Light tripping!! Any advice

[Jay Sparks]

If the light is on a 1G 2 way switch, check that the terminal screw from the unused way isn't sitting on/touching the lug/back box.

I had that problem on an outside light years ago. Worked ok when on, but tripped as soon as they turned it off. As soon as I pulled the switch plate forward, the little terminal screw fell out and I could see where it had been touching/arcing on the bottom lug of the back box.

Jay

 

[young sparky]

Are the lights 230v or is there a transformer involved?

Yea light has quite a large transformer inside with approx 14 lamps dropping, really hoping it wasnt a faulty light but can’t think of any other reason why it would be tripping

 

[happysteve]

Could be a transient spike from the collapsing magnetic field in the transformer when you turn it off suddenly with a switch. Much like a switch start fluorescent. In theory, the breaking switch contact should prevent any extra current from this spike reaching and tripping the breaker, but breaking a contact isn't instantaneous and as @Richard Burns has mentioned there's the possibility of an arc being sustained across an opening light switch.

As per @ipf 's post - what size and type of breaker? If Zs and other factors will allow it, perhaps go to a type C (if not already)? Failing that, perhaps some sort of surge protective device (stubber?) located near the big light?

 

[static zap]

Could be a transient spike from the collapsing magnetic field in the transformer when you turn it off suddenly with a switch......
@Richard Burns has mentioned there's the possibility of an arc being sustained across an opening light switch.

As per @ipf 's post - what size and type of breaker? If Zs and other factors will allow it, perhaps go to a type C (if not already)? Failing that, perhaps some sort of surge protective device (stubber?) located near the big light?

Switch already damaged ,Snubber required.
(has MCB been ruled out for being over sensitive )

 

[ipf]

Yea light has quite a large transformer inside with approx 14 lamps dropping, really hoping it wasnt a faulty light but can’t think of any other reason why it would be tripping

Give some details...breaker and fitting, as previously said. Did you read the instructions fully?
Everybody is surmising.