I have a question about home wiring.

[Greybnk48]

We have a porch light and a front lamp post, both are turned on by the same switch. The lamp post light no longer lights, but the fixture is not broken. Where might the trouble be? Any hints. My husband took the inside switchplate off and he can't figure out the wiring.

This seems like too small job for an electrician.

[Wilms]

1. Good chance...

...that the cable going to the lamppost is broken. If it's piped, a new cable can be pulled through. If it's buried, get out a shovel.

[Greybnk48]

9. Well, I'll tell you one thing Wilms

If it is the wire that's buried, it will have a pipe around it this time thanks to you!

[lumberjack_jeff]

2. 1) turn off the breaker

2) Remove the fasteners securing the porch light.
3) Verify that there are no loose insulated conductors, then tighten any wire nuts you find in the box.
90% odds this fixes the problem.
4) unscrew the lamp post fixture and tighten the wire nuts you find here. If that doesn't solve the problem, the buried wire is probably broken.

[Greybnk48]

6. We'll be gone until Monday, then we will try your suggestions.

We've already done part of what you've said but REALLY appreciate the input. I just hate that lamp not working in the winter when it gets dark so early. I have a hunch we may have to dig.

[shireen]

3. don't forget to turn off the circuit breaker

when you're trying to diagnose the problem. Please post when you figure out what happened.

[Warpy]

4. Better, get a cheap electrical tester

I hit the breaker and then use that to verify there's no juice in the line.

My house was wired by a crazy person.

[X_Digger]

5. +1 n/t

[Greybnk48]

8. LOL! O.K. n/t

[Greybnk48]

7. Thanks. Will do.

We'll be back home on Monday and give it all a try.