Bathroom Ikea 5 Spotlight Transformer problem

[jimbob b]

Hello all,

Please can anyone offer any advice with the below problem.

I moved into my house 2 years ago and the previous owners had put a 5-light 'tracker' system in the ceiling. I believe its IKEA. The system has a central transformer and 5 bulbs of 20W. A few weeks ago i turned it on and nothing happened. I checked the bulbs and all seemed ok and so I gently "tapped" the transformer unit and the lights came on. However after around 10-20 seconds the lights all went out. This is still the case now - the lights generally dont work but if I pull the cord and turn the system on and then tap or knock the central unit they come on and can be turned on and off at will - but they will only over stay on for a few seconds. The fuse box has not been tripped by any of this.

Any thoughts? I know very very little about electrical stuff but I wanted some advice before calling someone in or buying a new one.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks
jim

 

[oldtimer]

Remember Ikea size the transformer for 5 20 watt lamps but Joe public will go to the corner shop and buy 50 watt lamps because thats all they sell not realising that there is 20-35&50 watt versions . Then wonder why it stops working after a week.

No complaint from me though as I do work for a letting agent and get a couple in every so often. So check each lamp (bulb ) for size ie wattage cos me thinks the transformer is tripping out on overload

 

[jimbob b]

hi oldtimer

Thanks for the very quick response - you are spot on, I did check the bulbs and one is 35W. I changed this for a 20W and the problem continues. Does this mean the transformer is knackered?

Thanks

 

[Guitarist]

The fact that "tapping" it restores the power to the lamps for a few secs suggests that there is either a thermal switch which tapping is remaking, or there is a loose connection in the transformer module.
If you are not overloading it, then you will need to get someone in to look at it or else get a new one.

 

[telectrix]

could be knackered, but also a possibility of a loose connection. make sure circuit is isolated before checking, as you will have 240v on the primary (input) side of the transformer.

 

[oldtimer]

Remove one lamp and try again if the problem persists then you need a new tranny and also check for any slack connections

 

[Guitarist]

The fact that he knows by his own admission "very little about electrical stuff", I think he would be best having it looked at.

 

[jimbob b]

thanks a lot for this advice all of you - I will have one last look and then maybe get someone in. will post the results...

really appreciate your help on this.

 

[ackbarthestar]

I've had IKEA TXs before. Lke most cheap stuff, they are just the other side of rubbish.

The easiest solution is to work on a short MTBF and replace the unit. However, if you're like me, you'll rip it apart and play about with the insides (not for those who eat Yorkie Bars !)

 

[mogga]

the "strings" attach by a small plug which if overloaded may have given up the gost best bet get someone in to check ALSO a replacemant may not be possible due to IP ratings for bathroom as Ikea I would think this has been installed by DIY rather than an electrician