Questions tagged [light-fixture]

For questions generally relating to lamp holders, luminaires, and any other electrical device designed to use an electric lamp to provide artificial light in a home.

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34 votes
8 answers
20k views

LED Light bulbs burning out much sooner than expected

My family at my house use EcoSmart LED lightbulbs that are rated for 9W, and the box says they are replacements for 60W incandescent bulbs. It says have a "long life". However, upon ...
Proxy303's user avatar
  • 594
19 votes
7 answers
80k views

How can I change light bulbs in a fixture located 20ft above the ground?

We made the unfortunate decision of having a ceiling fan with lights in our two story family room, so the ceiling fan is about 20 feet above our heads. At the moment, all four light bulbs in the unit ...
LarsTech's user avatar
  • 319
19 votes
4 answers
237k views

How do I remove a flush mounted ceiling light fixture dome?

My bedroom has a very nice looking flush mounted ceiling light with a glass dome. However, all the bulbs have gone out and I cannot get the glass out to replace them. I'm 5'4" and standing on the ...
Katey HW's user avatar
  • 293
17 votes
1 answer
2k views

How can I open or identify this lamp?

There's a lamp attached to the ceiling of the entrance to the garages of me and my neighbours, and its bulb needs to be replaced. The problem is: I have no idea how to open it. There is no way to ...
Glorfindel's user avatar
  • 1,173
16 votes
6 answers
5k views

Old ceiling light fixture with 9 wires (5 black/4 white)-how to install a new fixture?

I am trying to install a new light fixture, but there are 9 wires--I wasn't able to see how it was connected and I'm pretty sure it was wrong to begin with because bulbs kept burning out right away. ...
Rachel H's user avatar
  • 189
16 votes
3 answers
32k views

How can I patch this ceiling hole my new light fixture does not fully cover?

I recently had a new ceiling light fitted which replaced a standard plastic ceiling rose. The new fitting is quite slim and the old fitting was hiding a larger than expected cutout in the plasterboard....
FlyingBattery's user avatar
14 votes
6 answers
19k views

Is an extra 1 W that significant with LED bulbs?

I recently replaced a ceiling light fixture with a ceiling fan with two light sockets that have a maximum rating of 9 W for LED bulbs. The bulbs in the original fixture are 10 W LED and dimmable. ...
linux2647's user avatar
  • 151
13 votes
5 answers
124k views

I have this light and I don't know how to open it

I would like to replace the bulb and I don't know how to do it. I tried pulling the clips on the side out, but they don't budge. Then I tried to unscrew the clips off (hence the third picture), but ...
smartypantstemple's user avatar
12 votes
3 answers
18k views

Wiring IKEA light fixture into old fixture

I am installing a simple IKEA ceiling light fixture. The new light fixture has a neutral wire, a live wire, and a ground wire. My current old light fixture has 4 wires: white, red, dark blue or ...
user104190's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
31k views

Should there be insulation inside a light fixture?

I recently moved into a new home, and I was replacing a light bulb when I found this after removing the glass cover. Now, I don't know much about codes and regulations, and I'm new to working on my ...
Graham Harper's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
30k views

How do I fill holes around a light switch?

I have a light switch where the plaster board around the edges of the face plate have broken away. I was thinking of using some kind of filler like Polycell to fill the holes but I'm not really sure ...
codingbadger's user avatar
11 votes
3 answers
3k views

Should I hire an electrician or handyman to move some lights? [closed]

I have 2 ceiling lights in Wisconsin, USA that I would like to move slightly (one to be in the middle of our table and one to be in our entry way). Both lights need to move a few feet. This is not ...
Leah's user avatar
  • 111
11 votes
1 answer
35k views

How can I change the bulb in this three-clawed, ceiling-mounted dome light fixture?

I am having trouble retrieving the light bulb in this fixture: I tried bending the claws to release the dome, but that did not work. I tried twisting the whole fixture many times in either direction, ...
Gareth's user avatar
  • 113
11 votes
1 answer
13k views

How to replace a standard 2-gang light switch with an electric dimmer switch

I'm looking for a some assistance in fitting a new electric dimmer light switch. I'm in the UK if that makes a difference. I am trying to replace my existing two-gang light switch with a LightWaveRF ...
Nick's user avatar
  • 213
11 votes
3 answers
52k views

Convert One 3-Way Light Switch to Belkin WeMo Light Switch (Single Pole)

Our foyer chandelier has three switches that control it. I want to control it with a Belkin WeMo light switch, which specifically states is not compatible with 3-way switches/fixtures, sadly. Well, if ...
purefusion's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
59k views

Light Outlet Reading 80V

I have a hallway light that doesn't light up with the switch is flipped. My first move was to change the bulb. This did not work. I used a multimeter to test the voltage across that socket and I'm ...
Nick Criswell's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
402k views

How should I connect the ground wire for my light fixture?

