low voltage lights gone dimmer/slow to light

[Mercian]

I have low voltage lights fitted upstairs and recently had new loft insulation installed in my loft. At the time the company fitting the insulation also placed "wedges" in the roof to prevent condensation forming.
I have noticed recently that the lights appear dimmer and the lights in one of the bedrooms take about five seconds to light up(!).
On removing a bulb from its socket there is a noticeable draft in the the opening. I have heard that drafts can affect the performance of these lights
( looking at previous posts ). Is this correct and if so why does it happen?
Finally has anyone got a safe solution?

 

[Chri5]

Sounds like a typical insulation company job where they have covered lights, wiring and transformers.

It maybe heat build up at the transformers and / or light fitting that is causing the performance issues.

I'd suggest you make sure the lamps and transformers have suitable breathing space around them.

Clay plant pots (the sort with a centred hole on the base) are a cheap way of keeping lamps away from the insulation. The transformers should be okay placed / laid on top of the insulation.

 

[Mercian]

Afetr they finished I went up the loft and had to uncover all the transformers and lights as they had just placed insulation all over them.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Chri5]

Afetr they finished I went up the loft and had to uncover all the transformers and lights as they had just placed insulation all over them.

Thanks for the reply.

Has the problem been after you uncovered them, or before you uncovered them ?

I'd be tempted to try a new transformer if the problem still exists.

 

[Steve]

I have heard that drafts can affect the performance of these lights

Nope, but downlights can affect your homes ability to meet about 5 parts of the building regs, as you're finding.

Cover them with insulation, and you have a fire risk.
Dont cover them with insulation, and you have energy loss and moisture ingress to an unconditioned space.

Get shut and have the ceilings replastered. Thats the easy answer. It also means you wont have wasted that £1k or so you just spent on loft insulation.

 

[Mercian]

Has the problem been after you uncovered them, or before you uncovered them ?

I'd be tempted to try a new transformer if the problem still exists.


They have alway been a little slow but since the insulation was put in they have become much worse-I think there are 3 lights on one transformer when there should be two max.