answersLogoWhite

0

Spiders like nice warm and damp places to make their nests - so a bathroom light fixture is one of their favourite places - and they don't seem to care if one of the places they use to fix one of their webs or a nest is a pair of live and neutral electrical terminals! If the light fixture is of an old type that has exposed terminals then a damp spider's web or nest can easily become a conducting circuit between the live (hot) and the neutral or earth (ground) wires. In older houses where open coal or wood fires are (or were) used, the damp web or nest gets covered in soot from the air. This is even more likely if the bathroom ceiling is just under the loft or attic of the house because, even if the roof is watertight, soot can often drift into the loft through gaps in the roof tiles. (A bit like snow sometimes does.) Then, because soot is carbon, which is a very good conductor, the current may sometimes grow to a point that the web or nest catches fire! If that happens the circuit breaker may or may not trip to shut off the current and the fire often goes out without causing much damage. You might just put the circuit breaker back on and wonder why it went off because no light bulb has died! Then, if the spider is still alive, 'cos it was away hunting at the time - or another spider comes along - the whole process starts over again... Usually these damp webs or nests don't actually catch fire, they just dry out. But whilst they are still damp you can sometimes hear a clicking noise from little sparks that jump from the web to the live supply terminal or, sometimes, to a tiny exposed bit of bare live cable going into the terminal even if that terminal itself is not affected by the web or nest. This can happen particularly if the web or nest starts from a bare length of ground wire, the kind which is quite commonly left uninsulated in old wiring. Eventually, when the nest or web has dried out because the bathroom is no longer so steamy, the clicking stops. Next time someone takes a nice long shower the web or nest gets damp again and the whole cycle repeats! So, to be sure they are clear of spider's webs or nests and will not become fire hazards (now or in the future) the bathroom and kitchen light fittings in any house should be checked every five years so that any such debris can be removed. Experienced electricians know all about this phenomenon, certainly in Europe, where the lights are supplied at 230 Volts and this kind of fault may well be much more common than in 120 Volt areas. So, if this kind of fault has to be fixed, or the breaker for the lights keeps tripping for apparently no reason, any experienced "old timer" electrician will always check the mains supply wiring and terminals in the bathroom and kitchen lights first. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

If you do this work yourself, always turn off the powerat the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND always use a meter or voltage indicator to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What are your options for bathroom light fixtures?

Some options for bathroom light fixtures include vanity lights, ceiling lights, sconces, and recessed lighting. Each type of fixture can provide different levels of lighting and style options to suit your bathroom design. Consider factors such as the size of your bathroom, the style you want to achieve, and the amount of brightness needed when selecting a fixture.


Why does the light fixture crackle when you turn off the lights?

the fixture expands from the heat generated by the bulb. so it contracts as it cools


Why do the bathroom lights flicker or go out and the plug ins work in my mobile home and the rest of the house is ok?

Flickering lights in a mobile home bathroom could indicate a loose connection in the electrical wiring, faulty light fixture, or a problem with the electrical panel. If the plug-ins are still working, the issue may be isolated to the bathroom circuit. It is best to consult with an electrician to diagnose and fix the problem to ensure safety.


Why do your recessed kitchen lights go out intermittently?

Recessed lights or "can lights" have thermal protection for safety that cuts the power to a light fixture if it heats to a set temperature. Obviously, this is to protect the fixture and more importantly, to prevent a fire in the attic. Check for insulation of other material directly above and around the affected light to make sure it has the proper clearance.


How much weight can you hang from a standard electrical fixture for hanging lights?

It is not recommended to hang any weight from a standard electrical fixture meant for hanging lights. These fixtures are designed to support the weight of the light fixture itself, not additional weight. It is important to follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid damage or safety hazards.

Related Questions

How can I install vanity lights in my bathroom?

To install vanity lights in your bathroom, first turn off the power to the existing light fixture. Remove the old fixture and disconnect the wires. Install a mounting bracket for the new lights, then connect the wires to the new fixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the fixture to the mounting bracket and secure it in place. Finally, turn the power back on and test the lights to ensure they are working properly.


What are your options for bathroom light fixtures?

Some options for bathroom light fixtures include vanity lights, ceiling lights, sconces, and recessed lighting. Each type of fixture can provide different levels of lighting and style options to suit your bathroom design. Consider factors such as the size of your bathroom, the style you want to achieve, and the amount of brightness needed when selecting a fixture.


What are some stylish and modern vanity light fixture options for a bathroom renovation project?

Some stylish and modern vanity light fixture options for a bathroom renovation project include LED strip lights, globe vanity lights, industrial-style sconces, and minimalist linear vanity bars.


How can I install bathroom lights in my home?

To install bathroom lights in your home, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the bathroom at the circuit breaker. Choose the type of lighting fixture you want and make sure it is suitable for bathroom use. Remove the old light fixture, if applicable. Install a new electrical box if needed. Connect the wires from the light fixture to the electrical wiring in the ceiling, following the manufacturer's instructions. Secure the light fixture in place. Turn the power back on and test the light to ensure it is working properly. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any step, consider hiring a professional electrician for assistance.


What are the best ways to install plug-in vanity lights in a bathroom?

The best way to install plug-in vanity lights in a bathroom is to first turn off the power, then mount the light fixture securely to the wall or mirror. Next, connect the wires following the manufacturer's instructions and secure the fixture in place. Finally, test the light to ensure it is working properly before turning the power back on.


What are the features and specifications of the 2 light bath fixture you are considering for your bathroom renovation project?

The 2 light bath fixture being considered for the bathroom renovation project features a modern design with two lights, suitable for illuminating the bathroom space. It has a sleek finish and is designed to be mounted on the wall. The specifications include dimensions of 18 inches in width and 8 inches in height, with a brushed nickel finish. The fixture is compatible with standard light bulbs and can provide ample lighting for the bathroom area.


What are some stylish and energy-efficient options for a light fixture for a bathroom?

LED vanity lights are a stylish and energy-efficient option for a bathroom light fixture. They provide bright, even lighting while using less energy than traditional light bulbs. recessed lighting and sconces are also popular choices for a modern and efficient bathroom lighting design.


How can I effectively install and utilize motion lights for my bathroom?

To effectively install and use motion lights in your bathroom, follow these steps: Choose a suitable location for the motion sensor light. Install the light fixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. Adjust the settings to your desired sensitivity and duration. Test the motion sensor to ensure it works properly. Enjoy the convenience and energy savings of your new motion lights in the bathroom.


Can you replace LED lights with traditional incandescent bulbs in this fixture?

No, you cannot replace LED lights with traditional incandescent bulbs in this fixture.


How to remove ballast for LED lights?

To remove ballast for LED lights, first turn off the power supply. Then, open the fixture and locate the ballast. Disconnect the wires connecting the ballast to the fixture. Remove the ballast and rewire the fixture to directly connect to the LED lights. Close the fixture and turn the power back on to test the lights.


Where can one buy bathroom lights?

I need to remodel a master bathroom, where can one get modern bathroom lights?


Dash lights not working at night sometimes not starting clicking?

check the wiring connections at the battery and the starter. Both places can give starting problems. The dash lights could be a separate problem. Check the fuses for the lights.