Dimmer help please

[chunksoft]

Hi I have a problem with an older dimmer (twin) one side when used just trips the lights so I am guessing it needs replacing, I have searched around the web for replacements and not sure which one to get that would replicate the wiring I have in the back box, I would welcome and thank any

C53214EB-5D35-478D-B05D-11CAC2DD1D72_1_201_a

• chunksoft
• 8 Nov 2020

 

[flameport]

Almost any 2 gang dimmer will be a direct replacement for that.

However if something is tripping, it's not the dimmer. More likely the light fitting, defective lamp or damaged wiring.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Hi I have a problem with an older dimmer (twin) one side when used just trips the lights so I am guessing it needs replacing,

Maybe. It could be something else.

Swap the two wires connected to ' 1' and see if anything changes.


Each switch just has a supply live to one terminal and a switched live to its light - so any switch will do.

 

[chunksoft]

Thank you I will try the wire swap tomorrow morning if the result is the same will start to check the lights, one switch operates the centre light the other the wall lights, the wall lights are the ones that are tripping.

 

[chunksoft]

Thank you I will try the wire swap tomorrow morning if the result is the same will start to check the lights, one switch operates the centre light the other the wall lights, the wall lights are the ones that are tripping.

Wires in no.1 changed over and the wall light still tripped so it seems its the lights, strange thing to happen as the lights don't have any moving parts, what could cause it ? corroded wire maybe?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Just trying things and keep tripping is not really the way to test, but, for the time being -

Take out the bulbs and see if still trips. Blown filament bulbs can sometimes cause a short circuit.

 

[chunksoft]

Just trying things and keep tripping is not really the way to test, but, for the time being -

Take out the bulbs and see if still trips. Blown filament bulbs can sometimes cause a short circuit.

No bulbs in so must be wiring in the lights somewhere

 

[Colin Brenton]

Turn off the power, and take the fittings down. Likely you will find heat damage to the wires inside the light fittings (probably buried inside, directly next to the hot lamp holder) and/or the terminal blocks that join the flex to the circuit cables. Careful rewiring (or new lights!) as-needed.

 

[chunksoft]

Turn off the power, and take the fittings down. Likely you will find heat damage to the wires inside the light fittings (probably buried inside, directly next to the hot lamp holder) and/or the terminal blocks that join the flex to the circuit cables. Careful rewiring (or new lights!) as-needed.

Thank you I will do tomorrow and post results.

 

[chunksoft]

Thank you I will do tomorrow and post results.

this is a fantastic forum and brilliant people

 

[Colin Brenton]

I think I can see the problem...

 

[chunksoft]

I think I can see the problem...

the screws in the fitting are so seized i couldn't undo them so have ordered new lights

once again thank you all for making it easier for me to find the fault.

 

[flameport]

so have ordered new lights

You will probably need a new dimmer as well, short circuit faults usually destroy dimmer switches.

 

[chunksoft]

You will probably need a new dimmer as well, short circuit faults usually destroy dimmer switches.

cheers will check when i fit the lights