Troubleshooting Trailer Lights That Are Getting Too Hot And Failing

Updated 08/09/2017 | Published 08/08/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(3)

$22.17

In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(100)

$5.88

Spectro 14-Gauge ATO-ATC Fuse Holder - Qty 1

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$2.10

Question:

Here is my issue. I have an aluminum horse trailer with lights inside the tack room and over the horse slants. These bulbs have all gone out prematurely so I replaced all three lights. Two have gone out again less than 2 hrs use. The housing around one light has shown significant signs of onerheating as indicated by misshapen plastic. Where should I start to solve this or to find out why there seams to be too much energy going to the light?

asked by: Cmat

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your lights are drawing too much power and it is an issue inside the light. You can use a multi-meter like # PT89ZR to see what voltage and amperage are being drawn. One way to solve this is to put an inline fuse like # SWC9538 and Curt 15-Amp Blade Fuse - Quantity 1 # C58450-1. Another option is to use an In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket # 9506P.

expert reply by: Jason S