Why do my LED recessed lights turn off by themselves?

LED recessed lights that turn off by themselves are typically experiencing thermal protection shutdown due to overheating, incompatible dimmer switches, or loose electrical connections. This is a safety mechanism built into LED fixtures to prevent damage and fire hazards.

The most common cause is thermal overheating. LED recessed lights generate heat that must dissipate properly through the fixture housing. When installed in tight spaces with inadequate ventilation, covered by insulation, or using the wrong type of housing for your ceiling construction, the internal temperature sensor triggers an automatic shutdown. Once the fixture cools down (usually 10-30 minutes), it will turn back on automatically. This cycle repeats until the heat issue is resolved.

Dimmer compatibility is another frequent culprit. Many LED recessed lights require specific LED-compatible dimmers, not the older incandescent dimmers still found in many Ottawa homes. Incompatible dimmers can cause flickering, premature shutoff, or reduced lifespan. The dimmer may also be overloaded if you're running too many LED fixtures on a single dimmer circuit - even though LEDs use less power, some dimmers have minimum load requirements.

Loose electrical connections at the fixture, junction box, or panel can cause intermittent power loss. This is particularly common in older Ottawa homes where connections may have loosened over time due to thermal cycling. Loose connections create resistance, generate heat, and can cause dangerous arcing - this requires immediate professional attention.

In Ontario, recessed lighting installation and troubleshooting often requires ESA permits, especially if new circuits or modifications are needed. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires proper thermal ratings for recessed fixtures, and IC-rated housings when in contact with insulation. Never attempt to diagnose electrical connections yourself - loose connections can cause fires or electrocution.

Check these simple things first: ensure fixtures aren't covered by insulation, verify you're using LED-compatible dimmers, and note if the problem occurs with specific fixtures or all lights on the circuit. If lights turn back on after cooling, it's likely thermal protection. If they stay off until you flip the switch again, suspect electrical connection issues.

For persistent problems, especially those involving loose connections or the need for proper IC-rated housings, contact a licensed electrician. Electrical issues that cause intermittent operation can indicate serious fire hazards that require professional diagnosis and repair to ensure your family's safety.

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