Two Spots Working One Not

[Nicolay]

We have just moved into a new house and in our fireplace we have three halogen spotlights in three recesses. When you turn the light on all three lights come on then after a second one of the lights go out and stays out. When you try again five minutes later the same thing happens. Anyone have any ideas why this happens and how I might fix it. (The bulb has been replaced so not that. I have also pulled out the wiring as far as I can see and it leads into a transformer of sorts - haven\\\'t done anything else as I don\\\'t understand how spotlights work) Thanks!

 

[plugwash]

probablly a faulty transformer, just buy a lighting transfromer of appropriate rating from an electrical supplier and replace it.

 

[Steve]

do check all the connections first!!! it sounds like it could be a hot/cold connection doin' its stuff!

 

[RF Lighting]

My first suspect would be a burnt lampholder

You can buy a new one here

If it is not this then an overloaded transformer would be favorite, but try the lampholder and a different new lamp as the faulty lampholder may have already burned one of the pins on the new lamp.

 

[Nicolay]

Many thanks for the speedy replies. Will try out your suggestions and see what happens.

Nicolay

 

[nozspark]

Could it be an under rated transformer?? - i.e. the thermal cutout operating and then resetting

 

[RF Lighting]

Could it be an under rated transformer?? - i.e. the thermal cutout operating and then resetting

My first suspect would be a burnt lampholder

You can buy a new one here

If it is not this then an overloaded transformer would be favorite, but try the lampholder and a different new lamp as the faulty lampholder may have already burned one of the pins on the new lamp.

 

[plugwash]

given that there are 3 spots and only one has failed i think an overloaded transformer is pretty unlikely (are there really transformers that aren't rated to handle one bulb?!)

a cheap sh1tty transformer that has died despite being of adequate rating is still my bet.