Light Fixtures Electrical Troubleshooting

a recessed fluorescent light fixture in the basement that did not work. I replaced it with a new fixture which used 2, 4′ T8 bulbs. About a year later it went bad…

Light Fixtures Electrical Troubleshooting
Background: Brad, a Handyman from Decatur, Il
Question: I moved into my house 2 years ago. When I moved in there was a recessed fluorescent light fixture in the basement that did not work. I replaced it with a new fixture which used 2, 4′ T8 bulbs. About a year later it went bad. When I say bad, it just stopped working one day no flickering, dim light at the end of the tubes, nothing. So I put in another new fixture and now about a year later it has gone bad too. I’m worried that there is a problem with the wiring. What should I be looking for that would cause this type of problem?

Thanks!!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Brad. Try to determine exactly what went bad. What component of all these fixtures stopped working. Verify the voltage of the power source. Other factors may include constant vibrations from sources such as heating ducts or floor vibrations.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Wiring

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

For more information about Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring

This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: How-To-Videos
Electrical Videos

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This 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 Tester This 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 Cutter My 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.

« Electrical Power Source for Basement Outlets

Installing an Electrical Service Panel with a Meter Pedestal »

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

» Electrical Wiring Book «

Home Wiring Guide

STAY CONNECTED

ELECTRICAL NEWS UPDATES