How To Make A Battery Operated Light Bulb

light bulb
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could make a light bulb light up without putting it into a socket? Turns out, there’s more than one way to power a light bulb. If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun experiment, I’ve found a way to power any regular old light bulb with a battery!

Here’s what you need:

  • One D Battery
  • A Light Bulb (With Screw-in Base)
  • Two Pieces Of Insulated Wire
  • Electrical Tape

Follow these steps:

1. Strip about 3/4″ of insulation off each end of your two wires.

2. Tape one end of one wire to the negative end of your battery. Tape the other end of the wire to one side of the light bulb stem.

3. Tape one end of the other wire to the positive end of your battery. Tape the other end of the wire to the bottom of the light bulb stem.

4. Watch the light bulb light up!

The process is simple: Electrons flow out of the battery’s negative end into the wire, go through the light bulb, and back into the positive side of the battery. That’s all! You now have a battery operated light bulb.

Note: Use caution when handling the exposed wires. When connected to power, they have a minimal electric charge to them that you probably want to avoid. Also, avoid touching the light bulb when it’s on, especially if it’s an incandescent. Those things heat up fast!

Annie Josey

Annie was the E-Commerce Marketing Specialist at Pegasus Lighting from June 2012 to October 2013. She has a background in English literature, and loves using language to help illuminate the world. So covering lighting news and tips naturally fit her interests. In her personal time she enjoys painting, biking, and reading.