fault finding - lighting

tom-the-sparky · Mar 21, 2011

Hello Everybody

I have been a spark for 3 years now and have encountered a problem that i cannot fathom, very frustrating, please can u help?

A client suddenly found that two lights, one in a porch and one outside light had stopped working - no other information 'just stopped working one day'

I thought it would be a loose connection some where, couldn't find one. The rest of the downstairs lights, which are on the same breaker supplying the dodgy lights are all working fine. Also when you make the switch for the porch light live and earth are at 230v but nothing between live and neutral!

Has anyone encountered such a problem before?

Thanks

pushrod · Mar 21, 2011

If you close the switch they (line and switch live) will both be at 230V so putting a voltmeter across them will show 0V. Testing between either of them and the cpc should show 230V.

When the switch is open you should have 230V between L and switch live; and 230V between L and cpc.

Edit: you need to be checking continuity.

telectrix · Mar 21, 2011

lost neutral somewhere. check from last working light in the house. you'll possibly find a loose or broken neutral in the rose.

simpson93 · Mar 21, 2011

95% of faults are continuity mate check for L-L N-N or attach em at board and switch switch on and test between l-n at light

malcolmsanford · Mar 21, 2011

tom-the-sparky said:
Hello Everybody

I have been a spark for 3 years now and have encountered a problem that i cannot fathom, very frustrating, please can u help?

A client suddenly found that two lights, one in a porch and one outside light had stopped working - no other information 'just stopped working one day'

I thought it would be a loose connection some where, couldn't find one. The rest of the downstairs lights, which are on the same breaker supplying the dodgy lights are all working fine. Also when you make the switch for the porch light live and earth are at 230v but nothing between live and neutral! Is there a neutral at this switch or are you testing between the LINE and the BLACK/BLUE switch line?

Has anyone encountered such a problem before?

Thanks[/QUOTE)

It as to be either a loose or burnt out connection from the last light that is working to these 3

tom-the-sparky · Mar 21, 2011

Cheers for this guys

Yes no neutral at the two gang switch controlling the two dodgy lights. Ive also checked at the nearest and only accessaible junction box and all seems in order. BUT i didnt check at the nearest downstairs light, so you think it must be a loose neutral?

thanks