Help - Outdoor Lighting Issue

Harry2509 · Jun 7, 2012

Hello,

I had outdoor lights fitted around the house and garden around 2 years ago, they set on a timer and come on at night. Each light is connected to a junction box around the plot. The problem is that (I think) one of them has blown and for some reason cuts the circuit therefore they do not come on at night. The area is around 1/2 acre, how would I test which one it is?

I am no expert with electrics but can do basic things.

Thanks in advanced,
Harry

Richard Burns · Jun 7, 2012

Very difficult to define an electrical problem like this on a forum, I take it you have tried changing the bulbs in the lights and this has not resolved the problem.
You would also need to know what "cuts the circuit" involves, is it a fuse blowing, a circuit breaker tripping and RCD tripping, etc.
There could be a number of problems with the circuit, the most likely being water ingress somewhere. have a look at the accessible parts and see if there is a broken junction box or the like or exposed wiring anywhere, other than that your best bet would be to ask an electrician to come over and undertake some testing of the circuit.

trev · Jun 7, 2012

Harry2509 said:
how would I test which one it is?

I am no expert with electrics but can do basic things.

Hi and welcome to the forum
I'm not trying to rain on your parade here but reading the two lines I've quoted from your question how would you know how to interpret any test results you obtained from poking around in there?
For your own safety and for the peace of mind of your family please consult an electrician. Post up your location, I'm sure one of us will be near you and would be happy to help.

Rockingit · Jun 7, 2012

The simplest thing to do is probably just to remove every lamp, then replace each one in a sequence starting from where you think the circuit originates. If at one point the circuit trips when you screw the bulb in, then you'll have a clue that it's between that lamp and the one behind it.

Octopus · Jun 7, 2012

I'd call in a competent electrician with a MFT - shouldn't cost you too much.

Where are you in the UK?

Engineer54 · Jun 7, 2012

Messing around with electrics in a garden environment is asking for trouble for the unskilled. As suggested either ask a local ''qualified'' electrician to check and repair your installation or post up your location, where one of the members here maybe be able to help you!!