Flickering lights. Do I have ghosts?
 

In my condo, in the shower, I have a single recessed halogen bulb installed in the ceiling. Recently the bulb started randomly turning itself off for anywhere from 2 - 5 minutes, then back on, then off again, then on again... It's like I have ghosts.

Any idea what the cause might be? From doing a bit of research, I have read it could either be a sign the bulb is failing, or possibly a transformer shutting itself off due to overheating. Seems weird though the transformer would work fine for seven years and now suddenly it's overheating.

I have yet to troubleshoot. I'll start with replacing the bulb and going from there. I suspect however it's not the bulb because when the previous bulb died a couple years ago, it simply stopped working. There were no signs in advance it was about to die.

In the meantime, just wondering if anyone else here has experienced similar problems and/or have suggestions.

b careful bro

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Give us an update when you replace the bulb.

I have heard of faulty bulbs doing this before. What happens is the filament or wire leading to the filament warms up, expands and opens the circuit (turns off), then it cools, contracts and makes contact again (turns on).

Recessed pot lights have a heat sensor inside and will cut the circuit off to the bulb when it gets too hot.

Do you have a higher wattage bulb than what is recommended? Maybe your ceiling is heavily insulated and is trapping all of the heat in that area.

Quick easy fix (if it is the heat sensor): fluorescent and led bulbs can give off less heat. Or another halogen one with less wattage.

You mention a transformer... Does the potlight use MR16s?

I'll pull the bulb and check the type. I don't believe the wattage is higher than needed. What's strange is that bulb is at least a couple years old and this problem only started a couple days ago.

Could also be a old bulb... try a new one aswell.

Would you describe the flickering as a "shutter?"

For starters make sure the bulb is in snugly, I had this issue with a light when I moved in.

Also is the light a proper one to have above a shower? Is your fan working properly?

Also if this light is in the shower itself make sure the housing is the correct type. There are special ones for showers/bathtubs where they might get in contact with water.

Other potential issues could be the light bulb itself, or even some wires shorting out?

Does it get worst when there is steam in the bathroom?

stay safe op

Lol, after two months, hopefully he would've exorcised his demons! :eek3:

here you go man:

How to Perform a Christian Exorcism: 18 Steps (with Pictures)

Sorry I've been meaning to update this thread. Here's what happened:

I did nothing and the problem went away.

lol

Thanks for the help guys!