General Problem Solving Tips
- Make sure to change the light bulb.
- Gather all information possible to report to electrician. Is it just one light that stopped working or multiple lights? Is it just one electrical socket more?
- Always check the Residual Current Devices.
- Light dimmers and switches can cause light issues – make sure to check both of them.
- Lights produce a lot of heat. Make sure there is space for the heat to dissipate.
Down Light Problems
- Down lights may flicker, or may not work at all, if you fit low watt light bulbs, for instance 30W instead of 60W.
- Down lights may have transformers to reduce the voltage supply, if changing the light bulb does not fix the light, change the transformer.
- Down light transformers can generate heat; heat has to be dissipated. Make sure there is space around the transformer to dissipate the heat.
- Check to see if the light bulb is being covered by loft insulation. Overheating can cause different problems.
- Dimmer may cause many down light issues, use the proper dimmer for the down lights.
Flickering Lights
- Make sure to change the light bulb first.
- Check all loose connections at the light switch or the light bulb holder.
- Check to see if the contacts are corroded or oxidized. Contacts should always be clean, but can corrode or oxidize through time, and become a black color. First turn off the electric current, then use a screwdriver to clean the light bulb and contacts.
- If you hear any ‘buzzing’ from the light switch or an electrical circuit then your problems maybe coming from elsewhere.
- If there are any abnormal smells coming from the electrical appliances or circuit, you may have wiring that is overheating. Call a qualified electrician.
Fluorescent Lights
- If changing the tubes does not fix the problem, then try changing the starters that help tubes work.
- Each fluorescent tube requires different types of starters. The starters are determined by the length of the fluorescent tubes.
- A Fluorescent tube turns to a black color or becomes discolored when it reaches its end.
Same Bulb Keeps Blowing
- Lower quality light bulbs can cause this problem. Try a higher quality light bulb or a long-life bulb.
- A higher wattage light bulb can overheat or blow if it is not the proper wattage required for the appliance.
- If the light is buzzing or becomes discolored, it is a sign of a faulty switch. The switch maybe another reason why the bulb may blow.
- Check for any loose wiring in the bulb holder or light switch.
- All contacts should be clean. Make sure to clean them with a screwdriver before using another light bulb.