I am replacing a light fixture in my bathroom and have the following setup: The electrical box is plastic The wire coming from supply has black (hot), white (neutral) and copper (ground). The light ...
SwDevMan81's user avatar
10 votes
4 answers
100k views

How much weight can an old work box hold?

I will be installing new light fixtures in two bathrooms that look like this: Each fixture will be replacing a light box. Meaning it is a simple chrome plated box about 30" wide with a plastic ...
Carl B's user avatar
  • 663
9 votes
3 answers
24k views

Light fixture wiring - black to black, or white to black?

USA - I’m installing a new ceiling light fixture in a bathroom. The instructions (and every how-to video I watched) said to connect white to white (neutral) and black to black (hot). However, when I ...
Matt Leonard's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
9k views

Can I replace a bulb with one with more watt?

I have a lamp (from IKEA) that had a light bulb 3W 200lm 67lm/W 26mA I bought a light bulb that says 4W=35W 230LM Can I replace with that light bulb or even with higher watt? I mean is the only ...
Jim's user avatar
  • 283
9 votes
3 answers
5k views

Are there any differences in the quality of products sold at contractor's supply store vs. big box hardware stores?

We are in the early stages of building a new house & went shopping for lighting fixtures yesterday. We get an allowance from the builder which we know will be used up very quickly after visiting ...
alroc's user avatar
  • 193
9 votes
3 answers
108k views

How do I get my recessed light fixture flush?

I installed two new recessed LED light fixtures using 4" new construction IC housings. The problem is that both fixtures are not flush against the ceiling after installation, they are dipping down on ...
dpollitt's user avatar
  • 772
9 votes
4 answers
4k views

How should ground wires be handled when updating switch loops in an older home?

I have a house built in the 1950’s with fabric covered NMC wiring still present in most circuits. Those original wires are all 12/2 with no ground. I am currently in the process of replacing some of ...
Justin Randall's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
14k views

What type of connector is this and how do I remove it?

I was trying to install a ceiling fan in my apartment and came across these connectors when removing the light. What is this and how do I take it off?
riotburn's user avatar
  • 231
9 votes
2 answers
4k views

How can I change the bulb in this light fixture?

I would like to change the light bulb in the room because the bulb died on me. Trouble is, it is fixed to the ceiling and I cannot take the bulb out. I am attaching two pictures here. On one of the ...
Kaushik's user avatar
  • 191
8 votes
3 answers
3k views

UK Light Changing Rose and too many wires

I'm trying to change a UK light ceiling rose in a 1920-30's house and after taking the old rose cover off, the wiring has thrown me. It looks like there's 3 of each live, neutral and earth, and some ...
SpookyHoop's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Light fixture - 3 white wires 3 black wires

I bought a used light fixture. It has three black wires, three white wires, and a ground wire. The electrical wires coming from my wall only have one white wire and one black wire. How do I safely ...
Kimberly 's user avatar
8 votes
5 answers
112k views

Is it safe to leave light socket without a light bulb?

We have several light sockets with light bulbs, controlled by a single light switch. I don't need that much light, so I want to remove a couple of light bulbs from their sockets. Is that safe ? In ...
ikaushan's user avatar
  • 183
8 votes
3 answers
22k views

Black and white wires crossed in the ceiling

Replacing a ceiling fixture in a house (1989); removed the old fixture, which worked perfectly fine, but now I see up into the box there are 3 cables to this box that includes two blacks and one white ...
TomTom's user avatar
  • 91
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Am I allowed to place a light in my small closet per NEC 2023?

I've been redoing all the electric in my house (because I'm pretty sure it's asbestos-wrapped aluminum cable everywhere, and I don't trust it at all), bringing it up to the 2023 NEC (which my ...
user112697's user avatar
8 votes
5 answers
9k views

Do I need to staple cable when installing lighting fixtures?

I understand that when doing new installations (not fishing wire) you need to secure the cable with staples or another approved method, but do I have to secure the cable within 12" of light fixtures ...
Programmer's user avatar
  • 2,050
8 votes
3 answers
10k views

Why would a light fixture be incompatible with dimmer switches?

I'm considering buying the Aero Pure AP80-RVL, which is a recessed bathroom light/exhaust fan combo. It's important to me to be able to use a dimmer switch for the light, but the installation ...
TACHEON's user avatar
  • 91
7 votes
3 answers
8k views

Is it normal for an LED bulb to become hot to the touch?

Overhead light was flickering. Opened it up and the old LED bulb in there was hot to the touch-- something I've never experienced with LED bulbs. This is a pretty old original fixture. Is there ...
adobedodo's user avatar
  • 319
7 votes
3 answers
7k views

Water leaking inside outdoor electrical box. What should I do?

