Erratic Outdoor Light
#1
07-17-08, 04:49 AM
Erratic Outdoor Light
The light on my light post stopped working one day. It's about 15 y/o, one of the glass lenses is cracked so moisture/rain can penetrate at the fixture. I just assumed i would replace the fixture and be back in business.
Every night a try it to see if it'll work and sure enough last night it did.
How can i tell if the issue is the light fixture or the wiring from the switch to the light which of course is underground.
I was thinking of checking for continuity w/ my multi-meter by disconnecting the wiring at the switch and checking from the ground wire to each leg of the wire,i.e. ground to black check for resistance, and ground to white.
Every night a try it to see if it'll work and sure enough last night it did.
How can i tell if the issue is the light fixture or the wiring from the switch to the light which of course is underground.
I was thinking of checking for continuity w/ my multi-meter by disconnecting the wiring at the switch and checking from the ground wire to each leg of the wire,i.e. ground to black check for resistance, and ground to white.
#2
07-17-08, 03:37 PM
I'm a little slow, so bear with me. You say you may replace the fixture. You tried the fixture and it worked. If it ain't broke how will you fix it?
#3
07-18-08, 07:25 AM
I'm looking for consistent operations of the light. Currently I do not have that.
I've been in the house 2 months. The light has worked about 65% of that time.
Since the light operates from a single wall switch and the bulbs are good, and i know how to operate a light switch, I must have a problem with either the switch, romex cable, or fixture.
I've been in the house 2 months. The light has worked about 65% of that time.
Since the light operates from a single wall switch and the bulbs are good, and i know how to operate a light switch, I must have a problem with either the switch, romex cable, or fixture.
#6
07-18-08, 11:28 AM
Member
Okay, I'd agree with your assessment that you must have a problem with the switch, the cable or the fixture. It's time to narrow it down, and that's probably best done by replacing them one at a time. The switch is the cheapest and easiest place to start.
You might also not be getting good contact between the bulb and the socket. So, with the circuit breaker off, remove the bulb and gently pry up the tab on the bottom of the socket. You might also try to seal up that leak, maybe just with duct tape to start with.
You might also not be getting good contact between the bulb and the socket. So, with the circuit breaker off, remove the bulb and gently pry up the tab on the bottom of the socket. You might also try to seal up that leak, maybe just with duct tape to start with.
#7
07-18-08, 02:02 PM
i sealed the lens with clear silicone. the fixture has 3 bulbs - so when its malfunctioning, every bulb is out.
thoughts on testing the u/g romex cable???
thoughts on testing the u/g romex cable???
#8
07-18-08, 02:59 PM
Do the switch first, then let us know the results. Testing the romex can be complicated, and my bet is on the swtich, or the wiring at the switch or light, not in the continuous run.
