Outdoor Lighting Not Working? How to Spot and Solve the Most Common Issues

Nothing is more frustrating than a beautiful outdoor lighting system acting up right before a gathering. At Sun Bright Lighting, we help customers troubleshoot and restore their lights every day. Here’s a practical guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common outdoor lighting problems.

Flickering Lights

  • Check: Is the transformer overloaded? Are the connectors fully sealed?

  • Solution: Balance your wattage load and replace connectors if corroded.

Entire Zone Not Lighting Up

  • Check: Did a breaker trip? Is the transformer receiving power?

  • Solution: Reset the breaker, confirm power at the outlet, and test transformer output.

String or Bistro Lights Failures

  • Check: Look for damaged sockets or bent prongs.

  • Solution: Replace individual bulbs with the same wattage/type, and always use shatterproof outdoor-rated bulbs.

Adapter or Transformer Issues

  • Check: Is there visible damage or water exposure?

  • Solution: Replace faulty adapters and always mount transformers in weatherproof enclosures.

✅ Flickering Lights

  • Confirm transformer wattage is sufficient

  • Seal connectors against moisture

  • Replace corroded or loose connections

✅ Entire Zone Out

  • Check breaker or GFCI outlet

  • Confirm transformer is powered

  • Test transformer output voltage

✅ String/Bistro Lights Failure

  • Inspect for cracked sockets or damaged wiring

  • Replace bulbs with correct outdoor-rated type

  • Ensure secure plug connection

✅ Adapter/Transformer Not Working

  • Check for water exposure or visible damage

  • Replace with weatherproof, outdoor-rated transformer

  • Mount transformers off the ground

💡 Tip: Keep spare bulbs and connectors on hand for fast fixes.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a small stock of spare bulbs, connectors, and fuses. It makes troubleshooting much faster.

👉 Explore our full range of Low-Voltage Transformers & Accessories to keep your system reliable.

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