Downlights - Replacing Transformer

[ummy]

I have a query about a low voltage halogen light set up. I have 6 downlights in kitchen - 2 banks of 3 lights in each bank. One bank of 3 have failed and I am told it is probably the transformer. There is no access from the floorboards above and I only have the small openings from the lights for access. Where would I find the transformer ? Tried pulling some wires from the lamp fittings but to no avail - nothing moving and frightened to force it.

Also I am trying to access the void thought the small section having taken the bulb out - will I get better access by trying to take out the chrome "facing" to the bulb on the ceiling - I can't seem to get that out very easily and frightened that perhaps I shouldn't force it off ?

And if I do get it off, where on earth might I expect to find the transformer ?

It's probably quite a simple job and I don't want to pay a packet to an electrician when all I need to do is replace the transformer.

Would love some advice ! cheers

 

[riveralt]

I assume that you have tested the lamps and they are okay.

Assuming one transformer is controlling each bank of three lamps then it will be behind one of the light units.
Make sure you turn the power off first.

They will come away from the ceiling - they are held in place by a spring clip.
As shown here...
http://www.plusopto.co.uk/ledlighting/downlights.html
Take hold of either side of the light unit and slowing pull toward you - you will need to use a bit of force .

 

[Taylortwocities]

What caused the lights to stop working? Did you change a lamp? If so, go back and make sure that you used a lamp of the same wattage as the old one. If you draw too much current from a transformer it won't work.

 

[ummy]

The bulbs were the correct ones and the bank just all died together when I turned the lights on

Have managed to get one of the light coverings down but no luck finding the transformer yet - because i'm now having trouble getting that light back up again fixed to the ceiling ! It's hanging a little loose and the springs are not going back into place - better work this out first before I move onto the next one !!!!

Let's see how I get on later !

 

[riveralt]

The bulbs were the correct ones and the bank just all died together when I turned the lights on

Have managed to get one of the light coverings down but no luck finding the transformer yet - because i'm now having trouble getting that light back up again fixed to the ceiling ! It's hanging a little loose and the springs are not going back into place - better work this out first before I move onto the next one !!!!

Let's see how I get on later !

To get the light unit back up push both the springs together so that they form and 'L' shape or backward 'L' shape with the longer piece pointing toward the hole. There is a photograph of how to do it - if you scroll down the page.
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/how_to_fit_downlights.htm

 

[sparkybird]

Are the lights on a dimmer switch by any chance? If they are and all 3 went at the same time, I'd start with this - it may have been destroyed by a blowing light bulb

SB

 

[sparkwright]

Are the lights on a dimmer switch by any chance? If they are and all 3 went at the same time, I'd start with this - it may have been destroyed by a blowing light bulb

SB

This is a very valid point.

It's funny a whole bank of lights has failed.

There may be one transformer that serves three lights, but the usual way now tends to be one transformer for each light.

A failed switch or failed dimmer switch could possibly be the answer.

 

[ummy]

Thanks everyone for the advice - eventually had to drill out a few extra holes into the false ceiling to locate the transformer as it definitely wouldn't pull through - found the offending transformer - which did serve 3 lights as I had thought. Replaced the transformer with a new one and hey presto - all back in working order again.

Luckily I have a brother in law who's a dab hand at plastering, so the drilled out bits of ceiling were fitted back into their holes, plastered over, rubbed down and painted - and no-one would know that there had ever been a problem.

The new transformer has surge protection so the lights come on gradually on that bank. I wonder now whether I should have changed the other transformer anyway while we were up there - too late now !

 

[Taylortwocities]

I'm hoping that, when you replaced the transformer, you extended the wiring so that it is now accessible through one of the downlight holes. If not you'll have replastering job the next time it fails!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

eventually had to drill out a few extra holes into the false ceiling to locate the transformer as it definitely wouldn't pull through

Aren't downlights wonderful.

I have 6 downlights in kitchen

Do you think you'd need that much wattage if you used lights designed to light up rooms, rather than ones actually specifically designed to not do that?

 

[slup]

eventually had to drill out a few extra holes into the false ceiling to locate the transformer as it definitely wouldn't pull through

Aren't downlights wonderful.

That's the fault of the installer, not the downlights!