How to check every exterior light before the dark months
To check outdoor lights in fall, walk around your house at dusk and test every one, including motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn lights and timers. Replace dead bulbs, reset timers for the earlier sunset, and check that each fixture has the right wet or damp rating. Water inside a fixture or a burnt smell means calling an electrician.
What to look for when you check outdoor lights in fall
Do this at dusk, because that's the only time you'll see what the house really looks like after dark. You're looking for three things: lights that don't work, lights that come on at the wrong time, and dark stretches where someone walks.
Start with the routes people use: the path to the front door, every step, the driveway, the side gate and the spot where you take out the trash. Then look at the fixtures themselves. University of Georgia Extension includes cleaning interior and exterior light fixtures in its spring and fall upkeep, and a dirty lens can make a working light look weak.
Fixtures carry a location rating, and it matters outside. A wet-rated fixture can take direct rain or hose spray, such as an exposed wall light or a driveway post light. A damp-rated fixture is for sheltered spots like a covered porch ceiling or a soffit. You can always use a wet-rated light in a damp spot, but never the reverse. When you aren't sure, choose wet-rated.
How to check outdoor lights in fall at dusk
- Wait for dusk
Pick a dry evening and turn off the indoor lights nearest the windows so you can judge the outside properly.
- Switch everything on
Work around the house clockwise, testing each switch and noting any that do nothing.
- Test the automatic lights
Walk through each motion sensor's area, and watch whether dusk-to-dawn lights come on by themselves.
- Walk the routes
Follow the path from car to door and down any steps. Note the dark spots.
- Fix the easy things
Replace dead bulbs, clean lenses and reset timers and smart plugs.
- Check each fixture's rating
Look for the wet or damp label on any fixture you replace, and match it to the location.
Outdoor lights not working? What each problem means
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| One light is out | Dead bulb | Turn it off and let it cool, then replace the bulb with one suited to that fixture. |
| Several outdoor lights or outlets are dead | A tripped GFCI or breaker | Look for a reset button on a GFCI outlet, which may be in a garage or basement, then check the panel. |
| Timer light comes on too late | Timer or smart plug still set for summer | Reset it for the earlier sunset, and again when the clocks change. |
| Dusk-to-dawn light stays on in daytime | Dirty or shaded sensor, or a nearby light fooling it | Clean the sensor and check what's shining on it. |
| Motion light doesn't react | Sensor aimed badly, or set too low | Walk the path and adjust the angle and sensitivity. |
| Light flickers or buzzes | Could be a loose bulb or a wiring fault | Tighten the bulb once with the power off. If it continues, call an electrician. |
| Water, rust or cracked housing | Failed seal or the wrong rating | Turn it off at the breaker and replace the fixture. |
When exterior lights need an electrician
Bulbs, timers and sensor settings are homeowner jobs. Wiring isn't. Turn the circuit off at the breaker and call a licensed electrician if a fixture smells burnt, shows scorch marks, feels hot at the wall, sparks or keeps tripping a breaker or GFCI. CPSC lists hot covers, sparks, buzzing and repeated breaker resets among electrical hazard signs.
Replacing a fixture with one of the correct rating is a common project, but electrical permit rules vary by city, so check first. Have a pro handle new outdoor circuits, and any lighting near a pool or spa. Lights within 20 feet of one need checking against special code rules and your local inspector.
Wet-rated vs damp-rated outdoor lights and other questions
What is the difference between wet-rated and damp-rated outdoor lights?
Wet-rated lights can take direct rain or hose spray. Damp-rated lights are meant for sheltered spots like a covered porch. A wet-rated light works in both places, so it's the safer choice if you aren't sure.
Why did all my outdoor lights stop at once?
Outdoor circuits are often protected by a GFCI, which can sit in another part of the house, and a tripped one can cut several things. Check for a reset button, then the breaker. Call an electrician if it trips again.
Why does my dusk-to-dawn light stay on all day?
Its sensor may be dirty or shaded, so it acts as if it's dark. Clean it and check that nothing is blocking it. If it keeps happening, the sensor or fixture may need replacing.
Sources: jaspector.com, noralighting.com, fcs.uga.edu, inspectandtest.net, CPSC
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.