How to Troubleshoot Faulty Commercial Lighting Fixtures

Introduction

When commercial lighting fixtures start to fail or operate intermittently, it can negatively impact business operations and profits. As a facility manager or maintenance technician, it's important to understand common issues with commercial lighting and how to systematically troubleshoot and repair lighting equipment. In this guide, I will provide an overview of troubleshooting commercial lighting fixtures based on my 5 years of experience as an electrical contractor specializing in commercial buildings.

Common Issues with Commercial Lighting Fixtures

Here are some of the most common issues I've encountered with faulty commercial lighting fixtures:

Loose, Corroded, or Faulty Wiring

• Loose wiring connections can cause flickering or intermittent operation. Check wire nuts and terminal blocks for loose connectors.
• Corroded or damaged wires can cause shorts. Inspect wires for corrosion, cracks, burns.
• Wires can also short inside broken lamp holders. Check for cracked or damaged sockets.

Faulty Lamps or Ballasts

• Burnt out lamps will cause outages. Test lamps with a voltage tester.
• Faulty ballasts can lead to flickering lamps, no light emission, buzzing/humming noise. Test ballasts using a multimeter.

Faulty Power Supply

• Issues with circuit breakers, fuses, or power transformers can cut off power.
• Test power supply components with a multimeter. Reset breakers, replace fuses as needed.

Loose Fixtures and Faulty Components

• Loose lighting fixtures can cause flickering and electrical shorts. Re-secure loose lighting fixtures.
• Faulty capacitors and ignitors can prevent fluorescent fixtures from striking/turning on. Test components with a multimeter and replace if faulty.

Overheating

• Buildup of dust/debris can cause overheating which shortens lamp and ballast life. Clean fixtures regularly.
• Faulty ballasts and bad lamp connections also lead to excess heat.

Steps for Troubleshooting Commercial Lighting

Follow these basic steps when troubleshooting faulty commercial lighting fixtures:

1. Talk to Facility Staff

• Ask staff for details about the lighting issues - where they're located, when it occurs, etc.
• This can help narrow down the likely causes.

2. Visually Inspect the Fixtures

• Do a walkthrough and look for any simple issues like burnt out lamps or loose covers.
• Also note if any areas are dirtier or dustier than others.

3. Check Power Supply

• Verify electricity is working using a multimeter or by plugging in a test lamp.
• If power is out, check breakers and fuses. Restore power if tripped.

4. Isolate the Faulty Fixture(s)

• If some lights work but others don't, focus testing on the problem fixtures.
• If all lights are out, the issue is likely circuit or power related.

5. Check Wiring and Connections

• Remove fixture covers and inspect wires for damage.
• Check wire connections for loose, corroded, or burnt connectors.

6. Test Components

• Check lamps, ballasts, capacitors, and ignitors using a multimeter.
• Replace faulty components one at a time until issue is fixed.

7. Repair Loose Fixtures

• Any loose or damaged fixtures should be properly secured to prevent hazards.

8. Clean Dirty Fixtures

• Use compressed air and clean rags to remove dust and debris especially from fluorescent fixtures.

9. Evaluate Light Levels

• If lights work but seem dim or are buzzing/flickering, the components may be wearing out.
• Consider group re-lamping or ballast retrofits to boost light levels.

When to Call a Commercial Electrician

While many lighting issues can be repaired in-house, it's best to call a licensed electrician for:

• Faults in hardwired connections or circuit breakers
• Troubleshooting complex lighting controls like dimming systems
• Large scale fixture repairs or replacements
• Any work requiring climbing/lifting equipment
• Situations where the exact cause is unknown

Commercial electricians have the expertise, equipment, and certifications to safely diagnose and repair commercial lighting fixtures. They can also advise on lighting upgrades and preventative maintenance.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting commercial lighting starts with understanding common issues like wiring faults, burnt out lamps, and faulty components. Methodically isolating the problem fixtures and testing components can help pinpoint causes. Address any loose fixtures, overheating, or dirty conditions as well. For large-scale repairs or electrical issues, contact a qualified electrician. With some basic electrical know-how and troubleshooting skills, facility managers can keep their commercial lighting shining bright.