- Reaction score
- 2,833
Actually managed to kill 2 PIRs in succession yesterday. The first I got SL and N mixed up (who uses the black core of a 3C+E as neutral? honestly), which killed it dead, tripping the breaker in the process. Schoolboy error.
The second, well I don't feel it's 100% my fault.
The PIR I had been asked to change had stuck permanently in the on position, and the client had turned off the breaker until it was replaced. It was controlling 2 twin 6ft fluorescent tubes in a garage, so 280W of fluoro lighting. I replaced it with an Eterna PIR, which instructions state good for 300W of fluorescent lighting.
However, on re-energising, I had the same problem - the new PIR was stuck on permanently. You could hear a faint click 'on' when it sensed motion, and again click 'off' after the time delay, but the SL terminal remained live. I noted that the starter for one of the twin fluoros had gone, so the tubes were flickering indefinitely as they attempted to light up.
What I guess happened is the constant start up current due to the failed fluoro starter caused the contacts in the PIR to weld closed. Can anyone confirm that this is likely to be the case, or if they have come across a similar problem before?
The second, well I don't feel it's 100% my fault.
The PIR I had been asked to change had stuck permanently in the on position, and the client had turned off the breaker until it was replaced. It was controlling 2 twin 6ft fluorescent tubes in a garage, so 280W of fluoro lighting. I replaced it with an Eterna PIR, which instructions state good for 300W of fluorescent lighting.
However, on re-energising, I had the same problem - the new PIR was stuck on permanently. You could hear a faint click 'on' when it sensed motion, and again click 'off' after the time delay, but the SL terminal remained live. I noted that the starter for one of the twin fluoros had gone, so the tubes were flickering indefinitely as they attempted to light up.
What I guess happened is the constant start up current due to the failed fluoro starter caused the contacts in the PIR to weld closed. Can anyone confirm that this is likely to be the case, or if they have come across a similar problem before?
