Lights in kitchen not working

[todiyornot]

The lights in my kitchen went off one day. The system is fixed to the ceiling and has 3 lights in 3 directions. I initially though it was a problem with the bulbs but it doesn't work even if I replace the bulbs. Any suggestions on where to start looking greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[disinfo]

Have any of the MCB's tripped in your consumer unit?

 

[todiyornot]

No. That was the first thing I checked and they seem fine.

 

[disinfo]

Ok, is the light a standard 240V device or does it use low voltage lamps?

 

[Taylortwocities]

It may have a large transformer in it with an internal fuse.
Sometimes the fuse blows if a lamp pops.

Take cover off & have a look. Make sure you get the same type of fuse if you need to replace it.

 

[todiyornot]

Sorry, for getting back so late. There is actually a transformer within the unit and it is actually stuck on the inside. Cannot see a fuse here. Do we need to open up the transfprmer? The model is

HALOTRONIC HTM 105/230~240

Thanks

 

[todiyornot]

I can see the cover but cannot get it off as it won't slide and I don't see any mechanism to allow it to slide off Maybe I am being dumb but can I apply force and pull it off anyway?

 

[todiyornot]

Finally, got it off but everyting is soldered so any easy ways to figure out what blew off and also please suggest a kit that I can buy to do this myself.

Thanks very much

 

[Taylortwocities]

The spec for the transformer is here http://www.voltimum.co.uk/catalog/p...105-HTM-105W-230-240V-WITH-HOUSING-Osram.html

Its a 105W transformer but u need to check it is the transformer and not something else befopre u buy a new one.

Check: is there mains going to the input?
If there is mains goin in then:
Next connect a known working 50W lamp to the output.
If the lamp lights then there the transformer if OK and you've a wiring fault on the 12v side

If the lamp does not light then you need a new transformer. You could buy and 105W transformer that will fit.
There is a HALOTRONIC HTM 105/230~240 for sale on ebay for £10 right now.....

 

[hairyben]

You said 3 lights, and you also mention a 105w transformer- you havn't been using 50w lamps, have you?

 

[todiyornot]

Thanks Taylortwocities. I will give it a try.

Just looking at t he bulbs, what may have happened is that it originally had 35W bulbs and one of them popped so I got another one that looked similar (I knew nothing about what would be supported) and this one was a 50W. So currently it has 2 X 35W and 1 X 50W. Based on the question you've asked this is going upto 120W. Would that blow up the transformer?

I will give it another try with just the 2 35W bulbs and see if it works.

Thanks very much for your responses.

 

[hairyben]

Thanks Taylortwocities. I will give it a try.

Just looking at t he bulbs, what may have happened is that it originally had 35W bulbs and one of them popped so I got another one that looked similar (I knew nothing about what would be supported) and this one was a 50W. So currently it has 2 X 35W and 1 X 50W. Based on the question you've asked this is going upto 120W. Would that blow up the transformer?

I will give it another try with just the 2 35W bulbs and see if it works.

Thanks very much for your responses.

Light fitting manufacturers are swines for fitting low rated trannys.

A half decent transformer will "trip" then reset itself when the load is removed. Cheap ones will burn out. If you havn't yet, try leaving it switched off for a little while.

(I once found some LV lights in a bathroom with the switch wired to short circuit the transformer load connections. Fantastically, this worked for a couple of years- the switch shorted the transformer, which tripped out so no light, then when you turned the switch off the transformer reset itself and the lights came on.)

 

[Taylortwocities]

The spec of the transformer says:

Short-circuit protection: electronically reversible 1)
Overload protection: electronically reversible 1)
Overtemperature protection: electronically reversible 1)


1) For HT...L only if supplied with ac voltage

IThis means that if you overload it, the transformer will cut out and reset when u remove the overload and then switch off and then on the supply.

Pop the 2x35w in and give it a try. If it doesnt work then probably the tranny is phut. The overload feature seems to be only on the
(quote) HT....L model and you have an HTM.

 

[todiyornot]

Thank you. I tried with the 2 35W bulbs but it won't come up. I just need to test the direct line to make sure nothing else is wrong, if not, order a new transformer.

Thanks for your help Taylortwocities and hairyben