only work in one direction. I’m confused about how you could have 12v at the socket and the lights not working.

 

[ajw22]

If they’re LED, is there a way to plug them in backwards? LED’s are diodes and only work in one direction. I’m confused about how you could have 12v at the socket and the lights not working.

If it is an Edison socket corrosion will keep the bulb base from making good contact with the socket pin.

 

[EmilePool]

LED’s are diodes and only work in one direction. I’m confused about how you could have 12v at the socket and the lights not working.

Yes; battery only works "one way." Haha; yes, confused.

 

[Bperry]

Yes; battery only works "one way." Haha; yes, confused.

Check for corrosion as mentioned above.

 

[EmilePool]

Edison socket corrosion will keep the bulb base from making good contact

Interesting, but connection is completely clean

 

[ajw22]

Interesting, but connection is completely clean

Regardless of what you say the base is deformed and not making good electrical contact.

 

[EmilePool]

Have an OLD (prob 30 yrs) Pentair pool light that quit working. First thought it might be the transformer so replaced controls with new Intermatic box. Still no go FYI, have 2 LED pool lights; one is working fine. When I check voltage at the fixture's socket I do get 12V, but when I screw in a bulb - NOTHING. Have tested bulbs and they are fine. NO CLUE Thanks for the help.

Add-on. Suspecting the fixture due to its age but no clue if these go bad. Will have to splice it since wires are "stuck." Can I use a 120V fixture with a 12V transformer and a 12V LED?

OK; many replies about corroded socket. Socket is clean and NOT deformed. So; anyone knows if these fixtures go "bad" with old age?

 

[ajw22]

So; anyone knows if these fixtures go "bad" with old age?

Tell me how an Edison light socket will go "bad" other then corrosion or being deformed?

With electricity either things make good electrical contact for the electrons to flow or they don't.

Something in the socket is not making contact with the bulb if you have voltage at the socket contacts. There are two clear points of electrical contact in an Edison socket.

 

[EmilePool]

Tell me how a n Edison light socket will go "bad" other then corrosion or being deformed?

With electricity either things make good electrical contact for the electrons to flow or they don't.

Something in the socket is not making contact with the bulb if you have voltage at the socket contacts. There are two clear points of electrical contact in an Edison socket.

Not concerned with the light socket. Since I do have 12V, will try with "wires" from socket to a bulb - maybe center connector is "down" and not touching the bulb.

Actually, was concerned about the rest of the fixture, i.e. sealed wires within.

 

[Bperry]

Not concerned with the light socket. Since I do have 12V, will try with "wires" from socket to a bulb - maybe center connector is "down" and not touching the bulb.

Actually, was concerned about the rest of the fixture, i.e. sealed wires within.

If the wires within are providing voltage then it seems they are fine. Something isn’t making contact between the socket and the bulb.