[WMorg555]

I recently remodeled my basement and the contractor installed recessed lighting. There are 14 different recessed lights but one single recessed light turns off and on by itself. When I turn it on it comes on, but after about after an hour it goes off and stays off for about twenty minutes and then comes back on by itself. It will do this all night. What should I check for first? Thanks for any help.

[ballengerb1]

Call the contractor back if this was done recently. Some recess fixtures have a temperature overload sensor which kills them if they over heat. The over heating could be for real or it could be a faulty fixture, neither your responsibility if done recently.

[donf]

Do you have insulation in the ceiling above the light?

If you do, it is entirely possible that the fixture that was used does not allow insulation to be within 3" of the light.

If it covers the light, then an over temperature sensor will kill the lamp until it has cooled enough to restart.

[WMorg555]

The contractor goes out of state down south for the winter months. The actual light switch itself feels warm to the touch when it is on for a while and the other switches don't. When it goes off and on I also hear a distinctive click coming from the fixture.

[ballengerb1]

Its been almost a month since we were asking questions. Have you checked for insulation above the fixture? What is the wattage of your 14 bulbs and is the switch a dimmer or just a toggle?

[tkrussell]

The "click" you hear is the temperature overload sensor Ballenger told you about.

It could be weak and tripping off for no reason, or it could be doing it's job and heat is being captured by insulation.

So, if you are unable to get the original installer to correct the problem under warranty, you will need to hire another electrician to come in and evaluate the situation.

[ballengerb1]

Yep, sounds like the poster may not be able to do this work on his own so a new electrician might be in order. Me, I am a cheap son-of-a-gun and would unscrew the bulb and wait for the contractor to return in the Spring. That is if I found no insulation causing the over heating first.

[steve987654321]

I have the same problem but I have two lights in the same circuit which both cut out at the same time. If one temperature sensor tripped would it knock out the other light in the circuit? It is also in a 4 way switch circuit in case that is relevant.