Downlights stopped working - Dimmer switch!

[Rob Heath]

Hi Guys

I have Halogen down-lighters on my Landing that have recently stopped working, there are 3 seperate switches for these, 2 single rockers at either end of the landing and 1 Double dimmer downstairs which also operates the hallway! At 1st I thought it could be a faulty transformer but not so sure now as now the bedroom lights have packed in, which consist of a standard ceiling rose in bedroom and 2 down-lights in dressing room operated by a double dimmer!

Would my 1st point of call be to check the Dimmer switches themselves or can you think of another reason why this has happened only a day apart?!

BTW it seems that the lights now will come back on hours later if left on but now I have no idea if they are switched on or off as 3 switches controlling the landing!!

I have checked all fuses and bulbs!

Thanks for any advice.

Rob

 

[westward10]

Sounds like a loose/lost connection. You could isolate the circuit and check in the switches.

 

[Rob Heath]

Sounds like a loose/lost connection. You could isolate the circuit and check in the switches.

So you would check switches before anything else?

Is it not too much of a coincidence for 2 seperate switches to both have loose connections a day apart?

I will isolate and check with my multimeter later!

 

[westward10]

If some have failed then more have failed I would look for a loose connection. Depending on how it has been wired you may find it at the switches if the circuit loops the line and neutral through them. If not the connection loops will be at the fittings.

 

[Pete999]

So you would check switches before anything else?

Is it not too much of a coincidence for 2 seperate switches to both have loose connections a day apart?

I will isolate and check with my multimeter later!

Deleted, don't want to incur the wrath of some of the fellow Forum members

 

[Octopus]

I would warn you to be extremely careful .. ... You could have a floating neutral .....

 

[Squid]

Are the lights in the living room working?

 

[Rob Heath]

Are the lights in the living room working?

Yep all other lights working, I have dimmers all over the house not sure of the quality of them but I will check wiring later!

 

[Rob Heath]

I would warn you to be extremely careful .. ... You could have a floating neutral .....

I will be careful, I always isolate before removing any covers and if not sure of which breaker I trip main breaker and only switch on when safe!

 

[Pete999]

I will be careful, I always isolate before removing any covers and if not sure of which breaker I trip main breaker and only switch on when safe!

So you don't use the "Safe Isolation Procedure" then"

 

[Rob Heath]

H

So you don't use the "Safe Isolation Procedure" then"

Hi Pete

I have just checked the procedure and will do from now on - I do checked outlets / switches are dead before working on but must admit i haven't checked the conductors at the consumer unit!