Downlight problems

[patmoore]

Hi all.

We have an issue with our recessed downlights (mr16 halogen 12v). In our living room we have a false ceiling, in which the all fittings etc are (We bought the house 6 months ago).

There are 6 lights, 2 by 3.

1 2
3 4
5 6

Numbers 2 and 5 have recently gone out. Number 2 worked intermittently and now it won't light at all. Replacing the bulbs has not worked.

So now I'm making assumptions about faulty connectors, transformers or the connections to the dimming switch itself.

Any advice as to what it could be going on and what I could check?

 

[ColJack]

some transformers don't like being dimmed, and some only work with specific types of dimmer..
whip the transformers down and do us a photo of them and the back of the dimmer switch ( clear pictures so we can read the writing, or put the details of what it says in the post.. )

 

[patmoore]

I'll have to locate transformers but yes, I'll do it this evening after work.

 

[londonboy]

As coljack has said, its probably the transformers.

Pull the fitting away from the ceiling and pull the cable through and the transformer will probably be there.

 

[electronicsuk]

Also make sure that the fittings and transformers aren't surrounded by insulation, as this is an almost guaranteed way to cause premature failure.

 

[sparkwright]

Before replacing transformers you could check the connector block between the transformer and the lampholder. Inspect the lampholder as well. Both can have a tendency of burning out if they are cheap and nasty/not fitted well.

When putting lights back in ceiling ensure they are not touching cables, transformer, insulation.