Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    tholdswo's Avatar
    tholdswo Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 8, 2007, 08:27 AM
    Lights go off after 30 minutes
    I have two ceiling lights on the same circuit in my bathroom. After 30 minutes of being on both lights go off. If I do nothing one light will come back on after a random interval of time. If after going off and I turn the lights off at the switch the lights will work again after waiting 30 minutes. Any help?
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
    Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 8, 2007, 10:16 AM
    Sounds like these lights have a thermal overload switch that is kicking in. If the fixture gets too hot it automatically turns itself off, so as to avoid becoming a fire hazard. Are these ceiling lights the recessed can type? Many (maybe all?) recessed ceiling fixtures have this feature. If these are in a ceiling that has insulation (such as in a ceiling directly below the attic), perhaps the insulation is stuffed too tightly around the recessed can, causing the heat build up.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 8, 2007, 11:11 AM
    Another reason is exceeding the maximum wattage lamp that the fixture will accommodate.
    tholdswo's Avatar
    tholdswo Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 8, 2007, 12:16 PM
    Comment on ebaines's post
    Thank you. These are can lights in the ceiling below the attic. I will check the insulation around the light.
    tholdswo's Avatar
    tholdswo Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Nov 8, 2007, 12:18 PM
    Comment on KISS's post
    Thanks. Bulbs are 60 watt and hopefully not overloading.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Nov 8, 2007, 02:59 PM
    It's not amps, but the heat generated from the lamps. Look for a max wattage on the fixture. Try substituting 40 W lamps temporarily. I agree with the ventilation/isulation as well.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #7

    Nov 9, 2007, 12:41 PM
    Many times it is the type of bulb and not the wattage of a lamp that causes this heat.

    Example, a recess fixture that is rated for an 100 watt R- Reflector lamp, has a standard 60 watt A lamp in it. The reflector lamp is designed not only to push out the light but heat also, and the fixture can handle 100 watts. But us a standard A lamp, which is your typical household incandescent lamp, does not have the benefit of the reflector.

    The lower amount of heat from a 60 watt lamp becomes entrapped in the fixture that wants a reflector lamp, and causes the thermal cutout to trip.

    So, along with checking if any insulation is covering the fixture, be sure to use the proper lamp in the fixture.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Heats only for 30 to 45 minutes. [ 2 Answers ]

The only time I feel heat is when I relight the furnace but it will only work for about 45 minutes then no more heat but the fan would still keep going and blowing cold air. I've had my father-in-law come over and we were both working on it but still the same problem. I'm down to calling an...

1994 MGM, Parking lights and side marker lights not working? [ 5 Answers ]

MY parking lights and side marker lights are not working, also my gauge lights are not working. When I press the brakes, all my lights work, my headlights also work and my turn signals and hazard lights turn on, but my inside gauge lights, side marker lights, and parking lights are not on. What...

Writing Minutes [ 1 Answers ]

When a motion is made in a meeting and there is discussion but no one seconds the motion, what is the proper format for recording this in the minutes?

Reboots after 30 minutes [ 4 Answers ]

My PC reboots itself after 30 - 40 minutes. I can be doing a task then the compter freezes up, the mouse doesn't work, you can still see the screen. Then it reboots itself, during the boot process sometimes it gets through the memeory test or locks up at that point. Then other times it gets to the...

3 lights ran between 2 3-ways, can one of these lights be controlled by a 3rd switch? [ 2 Answers ]

There are 3 lights connected, 2 in one room and the third at the bottom of the stairs. There is a 3-way at the top of the stairs and another in the room with the 2 lights. This guy would like to also be able to switch off just the 3rd light at the bottom of the stairs. I did not dig into this too...

View more questions Search