Hatrack River Forum: strange electrical question

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Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :

Not really important, but something I was curious about.

If a lightbulb burns out, or is removed from the socket, is electricity still used when the light switch is turned out? Does the power just bleed through the socket not doing anything...but still being used, or since there is not a bulb to light (or there is an incomplete circut in the case of a burned out bulb) does the electricity not have anywhere to go, and not get used up.

Posted by ak (Member # 90) on :

No. There has to be a complete circuit for electricity to flow. The filament of the bulb completes the circuit. If it is broken or burnt up (when the lightbulb burns out) or if the bulb is missing, no electricity flows and no power is used. [Smile]

[ May 26, 2004, 01:53 AM: Message edited by: ak ]

Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :

but don't stick your finger in the socket anyway