Electrical Test

[michaelrose2912]

Last year I installed some decking lights which are operated from inside the house via a plug. The mains cable running from the house to the decking is buried and is exposed under the decking feeding the first light, which is then linked to the next and so on.

My problem is that they do not work anymore and was wondering what would be my line of action to trace where the problem lies?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

 

[ericmark]

The question is as always were they correctly fitted in the first place? If so then any junction boxes used and any voltage reduction units will be easy to access and it is just a case of moving slowly away from supply point until you find the fault.

It is unlikely that cable will fail assuming correct type was used in the first place.

However if not correctly fitted then one would normally consider what is most likely to fail. Junction boxes with water in and even rodent damage to cables could be a problem.

But you installed them so your the right person to ask what may have gone wrong. There are no magic wands you have to test and inspect until you find the fault.

 

[Taylortwocities]

What sort of cable is that is buried?

It must be suitable for sinking in the ground eg armoured cable.
Anything else is not suitable, liable to damage and downright dangerous.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

As ericmark has stated in his reply, The formula for inspection and testing would be to look at every junction/connection for loose connections or damage. Having a multi-meter or equipment that can test for continuity and an approved voltage indicator would be a massive advantage.
As you would want to be testing for continuity of the cable's conductors, also the point of voltage failure, as this could be a transformer problem.
Have you checked the protective devices of this circuit: in-line fuses, MCB, RCD, RCCB, RCBO.

Check out the procedures:
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:inspection_and_testing