Regular maintenance and periodic inspections can help extend a fixture's lifespan, but if you notice persistent issues like frequent bulb replacements, dimming, flickering, or visible damage, it might be time to consider a replacement.
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.
While incandescent light bulbs were built to last around 1,000 hours, the most enduring LED light fixtures have been tested to last as long as 100,000 hours. On average LED light bulbs will not have to be changed for at least 20 years.
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.
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.
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.
If you're looking to install a new light fixture, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician. However, replacing an existing fixture is a project you can do yourself with just a few tools.
Faulty lamps and light fixtures also frequently result in fires.
Every light switch, at some point, will go bad. But they're a simple device that doesn't have a lot of moving parts so they're built to last and don't break down often. In fact, they typically last so long that we often think it's the light instead of the actual switch.
Regular maintenance and periodic inspections can help extend a fixture's lifespan, but if you notice persistent issues like frequent bulb replacements, dimming, flickering, or visible damage, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Depending on what you ultimately decide, it can take an electrician as little as 30 minutes to replace a light fixture and up to a full day, depending on the size of your project. In terms of budgeting, you will need to consider the cost of the lighting and labor.
Replace the light bulb: As mentioned before, a burnt out light bulb could be the reason for a light switch having power but no light, so it's worth checking and replacing the bulb if necessary. 3. Check the circuit breaker: If the circuit breaker has tripped, resetting it may solve the issue.
One common explanation is a problem with the light fixture itself. A burnt-out light bulb or a loose connection within the fixture can result in lights not turning on. Additionally, a faulty light switch can also cause lights to stop working.
Small breakers generally cost $30-$50, while the largest cost around $250. Building codes also affect pricing. Instead of standard breakers, some municipalities require you to install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) or AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers.
The most likely cause is a bad connection or faulty wiring issue that does not allow an adequate flow of electricity to certain fixtures. That's why it's important to cut power to those fixtures when you discover the problem—loose wires are a leading cause of house fires, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
To determine if a switch is burnt out or faulty, you can follow these steps: Check other lights and electrical devices to ensure it's not a broader electrical issue. Test the switch with a multimeter to see if it is receiving electricity when turned on. If there is no voltage, it suggests a problem with the switch.
Like other aspects of your home that you use on a regular basis, your light fixtures can easily become worn and dated. Unfortunately, as a component of a major system in your home, damaged light fixtures can be a hazard.
While you can change a light fitting yourself if you have basic electrical knowledge, hiring an electrician is recommended for safety and compliance, especially for complex fixtures.
While incandescent bulbs typically last only around 1,000 hours - barely a year with several hours of use each day - LED lighting is commonly rated to last 50,000 hours or more, which can conceivably translate into decades at the same rate of use.