If your outdoor garage lights are not working, you have come to the right place. This article will fix your issue in minutes. Since outdoor lights are exposed to the open environment, they are vulnerable to more problems.
My garage lights pose issues more frequently than indoor lights. This may be the case with you. But, do not worry, I have found the solution. Let us apply the troubleshooting tricks to fix your lights.
Table of contents
1. Reset the Circuit Breaker
The most common reason is that the circuit breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown out. So, you have to check these factors as a first step.
Open the door of the main panel and locate the circuit breaker of your garage lights. Flip the breaker to the ON position.
Reset the circuit breaker controlling your garage lights. You may need to replace the breaker if it does not work after resetting. Also, check the fuse and fix it if it is blown out. If it does not help, follow the next solutions.
2. Reset GFCI
GFCI means “ground fault circuit interrupter”. If there is some ground fault, GFCI cut down the power supply. This is a protective mechanism to prevent any loss. Outdoor electrical cables are installed underground.
So, there are chances of water damage. Kindly locate the GFCI plug in your garage. Reset GFCI by holding the button until it bolts. Cover up your plug with bubble wrap. It is necessary to prevent water damage in the future.
3. Test Your Lights
A sudden power surge or short circuit can damage all the bulbs. The circuit breaker trips to prevent the loss. However, the lights or wires can get affected still. So, it is recommended to test your bulbs.
Uninstall the light from your garage. Then, install it into an indoor fixture. If it does not work in a different fixture, the bulb is dead or burned out.
In this way, you can check whether the light or the fixture is faulty. The solution is to replace your lights with new ones.
4. Check the Fixture
The light fixture may be the culprit. It has loose connections. Therefore, your lights are not fitted properly. The solution is to uninstall and then reinstall the bulbs.
Also, examine the fixture for any fault or corrosion. Sometimes, moisture corrodes the fixture. Thus, it fails to work. You should replace a bad or rusted fixture to solve the problem.
5. Check the Power
Make sure your home is getting a power supply. Sometimes, the voltage supply is low and insufficient. This happens due to some technical fault in the supply unit and a power outage.
You should check all the lights and electrical appliances at your home. If no appliance work properly, there is a power outage in your area.
6. Test the Outlet
Moreover, check the power outlet which turns ON your garage lights. You can test it by plugging in some other device like a phone. Test the outlet with a multimeter.
Make sure it is receiving adequate power. Further, check the light switch if it is loose or broken. You have to fix the bad switch or outlet to fix the problem. Often it needs opening up the wall outlet. Please call an electrician if you do not have any electrical knowledge.
7. Check Light or Motion Detector
Your outdoor garage lights may be controlled by a light sensor or motion detector. So, they work automatically. Such lights turn ON at night and remain OFF during the daytime.
If the motion detector or lights sensor malfunctions, the lights receive the wrong information. Therefore, they do not turn ON when it is dark. You need to fix the sensor or detector.
8. Check the Neutral Wire
Another reason is the malfunctioning neutral wire of the circuit. It happens due to a loose connection. Kindly locate and inspect the neutral wire.
You can test its continuity with the Multimeter or tester. Touch the one prong of the multimeter with the neutral wire. Place the other prong on the wire connected to your light.
Note the readings and check all the wires in this way. Reconnect the cables firmly and check for any loose connection.
9. Repair Damaged Wires
The connection wires may be damaged, exposed, or expired. You have to check the wires connected to your lights. Inspect them along the entire length. Look for exposed, frayed-out, broken, or damaged areas.
Sometimes, a short circuit or power surge also damages the wires. Cut the damaged wire and replace it with a new one. You can join the new cable with electrical tape. Ideally, it should be done by an electrician.
FAQs Regarding Outdoor Lights
If you want to understand more, read the following commonly asked questions about outdoor lights.
Why do my LED lights interfere with the garage door openers?
Garage door openers are just like a remote control. They work like remote-controlled cars. In fact, they function by using radio waves. The drives inside the LED lights produce a field. This phenomenon interferes with the door opener and prevents its function.
Why do outdoor lights fail frequently?
Outdoor lights are directly exposed to environmental conditions. The most common causes of failure are moisture and heat. Rainwater can enter the lights or fixtures, rust, and damages them. Likewise, direct sunlight causes overheating. Thus, your lights burn out frequently.
Can I replace outdoor garage lights myself?
Replacing the bulbs is simple and easy. However, replacing the fixtures or repairing the wires is a technical process. You should call a certified electrician. Working with electricity can cause accidents. So, ensure your safety and do not try to repair fixtures at home.
Also Read: 7 Tips for Solar String Lights Not Working
Final Thoughts
The basic checks and fixes mentioned in this guide are perfect for solving the problem. However, if they do not help, call a professional electrician. He can find out and fix the root cause.
Please avoid working with electrical fittings if you do not have enough expertise. Do not forget to let us know which of the solutions fixed your outdoor garage lights that were not working because your feedback can help others.
