How I Repair a Bathroom Light Fixture that Shorted Out
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How can I fix a light fixture that shorted out and will not come on? Guide for Repairing a Bathroom Light Fixture Problem. © By: Dave Rongey |
Bathroom Light Fixture Electrical Repair
Electrical Question: How can I fix a light fixture that shorted out and will not come on?
One of the lights in my bathroom shorted out and smoked for a second and now none of the other lights in the bathroom will come on.
- There is a GFI breaker which has electricity and works but will not reset.
- There is electricity throughout the bathroom, so why do my bathroom lights not work ?
- This is only a problem with the bathroom
This electrical question came from Joyce who is a homeowner.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Joyce.
How to Repair a Bathroom Light Fixture
Application: Repair Light Fixture Wiring.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture.
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Replacement parts for the light fixture should be compatible with the type of lamps that have been installed.
Guide for Repairing a Bathroom Light Fixture Problem
- Bathroom light fixtures may experience an electrical failure or short within the electrical wiring.
- Most of the time the problem is caused by the wiring which becomes old and brittle due to constant exposure to the heat that radiates from the lamps and sockets. Over time this can eventually lead to a broken wire or a shorted wire.
- This is very common with ceiling type fixtures in older bathrooms that have two or more incandescent light bulbs which produce a lot of heat. In many cases the ceiling light fixture will either require that the burnt wiring and the socket be replaced or if the light fixture is badly damaged then the whole light fixture may need replacing.
- Sometimes the problem may be with an electrical splice that is inside the electrical junction box that the light fixture is mounted to in the wall or ceiling.
- With bathroom light fixture electrical failures the circuit should be identified and turned OFF and the burnt electrical wiring, splices and wire connectors will need to be carefully restored using the properly sized electrical wiring and splice connectors.
More about Bathroom Electrical Wiring
Bathroom Electrical Wiring Methods
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
Wiring GFI Outlets
GFCI and GFI Wiring Diagrams
The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles will give you a clear understanding of the importance why these safety devices are required by code to help protect you and your family against accidental electrical shock hazards.
GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Hi Patrick,
The following process will help identify this light fixture problem:
The circuit should be tested at the switch box to make sure there is power from the breaker.
Double check the wiring connections of the dimmer switch.
Check the wiring connections to the light fixture, and the circuit power to the light fixture.
As with any electrical project, this is best performed by a qualified electrician.
Be Safe,
Dave
I short out my kitchen light fixture, the black wire was live and touched the recess light housing and produced a spark. Since then I cannot fix it.
Of course this spark trigger the breaker which tripped off, which I put back on. I changed the dimmer switch, checked all wires but cannot found anything.
Hi Mo,
If there is a short in the cable or wiring then the circuit would trip off right away.
Because there is a delay before it trips off there is the possibility of an overloaded circuit. The circuit could be tested for amperage load for overload conditions.
Aside from that, the circuit and the connections will need to be evaluated for any faults.
Be Safe,
Dave
Bathroom lights controlled by one switch black wire of which connected to a GFCI receptacle ), vent fan and light controlled by another switch and walk-in closet light(by another switch. all light gone.
1)Replaced the receptacle no help. later pulled and moved the wires of bathroom lights a while
it worked for a few days and died out again.
2)Turned off the breaker, I disassembled the bathroom lights fixture and make sure no wire shorting with a ohm meter before turning on the breaker and vent fan with light (it worked for more than twenty minutes.)
3)Turned the breaker off and wrapped the wires with electrical tape before re-assembled the bathroom lights fixture.(double check with ohm meter to make sure no short)
4)It worked only for a minute and shorted out again. Is it possible somewhere of cable
inside the wall shorted? the chance is rare and difficult to fix it.
Please give me some hint.
Hi Lilly,
First – clear any exposed wiring and make sure the wall switch for the light is OFF.
Next – check the electrical panel for a tripped 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker, which will look like the switch handle is in the mid or less position. Turn the breaker to the full OFF position, then back into the ON position.
If a circuit breaker is not tripped OFF then look for a GFI outlet in the bathroom, and push the RESET button.
This should get you going. Use a flash light or set up a temporary light for finishing the fixture wiring.
Be Careful!
Dave
Please help, I shorted out the electrical/light box in my bathroom. I didn’t see that someone had turned the light switch to the on position , so when I put the new light fixture up to the light box it caused a spark and now none of the lights in the bathroom work. How do I fix this?