Dim lights

[randall3020]

I have recently fitted a new consumer unit. All the lights on the lighting circuit seem dim compared to before. I am sure all my connections are OK I have tried a new 6 amp MCB but still the lamps are dim. HELP !!

 

[BR]

Are you wiring the lights into the RCD?
Also could you give me more info on your general setup.
How old is the house?
Type/make of CU
Do you have a multimeter?

 

[randall3020]

I have a Wylex 10 way split load consumer unit. I have wired the lighting circuit to a 6 amp MCB on the side that is not protected by the RCD
The house is 1927 and was rewired about 10 years ago.
I do have a multimeter....somewhere !!

 

[BR]

I cant say i have the answer to this one of the top of my head! If you can get you hands on a multimeter. I would advise you to measure the voltage between the top of the lighting MCB an the neutral block. Then again at a ceiling rose where the problem exists.

 

[Big_Spark]

Measuring the voltage at the lampholders (first and last on circuit) is the first course of action, but you also need to measure the voltage between the Neutral and the Earth conductors to.

Write these values down, then measure, as BR says, the value across phase and neutral on the input side of the main isolator, write this down, then measure the output side of the MCB for the circuit concerned.

The two figures you just got from the consumer unit should match, the volt drop here should be only tenths of a volt if that.

Between these values and the furthest point in the lighting circuit, the voltage difference should not exceed 9.2V.

Write all these figures down, ensure you label the figures correctly, then post them here for us to have a look at.

 

[randall3020]

I have done as suggested, these are my readings:-
Between neutral and positive on the light fittings I get 231 volts and between neutral and earth I get 0 volts. At the consumer unit I get 234 volts at the main isolator and 234 volts on the outgoing side of the MCB.

 

[BR]

These reading are all acceptable. take a reading between live(outgoing side of MCB) and earth at the CU. However i cannot understand why this problem exists. By how much have the lights dimmed? Is it severe?

 

[Big_Spark]

Well I am equally confused..with those readings there should be no problem..the ZERO between N and CPC is great..however the dimming lights are a freaky thing!!

 

[randall3020]

Thanks to all.
Must be me, I will book an appointment at the opticians in the morning.