I have some very old outdoor path lights in my front yard (see pic). Recently I found that they trip my upstream GFCI outlet when they were turned on by the timer at night. After some investigation, I ...
Ivan Xiao's user avatar
  • 171
7 votes
3 answers
3k views

What kind of bulb is this and are there LED equivalents?

I am wondering if I can replace this type of bulb in this type of light fixture with an LED equivalent, or if I need a new light fixture altogether. Here is the fixture: and the bulb Thanks!
klayman's user avatar
  • 383
7 votes
2 answers
766 views

How should a cut chandelier wire be repaired? [duplicate]

The wire in our chandelier is cut and spliced between the fixture and the ceiling. The chandelier is currently being supported by the wires and not the chain. Does the wire need to be completely ...
David Boston's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
3k views

Replacing light bulbs with receptacles in garage

I'm trying to improve the lighting in my garage. Currently it has several simple bare-bulb lampholders, and I am installing larger hanging LED fixtures that have a cord with a plug. Initially, I ...
mbmcavoy's user avatar
  • 173
7 votes
4 answers
33k views

Can I test an unwired light fixture with multimeter?

I’m looking at a light fixture on Craigslist, but I’d like to see if it works first. I have a multimeter that I needed for another project. Can I use the multimeter to test the light fixture before ...
Betsy Dupuis's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
2k views

How do I install a light socket in the middle of a power line with a switch?

I am replacing a light fixture in the middle of a circuit. Power flows into the fixture from the circuit breaker and out of the fixture to other lights and whatnot. There's also a switch attached. I ...
Big McLargeHuge's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
11k views

What is this strange, linear light bulb?

Thanks to previous occupants of my house, one of the bathrooms is lit with a pair of lights that are unlike anything I've seen. The bulb is a narrow cylinder, about 3 inches long and maybe 1/4 inch in ...
Isaac Moses's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
117k views

Is it acceptable, or to code, to splice electrical wire outside of a junction box behind drywall? [duplicate]

I'm planning to add a set of recessed lights to an existing circuit in my home. The existing circuit is fairly simple: one light, controlled by one switch, and there is no insulation in the wall or ...
Steve Guidi's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
14k views

Why shouldn't different types of bulbs be used in the same fixture?

Why shouldn't different types of light bulbs(i.e. incandescent, LED, cfl) be used in the same fixture? I read this under the CAUTIONS & WARNINGS section of the LED bulb packaging. ...Do not ...
Ryan Gates's user avatar
7 votes
5 answers
61k views

Why do light bulbs all over the house burn out disconcertingly fast?

I've found a couple answers to this question. This generally revolve around the scenario where it's bulbs in a general area such as a fan. My issue is that light bulbs all over the house burn out ...
jason's user avatar
  • 305
7 votes
1 answer
10k views

What is the difference between an electronic and a magnetic ballast?

The ballast in my bathroom burned out (brand new bulb won't light up). Looking online, it seems that there are two different types of ballasts: electronic and magnetic. I recently replaced my ...
David's user avatar
  • 404
7 votes
2 answers
5k views

How do I attach a motion activated flood light to stucco?

I have some simple motion activated battery powered lights that I bought at Costco a while ago. I want to install them outside the house in the front and back. The device comes with a small plastic ...
Ron Harlev's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
82k views

How can I attach modern fixture to knob & tube wiring?

I have a modern external light fixture that needs to be attached to an existing exterior electrical 'box'. The older parts of the house have knob & tube wiring and there is evidence of gas ...
Meltemi's user avatar
  • 173
6 votes
3 answers
3k views

Electrical box too small/incompatible with mounting plate

The mounting bracket for my new wall light fixture is incompatible with the existing electrical box. While it seems reasonable to drill the mounting plate so that the top/bottom mounting screws can be ...
Caulk Queen's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
24k views

Is a grommet needed for romex into this metal junction box?

I bought a 6-pack of these LED downlights. The metal junction box has knockout holes to run my 14-2 (with ground) wire. I was surprised that the J-box didn't come with grommets after knocking out the ...
Julius Seizure's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
4k views

Why so many wires in my old light fixture?

My old light fixture not working so I took it apart and will get a replacement. Then I noticed so many wires! Then I cut all the wires and now have this: After I cut it, I noticed other light ...
Kevin's user avatar
  • 77
6 votes
4 answers
5k views

What kind of electrical connector is this and how do I remove it?

I am replacing a bathroom ceiling light fixture. The house is pretty old and has cloth covered wire. The fixture I'm replacing is relatively updated but when I went to remove it, I noticed it was ...
Nick Criswell's user avatar

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