Lighting

[JustStartingOut]

Hello All

Just wondering if anyone can give me some pointers to look out for on a job that I have lined up for next week.

Customer has got some problems with a high power dimmer for kitchen lights ("may need replacing"), and some intermittent problems with downlighters in another room - I assume they will be elv.

What should I be looking out for / what are the obvious pitfalls / faults with these?

Any pointers appreciated.

 

[binky]

Shallow back box causing dimmer to overheat. Knackered trannies causing downlighters to work intermittently and ultimately fail.

 

[Mark2spark]

I think it's just the obvious things JSO.

Things like how many lv d/l's are on the dimmer, and whats the dimmer rating?

An intermittent fault sounds like a loose connection, but I find the 'prongs' on a mr16 lamp need a bit of emery paper rub down to ensure a continued good shiny contact as maintenance, and the lamp holders themselves don't seem to last long, a few spares in the van is always a good shout.

 

[Riggy]

Regarding intermittent fault on lights, also look out for connected load/transformer rating, not unusual to find them overloaded. Heat up, trip out, cool down, auto reset, heat up , trip out.....................

Dimmers need to be treated as a consumable in my experience, don't ***** about, just change it!

 

[patspark]

trannies to close to insulation ( rockwool ) they have thermal cutouts they

get hot go off cool down come back on drop the down light and check the transformer has some breathing space

 

[JustStartingOut]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

I often find burnt out connectors between the lampholder and tranny. I always tighten all 4 screws when connecting, but noticed many others never check the two screws that already have the cables terminated.

Remember the people assembling these parts are only being paid 2 grains of rice a week and dont care.

 

[NozSpark]

not only do the mr16 pins need cleaning sometimes, but the lamp holders can become loose and require replacement.

 

[Andy™]

keep some MR16 connectors with you - if the lamp isnt inserted correctly these burn out

 

[Mr Sworld]

not only do the mr16 pins need cleaning sometimes, but the lamp holders can become loose and require replacement.

The classic way is to give the lamps a flick with your finger and watch them leap back to life! Problem is most people buy the cheapest version they can (after all they all look the same!).