I have an outdoor light at my house that receives power at random and then the light goes on; it also loses power out at random. There is no way to turn it off except to unscrew the bulb. Are there any suggestions as to what it may be? I have a multimeter and know how to use it.
Receives power at random? Not quite. Is this outdoor light on a switch, or is it light sensitive?
Sure. An intermittent connection, like from corrosion or simply bad physical connection (e.g. back-stabbed outlet feed.)
I'd suggest you forget the multimeter, simply to maximize safety and minimize drama. Couple bucks at HD gets you an "inductive voltage tester" which can be used to track live lead, find breaks, etc. No contact with conductors. Work backwards from light with this one, obviously when light is on.
2-piece circuit tracer is also very helpful to trace circuit, while live, from outlet back to breaker. Sperry makes one that I use. Plug one module into outlet, adjust sensitivity of "tracker" module as you work along line to breaker.Alternatively, pull and inspect all the cables and connections involved. Rather not, here.
Then map out whatever's affecting the branch circuit, or the service drop, whatever it is. And put in whatever switchgear suits you. Safely.
J
This situation could cause a fire. Turn off the circuit at the main. Check to make sure the circuit has no power. Remove the lamp and check for corrosion. Remove the lamp base and check all the wire nuts. Chances are one is loose. If you find all connections are tight, move your way back to every electrical box on the circuit and check the nuts there too. A loose wire can cause arcing so after you remove the lamp base inspect the interior with a flashlight for any black marks.
It's on a switch... It's not a light sensitive light.
Larry Bud wrote:
Unlikely. There is a switch somewhere, and perhaps also a motion-detector.. Motion detectors are the most likely to exhibit the symptoms you describe.
This sounds like either a troll, or a fairly dangerous situation.
Unless it's a megger, your meter isnt as much help as your eyes. Sounds like you have rats & some exposed actives. Follow the feed from the light back to the first wiring intersection.
Don't wait for the house to burn down!!!
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