skip to main content

Home Repair Electrical Wiring Lighting

Light keeps going out

2 years ago

An LED bulb in a 3 bulb fixture lasted about 2 months. I replaced it, and a few weeks later it started flickering and then went very dim, then out completely. I replaced it again today with a brand new bulb and after two hours it started flickering and going very dim. What could this be?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

kudzu9
2 years ago
Is it in a lamp, or a recessed lighting fixture, or what? In any case, you might consider replacing the socket. Perhaps the contacts aren't very good and you are getting heat buildup, which is shortening the life of the bulbs.
ci_lantro
2 years ago
Yes, try replacing the socket as Kudzu suggested. In a prior home, I had a range hood that ate light bulbs--a new bulb would last only a couple of months. Decided to replace the socket--which was very easy to do. Problem solved.
Related Discussions
Hot water Heater Pilot Light going out
Q
Comments (1)
How does the new furnace get its combustion air? It could be back drafting the water heater and blowing out the pilot.
...See More
HW heater keeps going out
Q
Comments (3)
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try a thermocouple and see if that does it. I thought the unit wouldn't even lite if that wer bad? On the cap, I think I need one of those too, that explains the past problem on windy days. Thanks!
...See More
Christmas tree lights
Q
Comments (9)
the first 'white' led lights were blue, but that was several years ago... 2-3 years ago they started selling warm white leds which are pretty much indistinguishable colorwise to the mini whites. on a tree, the mini leds seem alittle brighter than the incandescents, so you may need a few less, but not a whole lot less than the minis, imo. unfortunately, there are fewer leds on a string, so there are more plugs to deal with! look forward to when they start making led strings with 100 or more lights on them! (maybe they are now- haven't light shopped this year!)
...See More
Can someone tell me why light keep going out?
Q
Comments (20)
The blue wire is from the old cieling fan . And someone previously posted the blue was ground And there is the reason you should be hiring an electrician. Blue wires are typically "hot" for the lights in the ceiling fan. When you hooked it up to the bare ground wire from the fixture, you create a short and tripped the breaker. However, you never really know unless you have a pro look at how things are wired. Be careful taking advice from the internet on issues that could cause you home to catch for or create a danger for you and your family.
...See More
elltwo
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Not all LED bulbs are rated for use in enclosures, heat will build up and shorten the bulb life. The suitability will be marked on the packaging.
Shuber Wah
Original Author
2 years ago
I got it apart this far. I'm not sure how to proceed. Of course, I turn the lights off when I go in there
ci_lantro
2 years ago
Without a close up picture this is probably what you will have to do: Need to disconnect the wires to that socket up there in the hub. After you get the wires loose, I would wire a slender flexible (guide) wire to the loose electrical wires before pulling the socket out of the fixture. You will leave that guide wire in place and use it to pull the wires on the new socket back through the curved arm on the fixture.

You can buy a special lubricant that is used when pulling wires thru conduit. Would help to have some of that. Or use any dry spray lubricant that you might have on hand. Inside the tube and on the socket wires before trying to pull them.
elltwo
2 years ago
You can disregard the comment about enclosed bulbs, if you go with ci_lantro's suggestion and make the connections correctly you should be ok. I don't think lube is necessary for a short run like that when you use a pull wire.
greg_2015
2 years ago
Before replacing the socket, I’d try pulling the little tab at the bottom of the socket up. It may have gotten bent too far down over the years and could be the cause of the loose connection and overheating.
It might be a quick and easy fix. Turn the power off when you are doing it (at the breaker box, not just the light switch)
toxcrusadr
2 years ago
Check first with a tester to make SURE there is no voltage where you are working!

I second bending up the tab in the center of the socket.
sushipup1
2 years ago
"Jeffrey Gregory" is a spammer. Please flag.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Living Room Features That Never Go Out of Style

These key pieces will help your living room keep its good looks, no matter what's in fashion

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Why Remodels Go Over Budget, and How to Keep Yours in Line

By Erin Carlyle

Find out how homeowner remodeling budgets fared in 2019, according to the 2020 Houzz & Home survey

Keep Calm and Carry On: Going Beyond the Poster

By Erin Lang Norris

Create a soothing retreat with texture, light, repetition and the beauty of nature

SHOP HOUZZ Iconic Chairs That Will Never Go Out of Style

The best of the best designers and their signature chairs to make a statement in your home

DECORATING GUIDES 15 Clever Ways to Partition a Room and Keep the Light

By Bryan Anthony

When you want just the right amount of space and light, get creative with glass, slats, beads, exposed framing and more

DECORATING GUIDES Edit Keepsakes With Confidence — What to Let Go and What to Keep

By Laura Gaskill

If mementos are weighing you down more than bringing you joy, here's how to lighten your load with no regrets

DECORATING GUIDES Twinkle Lights Keep the Holiday Spirit Year-Round

By Jess McBride

Hate to take down your outdoor lights after the holidays? Here are 12 great ways to use these festive sparklers inside your home

LIGHTING The Pros and Cons of Recessed Lighting

By David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com

A lighting designer shares three things recessed lights do well and three things to watch out for

MY HOUZZ Lounge Spaces That Keep the Party Going Outside

Sink into these 10 cushy and chill outdoor entertaining spaces by design-savvy homeowners

WORKING WITH PROS 8 Ways to Keep Your Home Project Going While Helping Local Pros

By Becky Harris

Helping design and building businesses during this crisis offers advantages for homeowners

Sponsored

More Discussions

damage to marble?

6

Exterior Update to Tudor House

13

What is this on my window?

2

Self leveling basement problem

10

Questions about water meters/leak detectors

4