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Questions tagged [lighting]

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Planning, installing and using either indoor or outdoor artificial lights.

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2
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1answer
37 views

Outdoor low-voltage transformer off of sconce? Possible?

I have a raised deck with walkway underneath. I'm in the process of resurfacing it and I'd like the switch to the sconces above and below the deck (different switches) to also light the deck (above ...
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2answers
60 views

Why does my 3-way, switch looped light not work properly?

I'm trying to understand why a switch loop in my house was wired in this manner and if I need to correct it. I'm assuming it is incorrect because I cannot turn the light off and on from both switches. ...
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1answer
36 views

Add motion sensor driven floodlights to existing "regular" outdoor lamp

North American Wiring: Let's say I have an outdoor lamp that turns on and off via a switch from the inside (something like pic below). I want to add a motion (long-distance) sensor floodlight to this ...
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3answers
73 views

Finding a good smart switch 3 or 4 gang but the box is sized for 4 switches?

I have an outlet box size for 2 switches wide, the width including the plate is 5" My existing one has 3 side ways toggle and a light switch. However, I want everything to be smart. I would ...
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2answers
159 views

I'm trying to install a smart switch into a two-gang box. There are three neutral wires tied together, do I just add a fourth one from the switch?

I have a two-gang box where one of the switches is a single-pole switch, and the other one is a 3-way switch. I'm trying to replace the single-pole switch with a smart dimmer, the instructions don't ...
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0answers
27 views

hooking up a bathroom light

I have a three switch wall plate, left is overhead light, middle is the bathroom fan, and third is the vanity light on the wall. I removed the vanity light, and I find 4 wires, two white, and two ...
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0answers
25 views

Hot line impulse >50V and lights flickering off - thoughts on solution?

I have an issue where ceiling LED lights (recessed or ceiling fan) will either momentarily shut off or go bright and then shut off before recovering shortly thereafter - it also impacts the ceiling ...
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1answer
67 views

Lighting socket hanging out from wall - is it fixable?

My lighting socket is hanging out from the wall and I suspect it is due to a thick layer of paint blocking the sides from clicking in. Is this fixable?
7
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4answers
2k views

Thoughts on building a brace for a heavy chandelier?

I need to build a brace to support this light fixture in my dining room. The eyelet screws on either end should be attached to the existing ceiling joists. However, mine run opposite the direction ...
1
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1answer
54 views

How do I change a 1 2 light switch to a L1 L2 com light switch?

I am replacing the light switches in my house. This one has thrown me a bit, as it is labelled differently to the others. The new switch (a BG Electrical Nexus 812-01) is on the left and the old one (...
6
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2answers
1k views

What are the different types of LED tubes on the market?

Our condo building switched over to LED tubes years ago from the florescent type and installed a special type of LED tube that bypassed the ballast, so I was told. In other words, it appears that ...
5
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1answer
1k views

Can 3-way wiring that works be wrong/dangerous?

I recently replaced a single pole switch with a 3-way. After following diagrams on many sites and watching several instructional videos on how 3-ways work (learning terms like "traveler" and ...
0
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1answer
49 views

Wiring ground wire to mounting plate on new light fixture

I put in a new light fixture today. It came with this braided copper wire attached to the ground screw. Rather than use that braided wire, I simply secured the ground wire directly under the ground ...
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1answer
37 views

Light fixture to ceiling which has 2 green wires

My ceiling box has 2 green wires and one each of black and white. While my light fixture only has one green. How and where do I connect the green wires?
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2answers
42 views

Ceiling Light Fixture Cover

I was recently trying to replace a ceiling light bulb in my apartment and broke the cover. When I started looking for a new one, I realized that I haven't really seen this kind of light fixture ...
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1answer
44 views

Lighting fixture ground wire splicing

I installed a lighting fixture that hangs from a chain over my dining room table. I realize that I did not hang it long enough so I want to add some chain links which means I have to have more ground ...
0
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0answers
40 views

Resurfacing a raised deck; want waterproofing (dexerdry); need gutters? Also: comment on plan?

