Commercial lighting systems provide illumination for large spaces like offices, warehouses, retail stores, and other facilities. These systems are more complex than basic home lighting and require proper maintenance and troubleshooting when issues arise. Learning some troubleshooting techniques can help facility managers, maintenance staff, and electricians quickly diagnose and resolve common commercial lighting problems.
Common Issues with Commercial Lighting
Some of the most frequent problems with commercial lighting include:
Failing or Burnt Out Lights
- Fluorescent tubes, LED panels and bulbs, and other lighting components can fail over time. This causes individual lights in the system to stop working properly.
Wiring and Connection Problems
- Faulty or loose wiring and electrical connections can interrupt power delivery, causing erratic performance or complete failure.
Ballast and Driver Failures
- Electronic ballasts and LED drivers regulate and control power to the lights. When these components fail, the lights may flicker, dim, or not turn on.
Faulty Lighting Controls
- Sophisticated lighting control systems can malfunction and cause erratic operation of lighting circuits and schedules.
Voltage Irregularities
- Inconsistent power levels, surges, or brownouts can impact performance and damage lighting components.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Addressing commercial lighting issues begins with methodical troubleshooting:
Visual Inspection
- Closely examine the lighting system and components for any signs of damage, wear, or issues. Look for broken hardware, discoloration, frayed wires, etc.
Check Connections
- Verify all wiring connections are intact and securely fastened. Wiggle junction boxes and fixtures to check for loose wiring.
Test Components Individually
- Isolate and test individual lights, ballasts, drivers, and controls to pinpoint faulty components. Replace any damaged items.
Analyze Performance of Entire System
- Once individual components are inspected, observe the lighting system as a whole. Note any circuits not performing properly.
Consider Voltage Input Issues
- Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage to lighting components. Low or high voltage levels can cause problems.
Review System Controls and Settings
- For programmable lighting systems, ensure control panels, sensors, and settings are operating per specifications.
Check Service and Maintenance Records
- Review past installation details, repair work, and maintenance logs for helpful troubleshooting clues.
Troubleshooting by Lighting Type
Certain issues occur with specific lighting technologies:
Fluorescent Troubleshooting
| Issue | Potential Causes |
|---|---|
| Tubes flicker, dim, or won't start | Faulty ballast or starter |
| Buzzing sound | Bad ballast or faulty fixture |
| Blackened tube ends | Overheating from improper voltage |
- For fluorescents, systematically replace the tube, starter, and ballast until the issue is resolved.
LED Troubleshooting
| Issue | Potential Causes |
|---|---|
| Some LEDs are burnt out | Faulty driver or LED panel |
| Erratic dimming | Compatibility problem with dimmer or driver |
| Buzzing/hissing noise | Grounding problem or electromagnetic interference |
- For LED systems, verify driver compatibility and electrical grounding to address problems.
HID and Halogen Light Troubleshooting
- Issues with HID and halogen systems typically involve burned out bulbs. Replace bulbs and examine sockets for damage.
Emergency Lighting Troubleshooting
- Test emergency lighting monthly and replace batteries at least every 2-3 years. Diagnose issues with chargers, bad contacts, and tripped circuit breakers.
When to Call an Electrician
While many lighting problems can be addressed in-house, an experienced electrical contractor should handle complex troubleshooting or electrical repairs involving:
- Main system voltage and amperage
- Primary wiring and circuitry
- Networked lighting control systems
- Larger fixtures like parking lot lights
Consult qualified electricians immediately for any sparking, smoking, or burned components.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular system maintenance helps minimize lighting problems:
-
Clean fixtures - Use compressed air and lint-free cloths to remove dust and debris from lenses and housings.
-
Check connections - Ensure all plugs, wiring, and sockets are clean, intact, and corrosion-free.
-
Replace components proactively - Don't wait for failure. Replace tubes, LEDs, batteries, and ballasts according to manufacturer recommendations.
-
Test emergency lighting - Perform monthly tests of emergency lights and replace backup batteries every 2-3 years.
-
Upgrade older systems - Fluorescents and outdated components are prone to issues. Consider LED upgrades.
With proper inspection, testing, and repairs, facility managers can keep commercial lighting systems running efficiently and minimize disruptive outages. Following structured troubleshooting procedures also facilitates quicker diagnosis and resolution of lighting problems when they do occur. Maintaining detailed documentation and maintenance records is also essential for tracking performance.