Questions tagged [lighting]
Planning, installing and using either indoor or outdoor artificial lights.
2,408
questions
1
vote
3answers
44 views
GU10 spotlight fittings far too small for the hole in the ceiling
I've just moved into a new house where the original owner fitted a lot of different downlights. He was a builder by trade, and he got what I suspect were an assortment of over-orders for industrial/...
27
votes
8answers
6k 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
75 views
Some lights suddenly stopped working
I come home to my wife and kids telling me that suddenly, basement, living room, and hallway ceiling lights stopped working. I try flicking switches on and off and nothing. Here is some information:
...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
Are there LED lights that can work with a fluorescent ballast? [closed]
Are there LED (retrofit) lights that are compatible with a 120V 14W fluorescent ballast? Or does the ballast always have to be removed?
0
votes
2answers
30 views
Four bulb t12 light fixture
I’m working on some wiring in an old house and this four bulb t12 light isn’t working so I test it and nothing so I get up above it and find some 10/3 in the ceiling box. Why is 10/3 in this box when ...
2
votes
1answer
26 views
Adding Dimmer to Fan Light
I'm looking to add a dimmer switch to the lights on my ceiling fan and have the fan part of it work by pulling the chain. The ceiling fan is pretty standard, 4-wire as shown below. Is the following an ...
0
votes
2answers
30 views
Is 125 F too warm for an electronic fluorescent light ballast?
After 25 years, A ballast burned out and I replaced it: It lights 2,75 watt, T12, 8 ft, single pin tubes. After I replaced it , I left the cover off the fixture and let run 2 hours to make sure it ...
0
votes
0answers
27 views
Splitting 4 lights on one switch into 2 lights each on own switch
Currently have 1 switch that controls 4 lights (2 recessed lights on our front porch and 2 lights next to the garage). I want to put the 2 garage lights on their own switch. How do I do this?
1
vote
1answer
46 views
Wiring a light fixture light will not turn off
I replaced a light fixture and everything worked fine until I tries to turn it off. The overhead lights turned off like normal but the fixture stayed on. I can’t figure out why this happened. There ...
2
votes
1answer
40 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
66 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. ...
0
votes
1answer
40 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 ...
2
votes
3answers
79 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
171 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 ...
0
votes
0answers
28 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 ...
0
votes
0answers
27 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
68 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
votes
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
vote
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
votes
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
votes
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
votes
1answer
55 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 ...
0
votes
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?
1
vote
2answers
43 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 ...
0
votes
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
votes
0answers
54 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
votes
1answer
50 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
vote
1answer
38 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
votes
4answers
244 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
votes
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
votes
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 ...
1
vote
2answers
76 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
vote
1answer
71 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
votes
1answer
44 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
votes
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
votes
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
votes
2answers
128 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
56 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
111 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
votes
2answers
324 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
votes
2answers
118 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
votes
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
vote
1answer
79 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
votes
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
votes
2answers
55 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
votes
1answer
44 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
votes
3answers
109 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
votes
3answers
346 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
vote
1answer
92 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
vote
2answers
123 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 ...