How to Repair a Light Circuit
|
Why are my lights not working? When I was replacing a light fixture two wires touched and all three of my lights stopped working. How to Repair a Light Circuit. |
Problem with a Light Circuit
Electrical Question: Why are my lights not working?
- I have three ceiling recessed lights with a four way switch. I also have a closet florescent light.
- When I was replacing the florescent light fixture, two wires touched and all three recessed lights stopped working.
- However, the florescent light in the closet is working fine once I connected the light fixture.
- I don’t understand why the recessed lights are not working.
- If I take the tester and connect one end inside the bulb socket and the another end to the two prongs of the socket where it holds the socket to the box, the tester light comes on and the switch turns it on and off, But if I install the bulb, it does not work.
Any clue as to what is going on here? How can I fix the lights?
Thanks
GG
Background: Gautam, a Homeowner from Lilburn, Georgia.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Gautam.
Repairing a Light Circuit
Application: Troubleshooting and Testing Electrical Circuit Wiring for a Light Circuit.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with hand tools and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring or inspections.
Note: Electrical troubleshooting is best performed by a qualified electrical contractor.
Steps to Troubleshoot a Light Circuit
- First I would make sure that there are no tripped circuit breakers, because it is possible that the circuit may be a multi-wire circuit where one side of a 2-pole breaker is On while the other side is OFF.
- Circuit breakers may appear to be in the ON position when they are actually tripped, so turning the suspected circuit breaker all the way OFF then back ON will make sure.
- It is very possible that the reading that you are getting from your tester may be a result of a neutral feedback.
- The circuit should be tested with a voltage tester and not a non-contact tester, where the power source is tested to ground.
- I would start by testing the switches that control these recessed lights to make sure the full voltage is present.
- There is a remote possibility that when the wires arced together that this blew out a switch, so a voltage tester would also verify the condition of the switches.
IMPORTANT
Testing voltage while a circuit is ON is very dangerous and is best done by a licensed electrician.
More about Repairing a Light Circuit
Voltage Tester
Electrical Safety and Voltage Testers
When working on home electrical wiring, quality voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Recessed Lighting
How To Install Recessed Lighting
This article is about recessed lighting for your home electrical improvements. Discover how recessed lighting can enhance the mood of any room in your home.
For more information about Repairing Electrical Wiring
Repairing Electrical Wiring
Repairing Electrical Wiring
Electrical Splices – Part 1 – Emergency electrical wiring repairs should be made using the right materials for your particular application. Here are a few choices to help you decide what you’ll need.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Lighting and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| The Height for Installing Outlets and Switches | How to Wire a Generator Transfer Switch Video |
