Lamp Posts

Hello All,
Our lamp post light isn't turning on. I have checked the GFI switch and it is all fine, which means it hasn't tripped. I think my neighbor's is also not working since I haven't seen it on (but haven't confirmed with them yet). Even our Christmas lights don't turn on. To sum, the outside lights aren't working, but the garage and porch lights works. Do you think this is a problem with our system or something external. Who do we talk to if the lamp posts lights don't turn on.

I appreciate all your input and thanks in advance.

Kal

 

If these are coming from your home it seems something wrong with your electrical system.

Lee J Buividas

 

You may have more than 1 GFI switch in your house. I had the same problem and checked all of the switches and found one on the basement that had been tripped. Once I reset it my outdoor plugs and lamp post started working.

 

Yes - that same thing happened to us - try the GFI in the basement.....

 

Everyone has given some great advice. Our outside outlets are controlled by a GFI outlet in our basement under the stairs by the network/phone panel. Definitely a weird place for it, as we lose the network when it trips.

All this wet weather has caused it to trip a few times this week, and we've not see this happen in the 5 years we've been in the house.

As far as who to talk to if the lamp doesn't light ... call an electrician. That is part of the house, and is to be maintained by the owner. FWIW .. are you sure the bulb's not burnt out ??



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I had the same problem where my lamp and neighbour's lamp were not working. The problem was at my end when I reset my GFI both the lamps started. I feel it will be a good idea to check your neighbour's GFI before you call a electrician.

SH

 

BOTH ?? Are you in a townhouse ? FWIW ... that does sound like you're probably paying for your neighbor's light post electricity use. That doesn't sound right at all.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

The builder warned us when we moved in 7 years ago that the light sensors (photo cells) were notoriously glitchy. If your GFI(s) are reset and the light doesn't come back on, you may want to test the light sensor.

Turn off the power, open the photo cell box, turn on the power and - using a voltmeter - test the two incoming terminals. If there's power, and your light still doesn't work when it's dark, your photo cell is probably shot.

Not hard to replace with parts from HD or Lowes. And saves the electrician's bill.

(BTW, a voltmeter is a cheap addition to your toolbox and can really come in handy. Or I bet your neighbor has one.)

Dawne