Help! Downlights not working

[StevenN80]

Hi All

I have 3 halogen downlights on my landing and stupidly put a 30w bulb in one when the max was supposed to be 20w.

None of the downlights on the landing now work. Could it be the transformer thats blown?

If it is the transformer could someone please advise on the transformer i would need to get to replace the one pictured in the attachment. (Cant find a direct replacement anywhere)

Thanks for any help in advance.

Cheers

 

[Midwest]

It would appear, as you've suggested, that you have overloaded your 60w transformer. You would just need to purchase a replacement, places like Screwfix have suitable transformers. You would need one suitable to mount on a flammable surface (F inside inverted triangle). What is a bit concerning, is the existing wiring to the primary connections, and the existing secondary wiring to the existing luminaires, and their 'connect-ability' to the new transformer.

Might be worth getting an electrician to have a look.

PS a new transformer would normally have overload protection, and might prevent this problem again

PPS, get the electrician to install you some nice spanking new 230v LED down lights, which don't need tiresome transformers

 

[The Ghost]

Rating of the transformer suggests it was not overloaded.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Rating of the transformer suggests it was not overloaded.

Err
Transformer rating 60VA
Lamps installed 20+20+30 = 70

Is 70 more than 60? Yes

I wonder if the other two lights still work if the 30W lamp is removed. Have you tried that @StevenN80 ??
Also.… 30W is an unusual value. 35W is more normal.

 

[The Ghost]

Just seeing if anyone is awake on the forum, clearly I'm not

 

[StevenN80]

I did change the 30w bulb for a 20w one after the lights failed. Still doesn't work.

Would this transformer be ok to try replace it with (attached)?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes, if all lamps are no more than 20watts each.

 

[Octopus]

Maybe better to fit a higher rated unit ... so if you fit the wrong bulb again it won't blow!

 

[telectrix]

better still to fit 230V GU10s LED.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I think Midwest suggested that, earlier.

 

[marc8]

the unit would not be fed from a switch fuse by any chance when the transformer went down could of taken out a fuse?
also not sure if those are uninsulated cables on the supply side of the transformer not in the protected case but you might want to trim them back later.

 

[StevenN80]

Thanks for all the responses, much appreciated.

Could these lights have a separate switch fuse? the main fuse for the upstairs lights is ok.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Anything is possible. You have two options:
1. Do this properly. Buy a proper multimeter and test if you have 230v going into the transformer and 12v coming out (and arriving at the lamps)
Or
2. Go buy a new transformer, swop it and see if that fixes it. If it doesn't fix it, it means something else is wrong and you'll still need to go to option 1.

Hope this helps.

 

[shaun1]

Did the 35w lamp work for any length of time before it all went off? The symbol on the transformer appears to possibly indicate a thermal fuse. This might be one that self resets after it has cooled down. Did you try the lights again after an hour or 2?

 

[StevenN80]

The 35w lamp did work for a period of time before they all stopped working. Not been working for over a month now so def cooled down

I will try replacing the transformer first and hope that works.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Specialist]

Please make sure you turn the Electrical supply off before carrying out any work and to be safe you should have a test lamp to prove the circuit is dead.
Turning the light switch off, does not make It safe.

 

[David M]

Replace the transformer with a higher rated one, the cost will be minimal. If you can though go with what Midwest first suggested and replace the light fittings with 230v led's , they last much longer, use less energy and run cooler.

 

[StevenN80]

Yes will ensure i turn off the electric supply to the upstairs lights from the main fuse box. ta

 

[Specialist]

Sorry to be pedantic but you need to turn off the main switch, not just turn off the MCB in the Consumer unit.
Turning off the MCB only isolates 1 Pole of the ciruit I.e the Live (Well hopefully). You need to isolate both.