Thanks for reading. I'm starting the planning stage of a raised deck (without space underneath) overhaul/resurfacing. I have one concrete question regarding waterproofing but would also appreciate ...
-1
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1answer
48 views

3 way dimmer switch is a four way switch scenario

I put a 3 way dimmer switch in a four way switch situation. The dimmer works however when one of the four way switches is flipped it disables both the dimmer and the lights that goes with the dimmer. ...
1
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1answer
37 views

How to remove what appears to be a locking nut from a ceiling fixture

My daughter is trying to change the bulbs in a flush mount ceiling fixture in her apartment. There appears to be some kind of locking nut/mechanism under the nipple that she cannot remove. Does ...
8
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4answers
235 views

All LED lights (with embedded circuitry) in my house strobe every 44-55 seconds for 5 seconds on all circuits

I have a very troubling issue with my LED lights that so far two qualified electricians AND the power utility have not been able to uncover. I have been working on this for 1 month (hours of research) ...
0
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1answer
51 views

Unfamiliar Existing Switch Wiring - Neutral Wire for Smart Switch Help Needed!

I recently become a home owner and have been looking forward to start working on making it “smart”, however, it seems like I’ve ran into a blocker just as I was getting started. I’m replacing standard ...
0
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1answer
60 views

Portable projector for rooms with poor lighting

I have seen some handy man workers have a portable light projector for rooms/areas with poor lighting. What is the name of such a light as I am interested in buying an affordable one. Googling for ...
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2answers
75 views

Exterior Electrical Box for Wall Light - Placement/Stucco

My Question: What is the proper depth of the J box for mounting exterior light fixtures? Should the outside edge of the box be flush, inset or protrude past the finished stucco? My exterior walls are ...
1
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1answer
62 views

Replacing old 2 way 2 gang switch with new 2 way 2 gang switch

I live in a Victorian house and am replacing a 2 gang light switch that contains two modules (i.e. each module is a two-way switch) that has a fair amount of complex wiring. One of the old modules has ...
0
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1answer
43 views

Connecting a low voltage transformer using a external switch?

Currently I have 4 small low voltage transformers connected to 4 circuits of low voltage yard lights. They are under my deck, and I turn then on and off using switches above the deck. I want to ...
7
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3answers
2k 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!
0
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0answers
68 views

Non contact voltage sensor shows voltage a foot away from live wire

I'm evaluating a situation in a home I recently moved into. A previous owner did some DIY and installed a switch in the wall of our kitchen pantry. The pantry is made of wood and the switch is housed ...
0
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2answers
117 views

Do two way communication smart ZigBee switches exist?

Also posted on IoT I have "smart" ZigBee lightbulbs throughout my home. I also have, but do not use, "dumb" physical light switches, as when I turn the bulbs off at the switch it ...
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1answer
53 views

GU10 vs E27 Spotlights

I'm looking at installing some spotlights in my kitchen. I have a set of 3 in another part of the house which have E27 bases fitted with R80 reflector bulbs. The bulbs are rated at 10.5 watts and 800 ...
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2answers
110 views

What's wrong with this light circuit and/or my attempts to replace the light switch?

I am replacing the old light switches and outlets in this house. I have a single light switch that controls a standard two-outlet wall plug. (So you can plug a lamp in and turn it on and off with the ...
5
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2answers
321 views

Light box with one black, a two-black-one-red bundle, and a three-white bundle connecting to fixture with one black and one white

I swapping a fixture for cosmetic purposes. The old fixture (installed before I was here) has three indistinguishable clear-wrapped wires and a grounding wire. The wiring in the ceiling is confusing ...
0
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2answers
115 views

Are LED Light strip that comes with plug ac when wire stripped?

I have Govee weatherproof LED strips from Amazon, and I want to use my low voltage transformer 12/15v. I have no experience with installing these but would like to learn since this is low voltage and ...
7
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5answers
2k views

Do T9 fluorescent light bulbs last longer if they are left on? [closed]

Do fluorescent lights last longer if they are left on? I had a boss who said this, and I was wondering if it is really true. I would rather replace them with non-fluorescent, but the fixture doesn't ...
1
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1answer
78 views

Purpose of resistors in parallel with mains side of LED transformer?

