Lighting problem / dead live

[Scotty79]

Hi

I have a problem with a ceiling light (on a dimmer) where the live to the lamp appears to be dead. I've tested it and for some reason there's no feed at all. The wiring is loop in and everything else is working including the 'switch live' but my problem is how to fix it.

I'm clutching at straws but the room has been newly plastered and painted and I obviously want to avoid damaging the wall rewiring it if I can. I could take a feed from a nearby switch but it would involve chasing out the kitchen wall.... which has also just been finished!!!

Is there any way I can avoid chasing and patching!?

Thanks

 

[Johnmelad]

Hi

I have a problem with a ceiling light (on a dimmer) where the live to the lamp appears to be dead. I've tested it and for some reason there's no feed at all. The wiring is loop in and everything else is working including the 'switch live' but my problem is how to fix it.

I'm clutching at straws but the room has been newly plastered and painted and I obviously want to avoid damaging the wall rewiring it if I can. I could take a feed from a nearby switch but it would involve chasing out the kitchen wall.... which has also just been finished!!!

Is there any way I can avoid chasing and patching!?

Thanks

Pictures please

 

[regsmyth]

So you have working live and neutral to the ceiling rose, a working live to the switch, and a working switch live back to the lamp?
Hmm.

 

[jj4091]

How can your switch live be working if you don't have a live to the ceiling rose? If you are testing with a neon screwdriver then I would suggest you try a multi-meter. Do you know that the neutral is ok? //www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:lighting_circuit_layouts

 

[Scotty79]

Sorry..... switch live is NOT working, but I have a live to the lamp.
I don't like using neon screwdrivers - it's been tested with a meter. Neutral is ok.

Will post photos asap

Cheers

 

[ericmark]

The first question is what are you testing with? Line is compared with some other wire. Be it earth or neutral the voltage recorded is againt something else. Some time people try to measure to an aerial which can give all sorts of odd results. They use their own body as an aerial and clearly this will show if your likely to get a shock but not if there is a neutral or earth connected.

 

[pjcomp]

If the switched live return to he lamp is not live, pound to a penny your simmer switch is the dead part of the equation. try an ordinary switch in its place to test the hypothesis (power off during the changeover of course)

pj

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

If the switched live return to he lamp is not live, pound to a penny your simmer switch is the dead part of the equation. try an ordinary switch in its place to test the hypothesis (power off during the changeover of course)

pj

I'd go with that if wet plaster has just been slapped around it and the dimmer has been loosely attached to let the moisture "go somewhere".

 

[Scotty79]

Ok guys, I'll try an ordinary switch first of all - although this light fitting HAS worked since the plastering was done. It has just stopped working all of a sudden and no other electrical work has been done to interfere with it!

I'll whack another switch on and report back, thanks.

 

[Scotty79]

Different switch didn't work but I guess that makes sense as the live was tested and gave no reading.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

switch live is NOT working, but I have a live to the lamp.

Different switch didn't work.

You have a multimeter.

Have you not checked that there is continuity in the switch drop cable?

 

[ericmark]

It is unusual for cables to fail. More likely a screw worked loose at lamp or switch. From what you have said I would go to lamps ceiling rose and with power off genitally pull each wire.

You say using a meter to test so how did you test the supply to switch as normally no neutral and often one finds no earth connected to measure against.

I know it goes against the grain but rather than use long wandering leads to get the return I would give it a quick test with neon tester using an aerial (your body) as return in case earth not connected.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

with power off genitally pull each wire.

I know we're all men (and women) of the world, but even so...

But if it rocks your boat, go for it.

I would suggest being on a stable elevated platform rather than a stepladder though....


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[Safety First]

with power off genitally pull each wire.

I know we're all men (and women) of the world, but even so...

But if it rocks your boat, go for it.

I would suggest being on a stable elevated platform rather than a stepladder though....

Thanks for that. Obviously not everyone's cup of tea, but in the face of a really, really awful day I found myself laughing out loud at your comment. Thank you!

 

[stillp]

Have you been laughing for 11 months?