Exterior lamp issues.

[chainsaw_masochist]

A bit confused by the problems re the fitting of an exterior bulkhead light. It is this model – a basic polycarbonate item replacing an old Appleby metal version which appears to have stop working recently (maybe through corrosion?) Anyway it has been quite difficult to fit as it the system of six security lamps are connected by armoured cable. Eventually having got the lamp secured and connected it failed to work thought the rest of the circuit works fine. I put the multi-meter on the terminals and the 500v ~ reading switched from 19v to 80v and then back again. On the 200 v ~ it shows a constant 71v. This is all a bit perplexing but I wonder if there is some likelihood of damp having penetrated the armoured cable. Does this sound possible?


Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

[stillp]

Where are you measuring these voltages? Between which terminals? Are you using a digital multimeter?

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

On the terminals that connect the cable wires to the bulb-holder. Sound OK?

 

[stillp]

Sounds like capacitive coupling. Something somewhere in the system is disconnected.
If you're using a digital multimeter, its input impedance is very high and can give misleading results.

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

OK point taken. I will try to look further into this tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

 

[securespark]

If it is in a run of fittings, are you sure you have good continuity between the IN and OUT conductors?

Or is there just one pair at the lamp holder and a JB outside the fitting?

 

[Echo the husky]

I hope you have maintained the earthing of the cables armour now the light fitting is plastic. Some photos of the connections could be useful. As the rest work is this the last light in the set of 6?

I'm interested to know what makes this fitting 'energy efficient' as it is advertised, when it takes a 60W lamp.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It used to be 500W.

 

[Echo the husky]

A 500W polycarbonate bulkhead? o.o

 

[Iggifer]

A 500W polycarbonate bulkhead? o.o

No, the new one is polycarb