Troubleshooting Tips for Outdoor Lighting Problems

Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to improve your security and safety, while at the same time accentuating the aesthetic appeal of your home. However, there are some instances when your outdoor lighting fixtures are not working as intended. The following are some troubleshooting tips for all of your outdoor lighting problems.

1. Is Your Transformer Powered Up?

There are many ways that the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets can trip, and cause your outdoor lighting fixtures not to light up. The outlets may trip when they get wet, or old. The elements of weather such as rain can also cause disruption in these power outlets. Make sure that there are no problems in the wire, which connects the transformer to the outlets. In addition, you can check all the outlets and reset them: possibly this will restore power to your landscape lighting fixtures.

2. Is There Any Corrosion In Your Electric Connections?

Your landscape lighting may not be working because the exposed connections have become corroded. The copper on these connections might become corroded over time, thereby loosening the connections and making the fixtures to stop working. The best option here is to replace the copper connections with heat shrink alternatives made from brass, which offer the best weather resistance.

3. Are Your Bulbs Short Lived?

If you keep replacing the bulbs on your lighting fixtures, and they go off a few days later, then the problem is with the lifespan of these bulbs. Bulbs might have a short lifespan, because they are of low quality. Therefore, you should invest in high quality bulbs from reputable manufacturer in this case.

Your bulbs might also have a shorter lifespan as compared to others because of poor handling. If you are touching your bulbs with oil and grease, then you are in effect decreasing their lifespan. The oil breaks down the coating on the bulb and exposes it to failure. Handle all your bulbs on the lighting fixture with cotton gloves, to ensure that this does not happen.

4. Is Your Lighting System Just Too Old To Work?

Aging of your lighting system could be the reason that you are having outdoor lighting problems. The best way to fix the situation is by having a complete overhaul of the system i.e. upgrading the landscape system. For an upgrade of the system, it is advisable that you use professional LED fixtures. These light emitting diode fixtures are more energy efficient than other lighting alternatives, and they do not require as much maintenance as the other fixtures in the market.

5. Is Your Timer Working Correctly?

Sometimes your landscape lighting fixtures do not work properly because the timer is not functioning like it is supposed to. The battery backups can get drained and stop functioning, according to the correct time. If you have a photocell transformer, cover it with a black electrical tape to see if the device will go on. Remove the tape to see if the transformer will go off. If the transformer does not go on and off as it should, then it is best to replace it with a more improved model. Overgrown plants can also obstruct the timer and in such a case it is best to invest in an astronomical clock.

6. Is There A Cut In The Low Voltage Wires That Connect Your Fixtures To The Transformer?

If you see that only a section of your landscape fixtures has gone out, then this probably means a wire connecting this section to the transformer has been cut. The cut in the wire could be as a result of trenching, construction in close proximity to the fixtures, and even hedge trimming. If you locate the cut, all you have to do is add a splice that will connect the wire. However, if you are having trouble locating the cut then it is best to seek professional help from a reputable company such as Luma Lighting.

7. Have You Installed A Voltmeter?

Lack of a voltmeter could also be responsible for your outdoor lighting problems. You should already have installed a voltmeter, if your lighting fixtures operate under a multi tap system. The voltmeter is essential as it helps in monitoring the voltage that is distributed to each lighting fixture.