Why Outdoor Lights Fail in Cold Weather and How to Fix Them

Understanding How Cold Temperatures Affect Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is essential for providing visibility and security around homes and businesses. However, when temperatures drop, you may notice your outdoor lights start to flicker, dim, or even fail to turn on altogether. There are several factors that can cause outdoor lighting problems in cold weather.

How Cold Temperatures Impact Light Bulbs

Freezing temperatures can directly impact light bulbs and cause them to malfunction. Here are some of the effects cold has on different bulb types:

• Incandescent - Cold causes the filament to contract, making it more fragile and prone to breakage when turned on. It also increases electrical resistance which reduces brightness.
• LED - Extreme cold reduces the light output. Condensation from temperature changes can also damage internal electronics.
• CFL - Cold temperatures make it more difficult for mercury vapor to ionize, reducing brightness. Components also contract which interrupts electrical connections.
• Halogen - Cold causes halogen gas particles inside the bulb to cluster together, reducing light output. Glass envelope can also contract and crack from temperature shifts.

Bulb components essentially become more fragile in freezing temperatures. The expansion and contraction can disrupt the electrical current, filament, and other internal parts that enable the bulb to turn on and produce light.

Electrical Issues Caused by Cold

Aside from directly affecting the bulb itself, freezing temperatures can also cause electrical issues that prevent lights from working properly including:

• Hardened wires - Cables can stiffen and crack, interrupting the electrical connection.
• Loose connections - Cold causes small contractions separating wires and connectors.
• Transformer issues - Extreme cold reduces transformer oil flow and can lead to failure.
• Timer problems - Mechanical timers and photocells may not function properly below freezing.
• Switch failure - Contacts inside switches can shrink slightly and fail to make contact.

Even with working bulbs, these electrical problems prevent power from reaching the fixtures and turning them on as expected.

Moisture Issues from Thawing and Condensing

In addition to the cold itself, freezing weather can create issues with condensation and moisture buildup as temperatures rise and fall. Problems like:

• Condensation inside fixture - Can cause bulb failure, corrosion, and electrical malfunctions.
• Melting snow/ice buildup - Water getting into fixtures can short circuit wiring.
• Pooling water from thawing ground - Can reach connections and lead to failures.

Proper outdoor light fixtures are designed to prevent moisture intrusion. But extreme temperature swings and cycles of freezing, thawing, and condensing can still allow wetness to reach light components leading to safety hazards and breakdowns.

Tips for Preventing Cold Weather Lighting Issues

Here are some tips to help avoid the issues that can arise when outdoor light fixtures are exposed to freezing temperatures:

Choose Fixtures Rated for Cold Environments

Look for outdoor lighting designed specifically to withstand freezing conditions and moisture:

• Use cold-rated electronic or magnetic transformers in low voltage systems.
• Choose fixtures with insulation, foam gaskets, and silicon seals around connections.
• Look for tempered, thermal shock resistant glass lenses.
• Use fixtures with drain holes to prevent moisture buildup.
• Ensure wiring connections are winter-grade and corrosion resistant.

Install Lights in Protected Areas

Position lighting in protected spots away from direct exposure:

• Under roof overhangs and covered porches.
• Against the house rather than fully exposed.
• Under shelters and eaves.

This helps shield fixtures from the harshest outdoor conditions to maintain even temperatures.

Use Light Covers

Enclose fixtures to retain warmth and prevent freezing moisture penetration:

• Install plastic covers or bags over fixtures.
• Build surrounding boxes around ground lights.
• Use lamppost skirts to protect wiring and connections.

Covers add insulation and protect components most prone to cold damage.

Manage Melting and Condensing Moisture

Prevent freezing moisture issues by:

• Sealing all fixture openings with weatherproof silicone.
• Positioning lights to avoid snowdrift buildup on lenses and tops.
• Checking drainage holes and channels to prevent water pooling.
• Directing gutter downspouts away from fixtures.
• Using lamppost bibs to keep moisture off pole wiring.

Improve General Weatherproofing

Upgrade weather defenses like:

• Caulking around fixtures and feed wires where they enter the house.
• Installing wire mesh to protect fixture openings from water and debris.
• Using outdoor-rated grounded power cords and GFCI circuits.
• Wrapping outdoor receptacles and connections in electrical tape.

Inspect Fixtures and Bulbs

Routinely check fixtures and components:

• Examine lights for cracks, leaks, corrosion, and loose wires.
• Check lenses for clarity, cracks, and water spots indicating leaks.
• Ensure bulb wattage and type match fixture directions.
• Replace old bulbs before winter since cold shortens bulb life.

Periodic inspection and maintenance ensures lights remain in good working order when cold temperatures hit.

What to Do When Outdoor Lights Fail in Winter

If your outdoor lights start flickering, growing dim or failing to turn on during freezing weather, there are some steps to take:

Check the Bulbs

First inspect all the bulbs. Tighten any loose bulbs to ensure good electrical contact. Look for broken filaments or any darkening inside the glass indicating a burned out bulb. Replace any damaged bulbs.

Try Weatherproof Bulb Types

Swap in bulbs designed for cold tolerance:

• Use rough service bulbs or marine/vibration resistant bulbs in fixtures.
• Switch to low-temperature LED or CFL bulbs.
• Choose halogen bulbs with xenon gas which work better in cold.

Specialized bulbs can restore lighting when regular ones struggle in low temperatures.

Test Fixture Components

If new bulbs dont work, problem may be with other elements:

• Check for loose fixture wires that may have contracted in cold.
• Inspect weather seals around wiring access holes and fixture seams.
• Look for cracked sockets or damage to other components.
• Test photocells and timers to see if they activate properly.

Repair or replace any damaged parts like cracked sockets, defective photocells, or faulty transformer boxes.

Evaluate Electrical Issues

Assess general electrical connections:

• Check for loose wires or faulty connections.
• Inspect cords for cracking or damaged insulation.
• Test ground-fault circuit interrupters using the test/reset buttons.
• Reset breakers or replace any tripped fuses.
• Make sure proper wattage bulbs are installed for transformer.

Restore loose wiring connections and remedy any electrical faults preventing power from reaching fixtures.

Improve Weatherproofing

Add extra weather protection:

• Caulk cracks and seal openings leaks may get through.
• Cover fixtures with plastic shields.
• Insulate exposed wiring and connections.
• Install drip loops to prevent moisture from entering fixtures.

Adding covers, sealants and improved insulation can help keep moisture and condensation away from light components.

Call a Professional

For continued lighting problems, its best to call a licensed electrician or outdoor lighting company. Professionals can:

• Test fixtures for faults you cant detect.
• Repair damaged components.
• Waterproof fixtures for the winter.
• Install lighting designed for cold climates.
• Fix complex electrical issues like damaged transformers or underground wires.

Technicians have the skills and equipment to fully diagnose issues and implement solutions that get your outdoor lights working reliably in freezing weather.

Winterize Your Outdoor Lighting

While cold temperatures can disrupt many light fixtures, there are steps you can take to winterize your outdoor lighting and prevent cold weather issues:

• Use bulb types made for cold environments.
• Install fixtures rated for freezing temperatures.
• Shield lights from direct exposure.
• Caulk seams and openings.
• Manage moisture accumulation.
• Insulate all exposed connections.
• Routinely check fixtures and bulbs.

Prepare your outdoor lighting ahead of winter and avoid the frustration of lights failing just when you need them most in the cold dark months. With proper installation, maintenance and winterproofing, your outdoor lights can shine through whatever freezing temperatures winter brings.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.