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    mwilliamson3's Avatar
    mwilliamson3 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 27, 2008, 10:15 AM
    Can lights turn on and off
    I have several can lights in my ceiling that turn themselves off shortly after they are turned on. After a while, they will turn themselves back on. It is not a breaker issue because they are on the same breaker as others that do not have problems. Any Ideas?
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 27, 2008, 11:17 AM
    I'll assume these are 120 volt lights. Do they all turn off at the same time? Do they flicker as well or just shut off?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jul 27, 2008, 11:30 AM
    Question, are these recessed lights? If they are and they were not rated for ceiling insulation, they may thermal out.

    Most recessed lights that are not rated for ceiling insulation must be kept at least 3" away from all insulation.

    If the insulation is covering them it will cause a heat build up which will open a thermal protector and shut the light down. It does not kill the circuit, but it does shut the light off until it cools.

    The cycle will repeat itself when the lamp turns on and the heat again causes the thermal protector to open.
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Jul 27, 2008, 03:39 PM
    Can lights = recessed lights. Sounds like the lights are too hot, either because of insulation as Don mentioned, or because of the bulbs.

    My aunt has recessed lights over her fireplace that shut off when the fireplace is used.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #5

    Jul 28, 2008, 05:25 AM
    Check wattage and type of bulb.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #6

    Jul 28, 2008, 05:50 AM
    Don's answer is perfect, along with the lamp issues Ceilingfan and Strat mentioned. :cool:
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