- My new light fixture is rated for 60W bulbs. Is it OK to use 75W bulbs if I want the room to be brighter?
No. This could cause a serious fire hazard, as the bulbs could get too hot and melt parts of the fixture and even catch on...
- How do I wire a lamp switch?
With lamp wiring, there is a ribbed side and a smooth side. Unscrew the light switch. Strip and twist your wire. The ribbed side will go to the...
- What do the colors of the plastic insulation mean on wires?
They are designed to indicate their use, but be careful, because they are not always hooked correctly. Hot wires, those carrying current at full...
- What tool should I use to strip the plastic sheathing off wire?
A combination wire stripper tool has openings that fit different sizes of wire. When a wire is put into the correct one and pulled it will remove...
- My dusk to dawn light doesn’t go off and remains on all day. Do I need to replace it?
First find the sensor and see if it is being obscured by something. If not, you can probably just replace this...
- I have low voltage outdoor lighting. Can I add additional lights?
You will have to look at your transformer to determine what its maximum wattage is. Most bulbs are four watts, but they come in different wattages,...
- My fluorescent fixture does not seem to be putting out as much light as it used to. Could the tube be failing?
If the entire tube is dim, it may simply need washing. Try removing it and wiping it with a damp...
- The tubes in my fluorescent light are graying near the ends; does this mean they are wearing out?
Working tubes usually have a gray tinge on the ends, but dark gray or black is a sign that the tube is...
- How do I check the starter in the fluorescent fixture?
Older, delayed-start fluorescent lights flicker when they first light up. If this last more than a couple of seconds, make sure the starter is...
- How do I know the size ballast I need for a fluorescent fixture?
You need to know how many bulbs there are and how long they are. However, make sure you check the starter before you change the ballast. In fact,...
- What’s causing my fluorescent fixture to hum?
The ballast probably needs replaced. Another sign of a faulty ballast is black tar like substance oozing from the...
- What’s making the tubes in my fluorescent light flicker?
Wiggle the tubes to make sure they are properly seated. Replace any tubes that are dark or have damaged pins. Replace the starter if there is...
- How do I troubleshoot a fluorescent fixture that doesn’t light?
Its probably not the bulb, because they rarely go bad all at once. Wiggle the tube to make sure it is seated. Replace any damaged lamp holders....