If your outdoor lights have stopped working, check your switchboard first — outdoor lighting circuits are commonly tripped by moisture ingress, especially after rain. If the breaker hasn't tripped, the issue may be a faulty sensor, timer, blown transformer (for low-voltage lights), or a wiring fault. Outdoor electrical faults are common because the wiring is exposed to weather, moisture, and physical damage.
What to do right now
- 1
Check the switchboard
Look for a tripped breaker on the outdoor or lighting circuit. Outdoor circuits trip frequently due to moisture. Reset the breaker and check if the lights come back on.
- 2
Check timers and sensors
If your outdoor lights are on a timer or motion sensor, check the settings. Timers can reset after power outages. Sensors may need cleaning — dirt, spider webs, and water can affect motion detection.
- 3
Check the globe or LED driver
For individual lights that aren't working, the globe may have blown or the LED driver may have failed. If it's a standard fitting, try replacing the globe. For integrated LEDs, the whole fitting may need replacement.
- 4
Call an electrician for wiring faults
If multiple outdoor lights are dead and the breaker keeps tripping, there's likely moisture in a junction box, damaged cable, or a corroded connection. Outdoor wiring faults need a licensed electrician.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️The outdoor circuit breaker trips repeatedly, especially after rain
- ⚠️Security lights have stopped working and you rely on them for safety
- ⚠️Garden lights or path lights have stopped working across multiple fittings
- ⚠️You can see damaged, exposed, or corroded wiring in outdoor fittings
- ⚠️Low-voltage garden lights have a failed transformer
- ⚠️You need new outdoor lights installed or existing ones relocated
How much does it cost?
Diagnosing and repairing an outdoor lighting fault costs $150–$350 during business hours. Replacing a motion sensor or timer costs $100–$250. Installing new outdoor light fittings costs $150–$300 per light. Low-voltage garden light transformer replacement costs $200–$500.