Sometimes, you can’t tell if there are deeper problems with your home’s electrical system, and other times it’s significantly more apparent. If you notice any of these common symptoms of faulty lighting fixtures, it may be a good time to call a certified technician and see how deep your electrical problems go.
Flickering and Dimming
Healthy and well-maintained lights should produce consistent light, so among the most obvious (and most annoying) signs your wiring or fixtures may have problems are flickering bulbs. If you use fluorescent bulbs, the problem may lie with the bulb itself. If you find the problem persists with other types of lights, you may have a larger issue.
Buzzing Sounds
It’s normal for lights to emit minimal noise that we typically don’t hear or notice. However, hearing a regular buzzing noise or a low hum is usually not a good sign. There are several reasons why your bulbs might buzz, but if replacing the bulbs and tightening all the components doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a faulty fixture or wiring problem.
Excess Heat
One of the most common symptoms of faulty lighting fixtures involves heat. While incandescent bulbs often generate more heat than LED or CFL bulbs, it’s relatively easy to identify if your bulb is creating too much heat. You won’t always be able to tell if your light is too hot by holding your hand near it, but other recognizable signs may enlighten you. If you notice any black scorch marks forming on the lighting fixture, the bulb generates far too strong of a heat source. If you catch a whiff of a burning smell, we suggest turning off the fixture, removing the bulb once it has cooled down, and contacting an electrician as soon as possible. Fixtures generating too much heat are a fire hazard and could cause a deadly electrical fire if left unchecked.