What's in here?
Over time, and thousands of openings of the freezer, we expect that that the freezer light will pop on whenever we open the door. When it doesn't, we're thrown for a quick loop. But, be honest: how many of you really fix that freezer light the moment you notice that it's not working? Some people put it off. Well, if you're reading this article, there's a chance you didn't put it off, so kudos! Let's teach you how to fix a freezer light with as little stress as possible.
The first thing you'll want to do is to check the bulb itself. Oftentimes you simply will have to replace the freezer bulb in order to get the light working again. Be sure that you have the right kind of freezer bulb.
When you do replace a freezer bulb, be sure that you unplug it from the electricity running into it. Safety first! You'll want to avoid electricity whenever possible, even if you've replaced a light bulb before. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, be sure that you have the right bulb for your freezer model to ensure that the bulb works correctly and safely. Note that some freezer light bulbs might require that you remove a cover in order to get to the bulb.
If replacing the bulb didn't help things, it's time to check your freezer's door switch. This switch is what triggers the light bulb, and if it's not working effectively, it might not be the bulb that's causing the lack of light! The switch often works by using the door being closed as a way to keep it off, meaning that whenever the door is open, the light bulb will be on.
Again, be sure that your freezer is disconnected from electrical power. Once you're sure this is the case, you can go into the switch by removing its casing - if it's not screwed in, be careful in removing it, or have someone who's experienced in this sort of thing remove it.
Once you've exposed the switch and its wires, you'll want to consult these directions for further instructions on what to do, and what to replace once you've found that there is any error with your freezer light switch.
When in doubt, call a repairman to handle these things for you, as you don't want to compromise your safety.
Photo Credits: Robert Couse-Baker
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Posted by Fix Handyman on November 12, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances, kitchen
Understanding a Flickering Light
When we think about some common problems around the house, we don't often think about the small stuff: leaky faucets, long-term wood damage, or burnt-out light bulbs. But this "small stuff" is actually the exact kind of home repair that will consume most of your time unless you understand what they're caused by and how to fix it. At the head of this list of the "small stuff" around your house? The flickering light.
A flickering light seems like a simple problem, but it can come from a variety of causes. If you're going to understand your home electricity systems, you'll need to know just how and why these different causes effect the light, and what you can do to ensure a safe and proper repair. Let's take a look at some of these causes.
First, it's helpful to understand that it's relatively normal for a light to flicker, usually due to the nature of voltage traveling through wires - the flow won't always be stable, especially if there are other factors that are taking away "juice" from the circuit. This is why many homes are designed with two different types of circuits: larger main circuits for the appliances that will use up larger amounts of electricity, and secondary circuits for simpler devices like light bulbs. Today's modern homes have largely solved the problem of noticeable flickering due to inconsistent voltage flow.
It's important to remember that a flickering light isn't necessarily a harmless problem. Circuit connections that are broken can lead to heating at certain points in the circuit, which obviously can lead to injury or even fires. That's why you won't want to let your light flicker endlessly - at the very least, inspect the situation. A switch that is failing can also have the same problem - if you are unable to find the problem there is a possibility you have not inspected the light switch.
Some problems leading to flickering lights are less sinister. There might be electrical effects from outside electrical loads which can even come from neighboring houses.
Because a light is not simply a bulb, but the result of electrical wiring and circuitry that go into your home, understanding a flickering light is about more than understanding the bulb. You have to know the potential dangers of electrical wiring behind the scenes and what a flickering light might indicate. If you have any doubts, call in an electrician to fix the problem and answer your questions. You can at least learn some things about lights that you'll be able to use in the future.
Photo Credits: PetroleumJelliffe
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Posted by Fix Handyman on July 24, 2009 in
Electrician, How to Fix
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