Shorts
Sometimes the smallest repairs bring the greatest peace of mind.
A Flicker Gets Your Attention
A couple weeks ago I noticed that when I'd start up the steps from the basement the light over the landing sometimes flickered. This went on for a little bit of time because I didn't really think much of it the first few times, but then last night there was a little bit of a scare with a carbon monoxide alarm going off. I'm sure the light had nothing to do with it, but the potential for a short got me thinking - and taking action!
Out With The Old
It should be noted right from the start that the light fixture in the landing was ooold, and certainly original to us. If I had to guess, it was probably installed sometime in maybe the 40s or even the 50s.
And here's a little close up. Look at that thing, it really wasn't much of a fixture at all and was mounted to one of those small octagonal, almost round electrical boxes. that really isn't seen or used in today's electrical work.
Original Electrical Boxes
Before I went to Lowe's to get a new fixture I thought I might want to measure the holes in the box because that box is so old, I was afraid that if I got a new modern fixture it might not fit.
Watson, ... if I can get a mechanism which will make a current of electricity vary in its intensity, as the air varies in density when a sound is passing through it, I can telegraph any sound, even the sound of speech. - Alexander Graham Bell
And as it turned out the fixture I did get actually had holes for the modern electrical boxes, but it also had knockouts that would allow the fixture to fit on the small 3 and 3/4 inch-wide hole alignment.
Working Around Old Wiring
And as has been the case in a number of electrical projects here at 173, the wires in this box were of the cloth-cased wiring, which is always scary. So while I was in the box I wrapped some electrician's tape to some of the wires just to ensure the integrity of the insulation.
Why I Stayed With a Bare Bulb
While I was at Lowe's to get a new fixture I considered different styles, including some LED bathroom-light type of fixtures and I looked at a couple of sconces. But I came to the conclusion that the landing always had a naked bulb and I kind of liked the idea original look.Without electricity, the air would rot. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This was one of those situations where keeping it original and of such a simple really made no difference. Because it's in the basement stairway landing, no one would likely see it, so - I stuck with the simplest of minimalistic aesthetic - the bare bulb.
There's something I like about honest utility spaces. Basements, workshops, attics, and landings were never meant to impress visitors, they were built to work. This little bare-bulb fixture probably isn't much different from what someone installed here seventy or eighty years ago, and that's exactly why it felt right. Not every corner of an old house needs to be redesigned. Sometimes simply keeping things simple is the best restoration of all.
The Six-Trip Hardware Store (Inside the House)
While this was a rather simple job and took maybe 45 minutes to accomplish, it still took 6 or 7 trips up-and-down the stairs to pull together, the tools I would need for this job. Because I just simply didn't plan ahead. As you can see, I ended up with a nice little handful of tools at the ready.
Back to Normal
Like I said, this really didn't take that long to do, and in no time a new light fixture was in place and there was no longer a flickering of the light when I walked up the basement stairs.
And here we are all cleaned up with all the little things that we keep on the landing. The bags are mostly my shoe shine stuff, rags, shoe polish all the different leather protection products and so on.
We also usually have a bag of apples hanging there, and on the floor are the dog treats and the random thing that lands there from time to time.
A few posts involving electricity at House 173
∙ An Outlet for the Basement Landing - January 4, 2021
∙ The Untold Story of Remodeling with a Beagle - August 8, 2020
∙ Hallways: New Lights, Outlets and Switches - May 20, 2018
∙ Basement Wall Demo - February 11, 2014
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Random tag from House 173 - enjoy: Dining Room
Its Natural Habitat
And finally - here's a nice little close up of the new light in its natural habitat. I know it seems so simple, and it's not an exciting project by any means, but I do like the idea of keeping simple, and in a very small way, remembering those who came before us.
Thank you so much for stopping by See you next time!
I really enjoyed this post because it shows that even the smallest projects can make a big difference. Replacing an old light fixture isn't glamorous, but it's one of those little jobs that makes a house feel safer and better cared for. I also liked that you chose a simple fixture that fits the age and character of the house instead of trying to make everything look brand new.That's one of the things I enjoy most about House 173. Every project has a story, even when it's something as ordinary as a basement light. It makes me appreciate all the little things that go into caring for an old home and preserving the people and history that came before us. - Anonymous Reviewer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a light fixture start flickering?
A flickering light can have several causes, including a failing light bulb, loose wire connections, a worn-out fixture, or a failing switch. Because electrical issues can sometimes indicate overheating or damaged wiring, it's always worth investigating rather than simply ignoring the problem.
Is an old light fixture worth replacing?
Usually, yes. If the fixture has become unreliable, shows signs of wear, or has loose internal connections, replacing it with a modern fixture can improve both safety and reliability while still preserving the character of an older home.
What are cloth-covered electrical wires?
Cloth-covered wiring was commonly installed in homes through the first half of the twentieth century. While the conductors themselves may still be sound, the cloth insulation can become brittle or frayed with age, so any work around it should be done carefully.
Can modern light fixtures fit old electrical boxes?
Often they can. Many modern fixtures include multiple mounting holes or adapter plates designed to fit both modern electrical boxes and some older box sizes, making replacement easier than many homeowners expect.
Why replace a fixture with another bare-bulb fixture?
Sometimes the simplest choice is the best one. In utility areas like basements and stair landings, a bare bulb provides excellent light, is inexpensive to maintain, and preserves the practical appearance that many older homes originally had.
Why inspect electrical issues promptly?
Even minor symptoms like occasional flickering can point to loose connections or worn components. Addressing small electrical problems early can help prevent larger repairs and provides peace of mind.
Is it common to make multiple trips while doing DIY projects?
Almost everyone does. Even experienced DIYers often discover they need one more screwdriver, another connector, or a different wrench halfway through a project. Planning helps, but a few extra trips around the house are almost a tradition.
Should old cloth wiring always be replaced?
Not necessarily. Much depends on its condition, how it has been modified over the years, and local electrical codes. Intact wiring may remain serviceable, but damaged insulation, overloaded circuits, or deteriorated conductors should be evaluated and repaired appropriately.
Why do small maintenance projects matter?
Small repairs keep little problems from becoming large ones. Replacing a flickering light fixture may seem minor, but it improves safety, restores confidence, and helps an old house continue serving its owners for years to come.
Why preserve simple original features in an old house?
Not every update needs to modernize everything. Sometimes preserving a simple feature, like a bare basement light, maintains the honest character of an old home while still improving its safety and function.
Keywords
basement light replacement, flickering light fixture, replacing old light fixture, basement electrical repair, vintage light fixture, cloth wiring, old house electrical, basement lighting, DIY electrical repair, old house maintenance, utility light fixture, House 173