To test... install a known-good light bulb, turn the switch to the ``on'' position, then wiggle everything from the wall plug to the bulb itself, trying to get the light to flicker off. Include jiggling the switch, rotating the bulb slightly, wag the lamp cord around randomly.
The fixture can really only 'go bad' if the junction to the house wiring fails, the bulb base connection fails, or the wire between the two fail. Its very much like saying 'can an outlet go bad'... yes there can be metal stress on the prongs that hold the plug, or perhaps it wasn't hooked in properly.
Check that the fixture is plugged in, put in a new bulb, see if a circuit breaker tripped. These are basic troubleshooting steps that don't require calling an electrician. But there may be a deeper electrical issue behind the failed light—you may have a failed light fixture, bad wiring, a broken switch.
For example, using incandescent bulbs in fixtures designed for CFL or LED lightbulbs will lead to faster burnout. Incorrect wattage also factors in; using higher wattage than recommended can overheat the socket and damage the fixture. This happens often with recessed light fixtures and ceiling lights.
1 Check the power source
The first thing to do when you encounter a problem with a stage lighting fixture is to check the power source. Make sure the fixture is plugged in securely, the circuit breaker is not tripped, and the power cord is not damaged or frayed.
Typically, home wiring doesn't generate any noise because proper connections don't leave space for extra currents to escape. However, when a fixture is hooked up incorrectly or the wires are damaged in some way, you may hear a buzzing or humming sound as the electricity moves between the light and the wall.
Longevity
LED lighting can last 50,000 hours or more before it begins to dim and needs to be replaced. These fixtures could cover 15 to 20 years of regular light use. On average, other lighting alternatives burn out quickly compared to LED: Incandescent bulbs: Approximately 1,000-hour lifespan.
To check if a light fixture is receiving electrical power, perform a voltage test. Start by ensuring that the switch controlling the fixture is OFF. Then, using a multimeter set to the voltage mode, touch the black probe to the ground wire and the red probe to the hot wire.
Light Fixture Replacement
Other reasons to consider replacing light fixtures include when illuminance levels are too low, if the lighting produces glare, or when the light fixture layout produces uneven illumination.
If you're replacing bulbs more often than usual, the fixture might be at fault. Persistent issues with bulb longevity can signal underlying problems like poor wiring or socket damage.
Check Appliances and Light Bulbs: Ensure that all appliances are securely plugged in and that light bulbs are not burnt out. A non-functional power outlet might indicate that a GFCI outlet needs resetting. Inspect for Loose Connections: Look for any loose connections, as these are often a common cause of power loss.
You will need a non-contact voltage tester or a multimeter to test if a light fixture has power. A non-contact voltage tester can test for voltage by measuring the electrical current fields without touching the contacts.
Using either a multimeter or test light is basically the same principle. Both are battery operated and will react when the probes touch either end of a complete circuit.
If your light switch is functioning correctly, the light should turn on and off consistently when you toggle the switch. However, if you notice flickering or dimming, or if the light only comes on after several attempts, you may have a bad switch.
Faulty lamps and light fixtures also frequently result in fires.
Start by disconnecting the switches and light fixtures from the circuit and checking the continuity of each wire with a multimeter. A low resistance reading indicates a short circuit between the wires. You can also use a circuit tracer to trace the path of the wires and pinpoint the short.
If you install LED landscape lights, you can expect 25,000 hours or more before needing a replacement bulb. Halogen lights have an average operating life of between 2,000 and 4,000 hours before needing a replacement.
To tell if a bulb is burned out, visually inspect it for any signs of darkening, cracks, or breaks in the glass or filament. If the bulb appears damaged or fails to light up when the power is on, it is likely burned out and needs to be immediately replaced.
An Electrician Has the Right Tools
Licensed technicians have the tools and equipment to provide lighting repair, whether it's fixtures, landscape lighting, recessed lighting, or any other type of light or lighting system component.