Recessed Lights Go Out

wildeman

just had 6 recessed lights installed..now the first 2 closest to the light switch go out when it obbviously becmoes hot..is this a light problem or a overload problem?

fridaymean

It could be something as simple as the installer screwed the bulbs into the socket to tightly. Another posiblity is they are over heating. Where I work, we have had some trouble with people overtightening the bulbs, then it screws up the sockets, which results in arcing and the bulbs blow. If they go on and off it is proably heat, or a loose connection. If the bulbs blow out, then check the socket.

firemike

First check the bulb wattage. Most recessed fixtures have a thermal overload device in them and are only rated for certain styles/wattages of bulb according to the fixture model and trim installed. If they are oversized or the wrong style/size bulb it would cause it to turn on and off. There is generally a sticker or some type of label inside the fixture that gives you that information.

Also, when they were installed, were they installed in an insulated area, and if they were, were they rated for direct contact with the insulation? If it is insulated and they are not rated for that type of installation, it could cause the same thing. If they are not direct contact rated and the area is insulated, the insulation must be kept back from touching any part of the fixture, generally it is at least 3".

The symptoms you described could be caused by either of these, so this is where I would start.

__________________
-Mike-

TexasContractor

Make sure the light bulb is not larger than the can-trim can take, if not make sure no insulation on side or to if can is not IC rated. Light bulbs screwed in too tight will cause flickering, causing the shell of the socket to pull apart, which does not seem what this is.