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ELECTRICAL FAULT GUIDE

Outside Light Not Working

An outside light may stop working because of a failed lamp, PIR or photocell setting, tripped RCD, water ingress, corroded connections, failed driver or damaged cable.

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Stop if there is heat, burning, arcing, exposed parts or water near the light

Do not open fittings, switches or junctions while energised. Isolate the lighting circuit and call a registered electrician where danger signs, water ingress or fixed wiring faults are present.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Failed lamp or LED module Outdoor lamps and sealed fittings eventually fail.
PIR or photocell control Daylight and movement settings may prevent operation.
Water ingress Moisture can corrode fittings and trip protection.
Outdoor supply fault Switches, fused spurs, cables and junctions may fail.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact behaviour before testing. ⌄
  • One outside light is dead
  • Several garden lights are dead
  • Light fails only after rain
  • PIR clicks but lamp stays off
  • RCD trips when the light is switched on
✓ Quick checks Safe checks before opening any fitting or switch. ⌄
  1. Check the lamp or LED module where it is user-replaceable.
  2. Check wall switches, dimmers, pull cords, timers and smart controls.
  3. Inspect the consumer unit for a tripped breaker, RCBO or RCD.
  4. Look for heat, smell, buzzing, water or recent building work.
  5. Attempt one controlled reset only if no danger signs exist.
If operation returns: monitor the light and control.
If the fault remains: leave the affected fitting or circuit off and arrange testing.
1 Fix 1 — Check controls and lamp Follow this check without opening live electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Confirm switch, isolator, timer and compatible lamp.

Success looks like: The light returns without protective-device operation.
Failure means: If not, the fitting or circuit remains suspect.
2 Fix 2 — Check after dark Follow this check without opening live electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Photocells may correctly block operation in daylight.

Success looks like: The light works under dark conditions.
Failure means: If still dead, inspect sensor and supply.
3 Fix 3 — Leave wet fittings isolated Follow this check without opening live electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Do not open or energise water-damaged equipment.

Success looks like: The outdoor circuit remains safe pending repair.
Failure means: Fixed weatherproof accessories need proper inspection.
⌁ Common causes explained Why the fault may happen. ⌄

An outside light may stop working because of a failed lamp, PIR or photocell setting, tripped RCD, water ingress, corroded connections, failed driver or damaged cable.

Lighting faults can be simple lamp failures or signs of loose connections, failed controls and water ingress. Heat, crackling and repeated protective-device operation require prompt investigation.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Technician-level testing for a competent electrician. ⌄
  • Inspect IP seals, glands and cable entries.
  • Test supply and switched output.
  • Check insulation resistance of outdoor wiring.
  • Inspect buried or clipped cable for damage.
  • Test PIR, photocell, driver and junctions.
▣ Parts that may need replacing Common failed components linked to this fault. ⌄
  • Lamp
  • Outside light fitting
  • PIR sensor
  • Photocell
  • LED driver
  • Weatherproof junction
  • Outdoor cable
! When to call an electrician Conditions that should end DIY troubleshooting. ⌄
  • The switch or fitting is hot, burnt, buzzing, crackling or sparking.
  • A breaker or RCD repeatedly trips.
  • Water may have reached the fitting, switch or cable.
  • Several lights are affected and lamp replacement does not help.
  • The fitting is sealed, permanently wired or mounted at unsafe height.
  • Recent drilling or building work may have damaged a cable.
? Frequently asked questions Common questions about lighting faults. ⌄

Can a light fail without tripping the breaker?

Yes. Lamps, drivers, switches and local connections can fail while the circuit remains energised.

Why does a new LED lamp still not work?

The driver, dimmer, switch, fitting or circuit supply may be faulty or incompatible.

Is flickering dangerous?

It can be harmless incompatibility, but flickering with heat, buzzing or several affected lights may indicate a loose connection.