Does electricity still run through an empty light socket when it is left in the on position?

Question

If there is an empty light socket that is left in the on position, am I using electricity in so far as increased costs on my electric bill?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

This was asked about a month or two ago.

If the fixture is on, this means electricity is running TO it. However, without the bulb (or, as someone said, your finger), the circuit isn't complete.

However, the lack of a complete circuit doesn't mean that electricity isn't being used. It's a lot less than if the circuit was closed, though.

If you really don't want to use the electricity, turn off the fixture at the point closest to the electric box.

In any case, leaving a lamp/light plugged in/on, without a bulb can be a safety issue. It's a bad idea.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

This is exactly the answer I was seeking... a very thorough reply and courteous as well.

Answer 2

While electricity is available at the empty socket you are not consuming electricity. Therefore, there is no cost.

Answer 3

No. Go ahead, stick your thumb in there and see for yourself!

Answer 4

The light bulb completes the circuit. So there is no draw if the you don't have a bulb.

Answer 5

Yes. Current is still running through the socket. You should keep the switch off, if you are not going to use it.

Answer 6

To answer your question, no. It does not. But that does not mean if you stick your finger in it, you won't get shocked. Electricity is very simple by design. For it to work it has a "Battery" and a "Load". The battery is the source of the voltage, the load is the final destination (light bulb). Now if nothing is touching the socket, there is no load, so it's not drawing juice from the source. Now if you stick your fingers in it and make contact with the positive and negative, you have just become the load and you will feel the wrath of 120V.

Source(s):

Navy Electronics School

Answer 7

YES, there is still power "available" at the socket (so you could get shocked if you stuck your finger in it).

but NO, you are not consuming any electricity if there is no bulb in it, just like you would not be consuming any electricity if the bulb was there and the switch was "off".

Electricity is not like water. It does not "run" through a device or appliance unless there is something operating for it to "run" into (like a bulb, a toaster or your finger) AND the switch (if there is one) is "on."

However, in the case of some electronics (like TV's), even when you have turned them "off" they may actually be "on" and consuming power at a lower level because of the way they are designed. You can often tell this is the case because an appliance will still be warm to the touch hours after you have turned it "off".

Answer 8

If the light is in the on position there is no circuit there because you do not have bulb in it...So there is no energy consumption...So it will not increase your power bill...but there is electricity there and if anyone puts a finger in the socket where the bulb goes they will get shocked...i recommend you put bulb in it and leave it off for safety...especially if you have children and they can reach the socket

Source(s):

40 years electrician

Answer 9

No, There is no power being used. There is voltage TO the light socket, but no current THROUGH the socket. However, it is still dangerous because you can stll be killed by putting your finger in the socket.

Answer 10

While there is no electricity flowing and running up your bill, it can present a hazardous situation in that there are bare live contacts in the socket that could lead to serious injury if touched. Turn the dam switch OFF.

Answer 11

Assuming you are talking incandescent socket, the socket will still have electricity running to it, but there is nothing to use electricity, so it will not cost any more. It is just like an empty outlet on your wall.