Circuit Board Sparking

[TX-3280]

Hi,
I have a light above my oven, with an extractor fan.
 
I switched it on yesterday and it worked fine, until the light started flicking and then went off.
 
It uses two light bulbs and states: "MAX 40W".
 
I have put two new 15w bulbs in to no avail, so I took the switch box a part. 
 
The light switch, underneath, one of the pins that was originally soldered is all black and burnt. I have tried putting a tiny amount of foil over the burn, and it works for a few seconds, sparks and burns, and then stops working. 
 
Can anyone explain what I need to do in layman's terms to fix it.
 
Thanks
Dan
 
I can email pictures, I can't seem to attach them on here?

 

[Chewbacca]

replace the switch or buy a new extractor fan - you won't successfully repair what's there.

 

[ProDave]

I've done one of these.

I tried a repair, but it didn't last long.

So the customer managed to contact the manufacturer of the cooker hood, and they sold him a new switch module, which I then installed for him.

P.S if you go down that route, could I have the old broken switch module for a project?

 

[Andy™]

sounds like there is nothing wrong with it, just PD wants it knowing it still works!

 

[NozSpark]

Well, I've repaired a couple of these things.... still going strong now

 

[TX-3280]

The problem is, I can't easily see the make of the cooker hood, the extractor fan and switches work fine, it's just the light switch that is causing problems. Is it likely to be the switch that is the problem then?

It just doesn't make sense to me how one minute it's working the next it isn't.

Yeah, if I get a new switch I'll send you the old one. 

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

It just doesn't make sense to me how one minute it's working the next it isn't.

That is how most things do "give up" (Work one minute then not the next) it is because a part of it has failed.

Since as you said you are a layman, and you also used a piece of tinfoil, I suggest that in order to stay safe and to prevent a fire you change the whole extractor hood.

I know what I am saying does seem a bit extreme, but the truth is as follows.

Without a wiring diagram and seeing the unit in question, the best anyone can do is to guess what is wrong. You have already implied you do not know what you are doing, you really should get it looked at by a qualified person, but that means finding some one who knows about your brand of cooker hood, which if you do will mean an expensive bill.

Further more, I can understand why you have asked on an electricians forum, after all the device you have is electric, ask an electrician, I am sorry to say that it doesn't work like that any more. Things have got too specialised, it may be that your cooker hood has a "known or common problem" which kitchen appliance repair bods know about, but an electrician would not know.

I am sorry, but either leave it alone or get a new one.

 

[batty]

You have to weigh up is it worth repairing. I did one about a month back lamps not working it took hours to strip it apart and repair. The whole motor had to come out, with this the lamp holders had push fit connectors and when the lamp blew if blew the connection out. Poor design really. Cost around £60.00 a new hood was just over a £100. so it probably would have been better in long run to replace it.

 

[TX-3280]

Cheers for the replies, I've sent my electrician a picture and it just needs re-soldering.

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

Cheers for the replies, I've sent my electrician a picture and it just needs re-soldering.

How much will he charge (rhetorical question)

I also wonder why it failed, it may be more has gone wrong (Hopefully not) please let us know how it goes.

 

[batty]

The weakest link when lamp blows I suspect.

 

[Evans Electric]

The problem is, I can't easily see the make of the cooker hood, the extractor fan and switches work fine, it's just the light switch that is causing problems. Is it likely to be the switch that is the problem then?

It just doesn't make sense to me how one minute it's working the next it isn't.

Yeah, if I get a new switch I'll send you the old one. 

Cest' La Vie    thats how it is  TX ,  one minute you're alive ...next , you're dead and all the wars you fought and the soldiers that politicians sent to their deaths  don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world ...........heres looking at you kid . 

Jeez  how much have I drunk tonight ?

 

[batty]

Not enough by the sound of it you are still writing drivel. 

 

[Evans Electric]

Well you soon learn who your friends are . :innocent .......it makes perfect sense to me

How about you , Brian  ?   :C  

 

[sparkytim]

Did you check the 3 Amp fuse in the supply Fused switch or Plug was still Ok? Often when one of the lamps blows it will take out a 3 amp fuse.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Cest' La Vie    thats how it is  TX ,  one minute you're alive ...next , you're dead and all the wars you fought and the soldiers that politicians sent to their deaths  don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world ...........heres looking at you kid . 

 That's the same i have said to customers many times 'well my father was alive & well one day, next he was dead, thats what happens'  they stare at me as if i  am  mad and  ask yet again , whats that got to do with my lounge light that worked yesterday ?

 

[Blue Duck]

:slap its the other way round for me. normally them telling me about chemotherapy or a death in the family and I have to stear the conversion to me melted socket sticking out the skirting boards

:C

 

[TX-3280]

ReSoldered the connection and it works fine. Thanks people.