[HelpMePlz]

How much should it cost to fix a short out light fixture? I had a leak in the attic and it caused the light fixture to short out.

 

[jmans8666]

Buy a new fixture

 

[Ohno59]

Depends on what kind of light fixture it is.

If its a $500 chandelier, then you can fix it.

If its a $20 shoplight, then you can buy a new one.

Usually if it shorted out, light fixtures are not complex. Water probably got into the connections. If it dries out, then it should work fine again. With power off at circuit breaker/fuse, you can check connections, sockets, etc. to see if there wet/dry. If it still doesn't work, then you should replace it.

 

[dmxtothemax]

No electricain could possibly give you an accurate quote,
with out a lot more details.
Where did the short happen,
was it the cables going to the light ?
was it in the light fixture itself ?
what needs to be replaced ?
was it just caused by water
being where it should not be ?
lots more info required.

 

[HelpMePlz]

Thank you. I didn't know if it required more electrical work. A simple light fixture replacement is great news. :thumbup: Water leaked from the attic into the light fixture. When I removed the cover (similar to when you need to change a light bulb), the cover was full of water.

 

[a7ecorsair]

Maybe all you have to do is fix the leak and dry up the fixture.

 

[HelpMePlz]

The leak is "suppose to be" fixed. Once I'm convinced I'll change the light fixture if it still doesn't work this weekend. Thank you all.

 

[Speedy Petey]

What "shorted out"? Contrary to what most people think, water does NOT short things out.

 

[dmxtothemax]

If the problem was caused by just water being where
it should not be,
You might be lucky !
But to be safe, I would pull the light fixture down
and examine it carefully before re use.
If there are no scorch marks, the cables are not burnt in any way,
and it is thouroughly dry, then it is probably safe to re use.
But if you have any doubt,
then replace the fixture.

 

[HelpMePlz]

I had a leak in the attic. After a while the light fixture stopped working. I'm assuming it's because of the water leak. Water was dripping from the light fixture. When I pulled the cover off it was full of water. Could this somehow scorch the cables?

 

[dmxtothemax]

If there was enough water around or on the cables,
Then yes the cables could be scorched,
By flash over or arcing between the conductors of the cable,
This is why I strongly reccomend a though inspection of all
cables and fittings in the general area involved.
If you dont find any scorch marks and it is all very dry,
Then it is time to carefully re energize and observe for trouble.
If you have any doubts,
Trust your instincts and hire an electricain.

 

[Speedy Petey]

If there was enough water around or on the cables,
Then yes the cables could be scorched,
By flash over or arcing between the conductors of the cable,

You really think this? Flash over from water???

 

[dmxtothemax]

Whilst it is no certainty,
it is possible,
There fore worth checking,
And I think most electricains would check this.
So yes it is possible,
and worth checking.

 

[AllanJ]

Most likely some of the joints between wires and other parts got rusty and stopped conducting electricity. Often these joints are riveted so you can't use a screwdriver to tighten them up.

 

[Speedy Petey]

While it is worth checking, the water itself did not short anything out.

I have seen full 200A panels, COMPLETELY submerged, while still energized. NOTHING "shorted out".

 

[HelpMePlz]

It's a simple light fixture. I can replace it to be on the safe side. Do I need to worry about anything else? Are the wires that need to be checked referred to in the previous posts located somewhere other than in the light fixture?

 

[AllanJ]

If the only things that happened was that the fixture got wet and stopped working then the wires going to that fixture do not need any changes. Just hook up the new fixture in the same way as the old fixture was.

 

[jbfan]

I'm betting that the lamps openned after the water hit them.

 

[HelpMePlz]

Thank you. I'll change the light fixture.

 

[Olsy]

Most likely some of the joints between wires and other parts got rusty and stopped conducting electricity. Often these joints are riveted so you can't use a screwdriver to tighten them up.

Lol.....Copper nor aluminum rust, they oxidize. Replace the fixture and FIX the leak first