Lighting Circuit failure

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PhilB

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My client has half his upstairs lights working and half not. They are all on the same 5A fuse. His loft is boarded and so it's not easy to see the cable runs. What is the most likely cause? Is it likely to be a disconnected live or disconnected neutral in one of the ceiling roses that disconnects all the light units beyond or perhaps a problem in a junction box (loft lights were a later addition) that is hidden from view. I am reluctant start taking the very neatly loft boards up unnecessarily. Or is is something else?

Your thoughts would be welcome..

 
Phil

Usually will be as you said disconnected live or neutral. You should not have to take boards up if you can get access to cables from below are they pendants or downlights. Are you an electrician and welcome to the forum.

Batty

 
Have there been any new light fittings put up, switches or anything nailed or screwed into the wall recently?

 
the only way to find out is dig out a multi tester.. :0

a cheap 1 will do. 7 pound from halford or similar.

 
My client has half his upstairs lights working and half not. They are all on the same 5A fuse. His loft is boarded and so it's not easy to see the cable runs. What is the most likely cause? Is it likely to be a disconnected live or disconnected neutral in one of the ceiling roses that disconnects all the light units beyond or perhaps a problem in a junction box (loft lights were a later addition) that is hidden from view. I am reluctant start taking the very neatly loft boards up unnecessarily. Or is is something else? Your thoughts would be welcome..
Posibly...

or if they are looped at the switches... could be dis at a light switch!

I would either open up all ceiling roses & put a test meter on checking for voltages or do it dead by disconnect the circuit at the CU..

join all conductors together in a bit of connector block

then meter out for continuity all each light fitting in turn...

As sparyk999 says start looking at any light fittings that have recently been changed! :)

 
My client has half his upstairs lights working and half not. They are all on the same 5A fuse. His loft is boarded and so it's not easy to see the cable runs. What is the most likely cause? Is it likely to be a disconnected live or disconnected neutral in one of the ceiling roses that disconnects all the light units beyond or perhaps a problem in a junction box (loft lights were a later addition) that is hidden from view. I am reluctant start taking the very neatly loft boards up unnecessarily. Or is is something else? Your thoughts would be welcome..
Had fault like this on upstairs lights with attic boarded out i pulled up some boards to check wiring and found no fibreglass insulation underneath and rats had chewed through cables ,pull some boards up you will be able to smell if rats have been there

 
Had fault like this on upstairs lights with attic boarded out i pulled up some boards to check wiring and found no fibreglass insulation underneath and rats had chewed through cables ,pull some boards up you will be able to smell if rats have been there
Good point Daryl.

Doc H.

 
Had a similar thing in Edgbaston Birmingham intermitant to begin with then lights went out upstairs.

Cooked squirrel for lunch in the loft, got in through the eaves close to a tree.

As stated cheapo meter not neon tester and test between N & l for 230v.

Happy fault finding.

 
Had a similar thing in Edgbaston Birmingham intermitant to begin with then lights went out upstairs.Cooked squirrel for lunch in the loft, got in through the eaves close to a tree.

As stated cheapo meter not neon tester and test between N & l for 230v.

Happy fault finding.
Edgbaston? ?:|

thats down the posh end... where they get out of the bath to go the to loo!!! :^O :^O

IMHO Upstairs lighting is probably more susceptible to vermin in the loft space, Rats, Mice, Squirrels etc..

especially older properties, or locations near open fields or countryside than downstairs lighting. :(

It can also be a nuisance if the building has open loft area to adjoining proprieties. :_|

Obviously vermin will get anywhere in a property, but they do often like loft & roof voids. X(

I had a rat in a roof job recently... wot took out some lights...

beware the Rats...... or squirrels? - Electrician Forum

thats down the road a bit from you Bassman over by the Clent hills! ;)

 
Special location

Edgbaston?

thats down the posh end... where they get out of the bath to go the to loo!!!

IMHO Upstairs lighting is probably more susceptible to vermin in the loft space, Rats, Mice, Squirrels etc..

I had a rat in a roof job recently... wot took out some lights...

thats down the road a bit from you Bassman over by the Clent hills!

SPECIAL:

Spent my time in hockley cellars and dumps not fit for vermin.Nice when your young keen and hungry.

 
Usually a loose live condutor in a rose or j b . shouldn't take too long to find and to put right . hopefully no rodents have been at the wiring good luck with it Guiness Drink

 
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