You rely on your light fixtures to keep your home illuminated. That’s why it can be incredibly frustrating to reach for that switch and have nothing happen. This guide will discuss some of the most common problems that may be keeping your lights from working properly and what you should do to correct the issue.
Flickering Lights
If your lights are flickering, you can check for a loose bulb yourself. Gently turn it clockwise to ensure it’s secure. If this doesn’t help, the bulb may be bad. Try replacing it with one designed specifically for your fixture.
Beyond changing the bulb, you should contact a professional for any problems you’re experiencing with flickering lights. Flickering lights may indicate underlying issues such as voltage fluctuations triggered by the activation of large appliances. Other possibilities include loose wiring or loose fixture mounting.
Buzzing Sounds
Many issues cause your hardwired light fixture to make an irritating buzzing noise. The light fixture could have loose components. Just like with flickering lights, check for a loose bulb and make sure the fixture is mounted firmly.
Keep in mind that bulbs can make a low buzzing noise or hum when they are nearing the end of their lifespan. Try replacing the bulb to see if the fixture quiets down.
No Power
If your hardwired light fixture won’t turn on, start by checking the power source to ensure that a circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. Next, inspect the bulb to see if it’s burned out. If those steps don’t solve the issue, consider reaching out to an electrician to examine for loose connections that may be preventing power from reaching the light fixture.
If the power supply is intact and the problem persists, the fixture itself might require repair. A professional can assess the fixture for any defects as well as any underlying wiring problems. For fluorescent fixtures, a malfunctioning ballast could be the culprit, in which case it should be replaced.
Poor Lighting
Sometimes the lights will work, but they aren’t as bright as they should be. Try replacing the bulb with a higher-wattage version. Make sure you’re using the right size and type of bulb, too. This will maximize the output.
It could be that your bulb or fixture is old. Hardwired light fixtures won’t produce as much light as they used to as they age. Bulbs also dim over time.
While some of these problems, such as a burned-out bulb, are easy to locate and fix, you should always hire a professional electrician to troubleshoot and repair any more serious issues with your hardwired light fixtures. Contact Angeloni Electrical Services for all of your lighting installation and service needs in Bakersfield, CA.
