I recently purchased a flat and the recessed halogen lights in one room sometimes work but regularly do not. They are on two normal switches on one side of the room and two dimmers on the other. Sometimes they turn themselves on when I am in the room but then go off again. I am having problems accessing the wiring as I can't get into the space above the ceiling. Any ideas?
2006-10-19 01:57:31 · 10 answers · asked by Ben S 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Try replacing the dimmers with ordinary switches. It is possible that the transformers are not of the dimable type.
If this does not work, pop out the fittings and you will often be able to access the transformers and connections.
Pull the fuse before trying any of this.
2006-10-19 02:07:14 · answer #1 · answered by Clive 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Test the Dimmers Switches, and often the Transformer is located someplace that is accessable, a closet, or the first light. Look for it. Could also be the method used to wire them up, if they did it like a Xmas tree lights, they will all go out if the one in front of it does.
2006-10-19 07:31:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like loose connections and a dodgy transformer. Chances are the transformer will have been put above the ceiling and is inaccessible.
You could try to locate it by listening for a low hum or feeling for heat from the tranny but if I were you, I would replace the lot with mains voltage holagen downlighters and disconnect the feed to the transformer.
Sorry it is not an easy option but it will certainly be a lot quicker than trying to trace the problem without carving up your ceiling.
best of luck.
2006-10-19 02:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by Tetanus Tim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't need into the loft space. I would imagine the fault lies in the switch wiring or transformer thermal overheat switch. Without seeing it I couldn't help much. Short out the switches on the opposite wall so only one switch is doing the switching. Leave the switch on and see what happens. The transformers may be getting hot and swithing off. So could the dimmers. Once they are out the circuit that will confirm it. Better get someone who knows what they are doing.
2006-10-19 04:05:48 · answer #4 · answered by Halox 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check the wattage of the light bulbs. If it is above recommendations it will over heat and shut itself off. when it cools it comes back on.
If that doesnt solve the problem, take out the dimmers and replace with regular switches.
If it still doesnt work the dimmers because they are the wrong ones have damaged the transformers. The can will come out without tearing out the ceiling.
2006-10-19 11:43:56 · answer #5 · answered by been there 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep! sound like the transformers are overheating and cutting on and off on the thermal sensor. Most of these types of lights pull out of the ceiling, they are held with springs. Behind the light you may find a transformer which may or may not be of the correct rating for the connected lamps. It MUST be well ventilated as must the luminaires, If there is not a large void I recommend that you fit fire hoods to the lights.
2006-10-19 02:08:08 · answer #6 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is probably some kind of damage to the connection between the bulb and the connector, we had the same problem in my kitchen, try removing the bulb and replacing it. if this doesnt work then wen you take the bulb out you should be able to pull the transformer down through the hole. try using a volt meter on it with the light swiched on if it is reading 12 volts of slightly up or down its working normally. it could also be a dodgy connection which you will be able to check wen you are able to access the transformer through the hole.
2006-10-19 03:05:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are plenty safer than A/C. Used outdoors, they are plenty more low priced to position in than A/C. don't love the position the spot basic is, flow it without difficulty. in basic terms %. up the spot and flow it to the hot region. The cable might want to be laid on the floor or buried slightly once you settle on the position you want it. in a number of of situations you do not even ought to bury it if this is on the sting of the backyard or in a flower mattress and if no longer, grass will improve over it. don't love the position the spot basic is, flow it without difficulty. in basic terms %. up the spot and flow it to the hot region. And, this is something that you would possibly want to do your self without difficulty that it's going to electrocute your self or somebody else. some human beings like the low-voltage light fixtures because they furnish a softer basic and are not as harsh as others. the obstacles are that you'll in difficulty-free words run it about one hundred to at least one hundred fifty ft from the transformer. And, if one burns out, the different light fixtures will burn brighter, which signifies that the voltage is now split in a unique way and they are going to burn out faster, if the single which had burned out isn't replaced. i might want to say also, that there is extra selections of spots and numerous low-voltage light fixtures than what you'll locate with the mains.
2016-12-05 00:04:52 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the transformer needs replacing. Unfortunately if they're wired up like mine then you need to get to the space above the ceiling
2006-10-19 02:00:34 · answer #9 · answered by MGN2006 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may be due to condensation getting on the bulbs,I once had them in the kitchen and they were blowing regularly.
2006-10-19 02:07:59 · answer #10 · answered by david h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