transformers/dimmer

[Zaffy]

My dimmer switch servicing six 12volt MR16 went. Pushed it in and nothing happened, no click. Replaced it with new component. Stil did not work. Replaced the two transformers. Still does not work. Any advice/tips before I call in an electrician?

 

[telectrix]

have you still got power to the switch? to be honest, this would involve live working and if you a. are not competent. b, don't have the correct test equipment, then call a spark .

 

[Zaffy]

have you still got power to the switch? to be honest, this would involve live working and if you a. are not competent. b, don't have the correct test equipment, then call a spark .

A more competent friend tested the wires with a neon tester, he said they were live.

 

[Plonker 3]

That means nothing, get a electrician in a neon will prove nothing apart from his knowledge of electrics is zero.

 

[DPG]

Oh dear. Get ready for it.......... Daz

 

[telectrix]

could be that the transformers and dimmer are incompatible.

 

[telectrix]

A more competent friend tested the wires with a neon tester, he said they were live.


​hope he's still live.

 

[Zaffy]

Why all the jokes?

Friend had a small srewdriver with light. Light lit up, hence the wire is live.

Am I missing something?

 

[Octopus]

My money's on the dimmer being busted!

 

[Zaffy]

could be that the transformers and dimmer are incompatible.

Telectrix. How can I tell if the transformer and dimmer are incompatible? I replaced the transformer with like for like, the dimmer component is not the same make but I was assured it was equivalent.

 

[Plonker 3]

Maybe a neutral, maybe not enough voltage which a "neon" wont tell you, your friend could have killed himself. You are missing plenty of things. Call a electrician in or even post your location on here and maybe someone on here could come and have a PROPER look for you. Shouldn't take too long to resolve the issue.

 

[telectrix]

to a competent sparks, a neon screwdriver is like a brain surgeon using a chain saw.

 

[Plonker 3]

Telectrix. How can I tell if the transformer and dimmer are incompatible? I replaced the transformer with like for like, the dimmer component is not the same make but I was assured it was equivalent.

Is the transformer dimmable?

 

[Octopus]

Have you calculated the load?

You could be exceeding the load that the dimmer can stand.

 

[mickys86]

Why all the jokes?

Friend had a small srewdriver with light. Light lit up, hence the wire is live.

Am I missing something?

Let's just say the neon light is frowned upon. It isn't gs38 approved test equipment and are considered very dangerous

 

[telectrix]

zaffy, what wattage is the dimmer, and what's the VA of the transformers?

 

[mickys86]

Try replacing with a normal light switch.

An electrician would be my first point of call though

 

[Zaffy]

zaffy, what wattage is the dimmer, and what's the VA of the transformers?

Transformer VA 35-105W

Richmond lighting 230 v dimmer component 500W 400VA

There are two transformers for 6 12 volt downlights.

 

[Zaffy]

I forgot to say it is a double dimmer the other half of the dimmer works fine and serves an ordinary lightbulb.

 

[Guest112]

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