Why A Bathroom Light May Not Be Working

How to Reset a Bathroom GFCI Outlet – Some bathroom GFI outlets may provide power to the bathroom light fixture so the bathroom GFI outlet should be checked to see if it has tripped off.

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Guide to Residential Electrical Wiring

Troubleshooting a Bathroom Light Circuit

Electrical Question: I flipped on the light switch to the bathroom and the light went out. I realized the light bulbs did not blow the 5 light fixture.
The switch, and old mercury switch,  was not lit. But wall plug is also out.
The Night light and small clock plugged in are not on and no circuit breakers were tripped off. I even shut off and back on breakers to verify.
No other lights, plugs,appliances in house affected, only the bathroom light switch and the wall plug. (1960 house, no GFI switch)
Any suggestions?

This electrical wiring question came from: Kimberly, a Handy-person from Painesville, Ohio

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Kimberly.

How to Reset a Bathroom GFCI Outlet
Some bathroom GFI outlets may provide power to the bathroom light fixture so the bathroom GFI outlet should be checked to see if it has tripped off. Simply press the TEST button, then press the RESET button

Kimberly, from what you have described I would look for a tripped GFI outlet in the bathroom or another bathroom in the house, this is most likely why the bathroom light is not working.

The Following resources will assist you with your electrical question:

Bathroom Electrical Wiring

GFCI Outlet Wiring

Lighting For The Home

Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring

Wiring Diagrams

gfi wiring

Wiring Diagram GFI
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.

circuit breaker

Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Bathroom Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

For more information about Home Wiring
Home Wiring

Home Wiring
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures

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

» 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.

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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.

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