Common problems with recessed lights can lights. Sometimes this can be caused by loose wire connections so make sure to check these.
How To Wire A Light Switch Smartthings
Can a light switch go bad. By far the most common problem is a loose wire connection at the switch itself which is subject to constant on off usage. A wire getting loose in a terminal screw or in a wire connector at the switch or light fixture could cause the flicker. That isnt a great hardship because switches are. If the light still flickers or doesnt come on when you bypass the switch the problem could be a loose connection somewhere else in the circuit and youll either have to do further investigating or call an expert to diagnose the issue. But more likely these sounds are warning signs of a worn or defective switch. If a lamp that is plugged to a switched receptacle does not work it could be a bad light switch.
Faulty light switches can make a variety of electrical sound effects but most can be described with one of the following words. Below is an example of troubleshooting a lamp with a good bulb that does not turn on. If you have a light switch that is going bad dont get too stressed out about it. Light switch occasionally changing a light bulb may not be enough to restore illumination. Light switches can go bad for several reasons but most of the time its due to mechanical motion wearing down contacts. Use these four simple steps to determine if your bad headlight or taillight is caused by a burnt out bulb a corroded socket or a bad wire.
Less commonly a light bulb socket may go bad. The electric wiring could have a short the breaker may have tripped or the light switch may be bad. Many new car bulbs are easily accessed from under the hood by turning a retaining ring and pulling the bulb socket out but if you have to access the bulb by. As the us department of energy reminds us turning off lights when not in use can save on power consumption. Switch on the breaker and if the light now comes on you likely have a bad switch and need to replace it. If so you will need to replace the socket.
If the breaker is okay then the light switch is the next likely suspect. Using an electrical meter check for power at the switched part of the receptacle or use a voltage detector to see if there is voltage on the lamp cord. A corroded contactor inside the switch could cause the flicker but would also probably cause the switch to feel warm at the touch. Clicking sizzling popping or buzzing. But you might also think about light switch failure as an opportunity for an upgrade. It only takes a few minutes for a licensed electrician to replace it with a switch thats just like the old one.
The moving parts of a standard light switch are enclosed inside plastic casing so when the switch goes bad your only option is to replace it.