I've got some LED spotlights and I'd like to know why each one of the transformers/power supplies (Infitronic ELP6X3LSD - seems like Sunrise now makes them?) has a big resistor (Arcol HS255K6J with ...
0
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1answer
66 views

How to hang lights from vinyl siding?

I have a couple of townhomes that I want to run some industrial outdoor string lighting - thick gauge. The problem is there is nothing except the house to hang these from. As I get into the yard I ...
0
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2answers
54 views

How can I direct light through a hole in a wall?

I have a room which has no window, but it has a round hole above the door: Concave lens spreads out incoming light: Is there a simple way to create a concave lens at home which sits in the hole and ...
0
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1answer
39 views

Does EGANT B328 dimmer switch support LED?

The appartment I bought some years ago allready has a dimmer switch on the wall. Problem is the ceiling light use halogen. They don't sell the same halogen bulbs anymore so I removed it and bought a ...
2
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3answers
106 views

Screw with threads on both ends?

I bought some swing arm lamps at an estate sale that came with little knobs to cover the ends of whatever you use to affix the lamps to the wall. These knobs are threaded. What on earth would I use to ...
2
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3answers
307 views

Converting a 3 way switch without neutral to a smart switch that needs one

(Apologies since this has been asked before, but I can't seem to decipher other answers) I have a 3 way switch in my garage for overheard fluorescent lights. S1 is in a single gang box with no other ...
1
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1answer
90 views

"Wrong" wiring for three-way switch

I tried installing a smart dimmer switch and add-on into a two-way switch configuration, but after a few hours of messing around I think that the circuit isn't wired properly for a smart switch. Right ...
1
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2answers
122 views

How do I create a 3-way switch UX for people in my house?

I know this borders on a shopping question. But I don't care about the brand. I am wondering about solutions and abilities. I have (at least) 7 different 3 way switches in my house. The upstairs ...
0
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1answer
58 views

How to wire a lamp socket when both screws are gold?9

I have a lamp socket that only has brass screws. How do I know which one is hot? I believe it is the the one that connects to the “tab” that the bulb touches.
0
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0answers
19 views

How to add lights to an existing pendant light fixture?

I’m making string lights to add to a pendant light. I want the lights I’m adding to be wired to the same wires / switch as the pendant light. Can this be done & if so, how? Also, the string ...
0
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1answer
44 views

Where can I drill onto exterior walls of the house and detached garage for installing the heavier patio string lights

I am a new home owner and not really aware if I would cause long term damage by drilling any where I feel like. So I am seeking help from the forum. Highly appreciate all the help ! The lights will be ...
0
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2answers
68 views

How to secure LED MR16 bulbs that fall out of fixture

I'm replacing my halogen MR16 bulbs with LED bulbs from Gledopto. The bases are GU5.3, so they are the "bi-pin" model that simply push into the socket, without any twisting to help secure ...
0
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2answers
94 views

High lumen recessed lights not available for some reason? [closed]

For some reason there seems to be no availability of 1600 lumen recessed lights. 1600 lumens is about the output of a 100W incandescent lightbulb. There are a few RS40 lights I found, but RS30 1600 ...
2
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1answer
94 views

LED bulb on outdoor light fixture blinking

I have two light fixtures outdoors connected to the same light switch. Both of these fixtures are identical and have standard (USA) light bulb sockets. Brand new LED light bulbs were installed in ...
0
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0answers
16 views

Need Help with Kitchen Light Switch

I have 3 different black hot wires in my kitchen light switch. I've tried varying different combinations on a single pole and no matter which combination the kitchen switch either turns on the stair ...
1
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1answer
49 views

Find Out The Use of Switches In My Home

I have a number of light switches in my home that seem to do nothing. I have no idea what they were intended do. When I flip them on/off there is no sound, no indication of activity... nothing. Is ...
0
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1answer
59 views

Double light switch only works one side, even if you flip the cables

I have a WiFi enabled double light switch, randomly some months back one room stopped lighting up. We have since tried replacing the whole switch which stops everything working and also to use the ...

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