How to Troubleshoot Lights That Aren’t Working

It can be incredibly frustrating when you flip a light switch, and nothing happens. This problem could be the result of a burned-out bulb, a tripped breaker, or, for smart bulbs, an issue with your Wi-Fi connectivity. Taking time to troubleshoot the issue can help you know if you can fix it without an electrician. But you must do so safely.

Check the Bulb

If it’s only one light that isn’t working, start by checking the bulb itself. To do this safely, make sure that the switch for the light is in the Off position and the bulb is cool when you touch it. Look inside the bulb to see whether its filament has broken. If it has, you’ll need a new bulb. If the filament hasn’t broken, and the bulb appears to be loose in the socket, try tightening it to see if this resolves the problem.

Check the Circuit Breaker

When more than one light is failing, check the circuit breaker that connects to those lights. If it’s in the Off position, the breaker detected a problem and switched off to protect the wiring and electrical system from damage or overheating. Simply resetting the breaker may restore the lighting. If this keeps happening, leave the breaker in the Off position and call an electrician. There’s a reason for this recurring issue, and you shouldn’t keep resetting the breaker without addressing the underlying problem.

Check the Light Switch

There’s a chance that the light switch is the culprit. If it feels loose, is warm to the touch, or makes weird crackling noises, the whole switch plate will need to be removed and inspected. This is definitely a job fora skilled electrician.

Check for Nearby Tripped GFCI Outlets

Just because the light isn’t plugged into a GFCI outlet, a nearby one can still affect the devices connected downstream on the same circuit. Take a few minutes to search for GFCI outlets on the same circuit as the light that isn’t working. If any of them have tripped, push the Reset button. Doing this often restores the lighting as well.

Check the App for Your Smart Bulbs

For smart bulbs, you can often check the compatible app to see why they aren’t working. If the app isn’t working, you may need to delete it and then install it again. Resetting your Wi-Fi router may also restore the connection between the app and your smart bulbs, so they can work correctly and reliably.

Any job that entails working with wiring, circuits, or electrical panels belongs in the hands of a licensed electrician. Don’t risk injuring yourself or damaging your electrical system. Experts have advanced diagnostic tools and specialized training to quickly identify and resolve your lighting problem. If you have concerns or require lighting services, contact Henninger Electric in Cedar Falls, IA.