How do you diagnose and repair a bad wall outlet? Standard 120V grounded duplex outlets Swtch-controlled 120V duplex outlets (switch controlls both receptacles) Switch-controlled 120V duplex outlets (switch controls one receptacle) Split-circuit duplex outlets Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) The common wall outlet is essentially inert. Current arrives at its hot side and is kept on … Read more
How do you diagnose and repair a bad 4-way switch? Far less common than the 3-way switch, the 4-way switch is likely to be found near stairs or along hallways. It is always installed in the circuit between a pair of 3-way switches. The combination of 3-way and 4-way switches allows someone to operate a … Read more
How do you diagnose and repair a bad 3-way switch? The 3-way switches are found in almost every home but more commonly in two-story houses. Their purpose is to turn on a light from one switch and then turn it off from another and vise-versa. If you have a two-story house, you turn on the … Read more
Test and Replace a Single-Pole Light Switch Chose the right light switch Check maximum ampere and voltage ratings: 15A-120V indicates that the switch can be used for up to 15 amperes of current at 120 volts. 15A-120V AC or AC ONLY stamped elsewhere on the switch indicates that it can only be used in alternating … Read more
Common Wall Outlet Problems Appliance in outlet does not work Fuse blows or breaker trips when plugging in or turning on appliance Appliance plug falls out easily Appliance runs intermittently or lamp flickers Sparks or mild shock when plugging in appliance Outlet does not deliver power (switch-controlled outlet) Only one receptacle in duplex works (split-circuit … Read more
Common Wall Switch Problems and Solutions Fixture does not light or lights intermittently Fuse blows or circuit breaker trips when switch flipped on Sparks or crackling noise or light flickers when switch on Toggle does not stay in ON position Both switches must be flipped to turn on fixture (three-way series) Fixture does not light … Read more
Common Fluorescent Lighting Problems and Solutions Fixture doesn’t light or ends glow but center doesn’t Tube blinks, flickers, or is slow to light Fixture hums Black resin seeps from fixture Desk lamp doesn’t light or lights incompletely Fixture doesn’t light or ends glow but center doesn’t Possible Cause Procedure No power to fixture Replace fuse … Read more
Common Floor and Table Lamps Problems and Solutions Bulb flickers or does not light Lamp blows fuse or trips circuit breaker Bulb broken or seized Bulb burns out too quickly Shock when changing bulb Shock when plugging or unplugging lamp Bulb flickers or does not light Possible Cause Procedure Plug or bulb loose Check plug … Read more
Common Lighting Fixture Problems and Solutions Bulb flicker or does not light (ceiling fixture) Bulb flicker or does not light (wall fixture) One or more bulbs flicker or do not light (chandelier) Entire fixture does not work (chandelier) Bulb flicker or does not light (track lighting) All fixtures on track do not light (track lighting) … Read more