I've got a family member who insists on keeping all the recessed lights on 24/7—even when they're sleeping or not home. When I visit, it's like walking into a stadium! I'm worried about a couple of things: could this pose a fire hazard because of the wiring in the walls or attic? And might leaving them on all the time shorten the lifespan of the wiring, potentially causing a fire risk with anything flammable nearby? Just to clarify, I'm not very versed in electrical work or home improvements.
3 Answers
Typically, wiring is designed to stay energized and should be fine as long as it's properly installed. It's rare for wiring to wear out just from being used, but yeah, those lights can generate heat which is something to consider. Just keep an eye out for any dimmer switches, as those can sometimes cause issues over time.
If you're really concerned, switching to LED bulbs could help—they use way less power and stay cool. A lot of appliances are running all the time too, and lights usually reach a stable temperature pretty quickly if they're in good shape. Definitely a good idea to replace those old incandescents!
As long as it wasn't some DIY disaster with shoddy wiring, you should be okay. Most homes don't catch fire just because lights are left on—it's pretty rare. Just make sure everything's installed safely!