Landscape lighting can do a lot to enhance your home’s exterior, but it can be frustrating when you're constantly replacing burned-out bulbs. There are a variety of reasons why your outdoor lighting fixtures fail so frequently. From issues with the bulbs themselves to wiring problems, understanding the common causes can help you troubleshoot and keep your exterior lighting working when you need it.
Common Reasons That Landscape Lighting Stops Working
- Incorrect Wattage: Using a higher watt bulb than the fixture is designed for can create excessive heat, leading to a shorter bulb life.
- Power Surges: Electrical surges from storms, appliances, or faulty wiring can overload the bulbs and cause them to burn out prematurely.
- Bad Socket: An overloaded circuit might trip and cult the power supply. But exterior fixtures take a brunt of the elements and do eventually wear out.
- Moisture Exposure: If water or humidity gets into the light fixture or bulb, it can create a short circuit or cause corrosion, leading to damage.
- Old or Damaged Wiring: Corroded, worn-out, or loose wiring may cause inconsistent electrical connection, causing bulbs to burn out or flicker.
- Cheap Bulbs: Low-quality bulbs may not be designed for exterior fixtures and can wear out more quickly, especially in extreme weather conditions.
When to Call an Electrician
If you’ve checked for basic issues like the wrong bulb, incorrect wattage, or bulb quality and your lights are flickering or burning out, it may be time to call a licensed electrician. Frequent power surges in your home could be affecting your landscape lights, and an electrician can help diagnose and fix these issues.
Exposed, damaged, or outdated wiring is another safety hazard. It poses a potential fire hazard and requires expert inspection.
Flickering lights, even after replacing bulbs, might indicate a connection issue with the wiring or voltage that a professional can safely address.
And, hey, have you noticed that your circuit breakers are frequently tripping when you turn on your landscape lights? That could signal a deeper electrical issue that needs professional attention.
DIY Tips For Troubleshooting Outdoor Lighting
- Check for Loose Bulbs: Make sure the bulb is securely screwed into the socket. Loose connections can cause flickering or burnout.
- Inspect for Moisture: Make sure the product is an outdoor fixture. Ensure that water isn’t accumulating inside the fixture. If so, replace the seals and use weatherproof bulbs.
- Test the Voltage: If you have a multimeter, check the voltage at the light socket to ensure it matches the bulb’s requirements.
- Install "Rough Service" Bulbs: To avoid broken filaments, install incandescent bulbs that are built to withstand excessive vibrations of wind, outdoor porch fans, or garage door openers.
- Inspect the Fixtures: Look for signs of corrosion or loose wires that can cause faulty connections. Clean or replace any corroded parts and protect it with electrical tape.
- Switch to LED Bulbs: LED bulbs last much longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs, so they may be a more durable solution for outdoor lighting.
FAQ
Why do my outdoor light bulbs burn out faster in winter?
Cold temperatures can cause certain bulb types, like incandescent bulbs or halogen, to fail more quickly due to thermal stress when they heat up and cool down repeatedly. A common issue is that moisture from snow or freezing rain will seep into fixtures and damage the bulb. Switching to weather-resistant LED lights can help prevent this issue.
What should I do if water is getting into my landscape light fixtures?
If water is getting inside your light fixtures, replace any damaged seals or gaskets that are allowing moisture in. At the same time, check that the fixture is properly sealed and designed for outdoor use. If it continues to be a problem, consider replacing the fixture entirely with a more weather-resistant option.
Can using a timer or smart plug affect the lifespan of my landscape lights?
Using a timer or smart plug shouldn’t harm your landscape lighting system as long as the device is compatible and properly installed; however, poorly configured timers or frequent on-off cycles may strain certain types of bulbs just as much as a motion sensor will. Opt for LED bulbs and ensure your timer settings are reasonable to minimize wear.
