Is there a light in your apartment that continues to turn off and on by itself? While it could be due to a loose bulb, there may be a hidden electrical problem causing it. However, before you call in residential electrical services, here are a few things you can check on your own to get to the bottom of it.
07 Steps To Fix A Light That Turns On and Off by Itself
Here are seven simple steps experts recommend to fix the problem at hand.
- Understand the Causes
First off, to fix a light that keeps turning on and off by itself, you need to understand the possible causes. It could be due to loose wiring or a poor connection between the bulb and the socket. Sometimes, a bulb near the end of its life or damaged can start to flicker. Other times, the issue might be with the light switch, an overloaded circuit, or a fixture overheating and shutting off as a safety measure. Once you identify the cause, it becomes easier to fix a light problem effectively.
- Replace Faulty Lights
As hinted earlier, the lights may flicker or turn off by themselves if they are past their lifespan. So, the first and foremost thing you can do to fix a light problem is to replace the bulb altogether. If the bulb is loose in the socket or has a damaged filament, it may flicker or turn off unexpectedly. When you replace the light with a new one, make sure you screw it in properly. If the new bulb works just fine and does not flicker, you have found your solution. If not, and the problem continues, follow the next steps.
- Check The Light Switch
An old light switch may cause the lights to turn off and on by themselves. Over time, a frequently-used light switch may wear out or the connections inside it loosen up. So, try flipping the switch a couple of times. If the light flickers or turns off, or the switch feels loose or does not click the same way, take it as a confirmation that something is wrong with the switch. In this case, all you simply need to do is to replace the light switch with a new one and the problem should go away.
- Secure Wiring
Since loose wiring is often why lights flicker, a key step to fix a light is to carefully inspect all visible wires for signs of damage and wear. Be on the lookout for water damage and installation issues. Always remember to turn the switch off before starting your inspection for safety. If you find any damaged or frayed wiring, it’s best to stop and call a licensed electrician, as handling wiring without proper training can be dangerous. After the inspection, make sure all connections are secure and wrapped with electrical tape.
- Check for Overheating Issues
Some lights have a built-in feature that turns them off in case of overheating. Overheating happens when bulbs exceed the recommended wattage or when poor airflow in enclosed fixtures traps heat. To check for overheating, turn off the light and let it cool before touching it. If the bulb often feels very hot, overheating may be the issue. To fix a light affected by this, switch to LED bulbs and use open fixtures to reduce heat buildup and prevent automatic shutoffs.
- Check for Circuit Overload
Aside from this, an overloaded circuit can also cause lights to turn off by themselves. It can happen if there are multiple appliances or lights running on the same circuit. For instance, if the light dims or turns off when you switch on another device like the TV, the circuit may be overloaded, and the load needs to be redistributed. So. unplug a few things and see if the light works normally. If it keeps happening, try shifting the load to a different circuit by moving some devices to a different outlet.
- Call Experts
If you have tried all the basic tips to fix a light that turns on and off by itself and nothing has worked so far, it means the problem requires expert attention. Reach out to a licensed electrical services provider who can use their knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to properly fix the problem you are facing.
Conclusion
No one is a fan of lights turning off and on by itself, especially if you do not know why. Luckily, most causes are easy to spot and can help you fix a light issue with basic troubleshooting. For instance, replacing faulty lights and switches, securing wiring, switching to LED bulbs, and reducing the circuit load can solve the problem. But if you still find yourself stuck, it’s time to contact residential electrical service providers.
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