12 Volt downlighter

[sbigland]

In the process of sorting a failed downlighter I came across something that I don't understand.

When the light failed I fitted a new bulb. No joy. Tried one I knew to be OK. Still no joy. With the bulb removed and the power on I found that my test screwdriver (one of those proximity types) indicated a live feed in the connector leads which disappeared when the power was off.

I assumed from this that it was the actual connector that had failed (apparently MR16 connectors are prone to do that). But having bought and fitted a new connector the unit's still not working. Next step is to replace the transformer.

But does anyone have any ideas as to why, if the transformer has failed, I'm still detected a live feed?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yes - those "testers" are about as reliable as George Osborne's economic forecasts. Did you know you can make them light up by rubbing them on your jumper? Or on your girlfriend's for a bit more fun.

Bin it.

If a known good lamp does not light then either the lampholder or the transformer is shagged, assuming the latter is getting power, and to test for that you need a proper 2-pole tester.