Intermittant tripping of lights

[weeg]

Hi all,

I have recently installed 53 Halogen lights (230v GU10) throughout my house. Most are on standard switches and some are on dimmers.
I have used Varilight switches and dimmers.

The problem is that about once a day the fuse trips on the consumer unit. I can have all the lights on at the same time without a problem but after a while the fuse trips.

Any ideas?

Right, I'm off to bring in the New Year in the darkness.

George.

 

[JohnD]

How many amps are your lights drawing?

Is it more or less than the 5A or 6A the circuit is fused at?

 

[Gaz the Sparky]

More info is required

Are all the halogens on one circuit
What wattage are the lamps
What size is the cable and mcb

Sounds like the circuit might be overloaded

 

[JohnD]

I reckon he's pulling our legs.

 

[kevnurse]

My understanding of your situation is that all of your lights are on the same circuit, which is not good practice.

Your words: "the fuse trips". How much do you know about electrical systems?

GU10 lamps are rated at 50W, so you have 50 x 53 Watts on one circuit. Thats 2.65kW. You could have a real problem on your hands. What size cable is fitted? What is the rating of your mcb in the consumer unit? Did you install the lamps and switches using the existing cable or did you change the cable?

If your cables are correctly sized you will need only to change your mcb to a 15 Amp. However...

If you have little knowledge about electricity loads, cable ratings and mcbs, you should call out a lecky. In the meantime, do not switch on more lamps than needed to safely use your house. If you must have the lights on in every room, I strongly suggest you remove at least half of them to reduce the load.

Finally, the mcb is doing a stirling job for you at the moment.

 

[kevnurse]

John D, I did wonder if the guy is having a laugh.

 

[MR-DIAZ]

ghf

 

[securespark]

I had a call from a customer with a single lighting circuit, pulling 2450W fully loaded. She wondered why the breaker popped of when she had parties....