Extra Clicks on 3 Way Lamp Socket Explained

Most lamps with 3-way sockets have standard use bulbs and not 3-way bulbs. This leads to those extra clicks to turn on and off the light. 3-way bulbs are pricey and not efficient so they are probably not the first choice for typical lighting.

[@osmanhameed9304]

Can you show the 3-way light bulb turning on?

[@maryjuneau5303]

Thanks, exactly what I needed!!

[@bfullsyou]

Thanks

[@michaeleverett2650]

Why not show the example of a 3-way bulb

[@thomaslapuyade2722]

Okay. So is it safe to use a standard bulb in a 3 way socket?

[@RoySATX]

Yes. It is safe by design. The extra click/contact-pin in the socket is ignored by a standard bulb. This pin makes contact with an insulated portion of a regular bulb's base and therefore is of no consequence to the normal operation of the bulb, the bulb isn't even aware anything has occurred because other than a mechanical movement in the socket nothing has. It is equally safe to use a 3-way bulb in a standard socket, it will simply function as a standard, albeit expensive, bulb.

[@rahulverma4]

Lamp manufacturers warning made me watch this video 😀

[@honeyoconnor3743]

Why does my lamp for a 3 way bulb doesn't seem to work with a 3 way LED bulb?

[@robrarker]

That's a good question, just picked up a three-way LED from Dollar Tree for a buck and a quarter works perfectly

[@PriceHollingsworth]

I had the same problem. In theory the polarity of the wiring for a simple lamp shouldn't matter but since it's and LED I thought I'd try it and reversed which wire went on which terminal of the 3 way socket. Totally solved the problem!

[@TaichiStraightlife]

No no no; I have a 3 way bulb and a 3 way lamp but I'm STILL only getting ONE setting working properly; actually I have 3 floor standing lamps that, after a year, defaulted to this BS condition: NOW WHAT?

[@Commando303X]

It depresses me that this video has to exist.

[@Jimbothewidebody]

Shut up bastard you looked it up too