Hello, I am almost finished on a kitchen re-fit project and have a problem with some low-voltage lights. Now, I have undertaken none of the work myself, having used a Part P qualified electrician (as required for Building Regs), however, as he is coming back next week and most of the tradesman to date have played on my ignorance in their field of expertise and generally taken the P**s I would like to at least gain a small understanding of what the issue might be.
So here goes:-
I have a lighting circuit with 6 x 20Watt Halogen Bulbs. These are controlled by a dimmer at one end and a normal on/off at the other so I can control from either end of the kitchen. 2 of the lights have their own transformer and the remaining 4 share a transformer designed for more than 1 light.
Initially, the first transformer on the circuit blew when the light was switched on from the on/off switch. Then yesterday (after it had been replaced) it blew again. Today, the next transformer on the circuit blew (the 1st having not been replaced) after being switched on from the dimmer.
In all instances the transformers work for a period of time before they seem to blow and survive being switched on/off from either switch.
So that's 3 transformers blown. Yesterday, I had a full electrical installation report carried out and it found nothing wrong (it was not done because of this problem I hasten to add).
So my question is:-
1. Is the problem likely to be the transformers?
2. Is the problem likely to be the normal switch type on/off switch?
3. Is the problem likely to be the dimmer switch?
4.Is it possible to buy a transformer that doesn't just blow and have to be replaced, but has some sort of trip mechanism?
5.Is it possible that some makes of transformers and dimmers just are not compatible?
6.Am I clutching at straws???
Any help, advice or tips very much appreciated
Stu
So here goes:-
I have a lighting circuit with 6 x 20Watt Halogen Bulbs. These are controlled by a dimmer at one end and a normal on/off at the other so I can control from either end of the kitchen. 2 of the lights have their own transformer and the remaining 4 share a transformer designed for more than 1 light.
Initially, the first transformer on the circuit blew when the light was switched on from the on/off switch. Then yesterday (after it had been replaced) it blew again. Today, the next transformer on the circuit blew (the 1st having not been replaced) after being switched on from the dimmer.
In all instances the transformers work for a period of time before they seem to blow and survive being switched on/off from either switch.
So that's 3 transformers blown. Yesterday, I had a full electrical installation report carried out and it found nothing wrong (it was not done because of this problem I hasten to add).
So my question is:-
1. Is the problem likely to be the transformers?
2. Is the problem likely to be the normal switch type on/off switch?
3. Is the problem likely to be the dimmer switch?
4.Is it possible to buy a transformer that doesn't just blow and have to be replaced, but has some sort of trip mechanism?
5.Is it possible that some makes of transformers and dimmers just are not compatible?
6.Am I clutching at straws???
Any help, advice or tips very much appreciated
Stu