Our kitchen down lights randomly stopped working yesterday.
They are controlled by a wall switch and also a triple knob dimmer switch.
I’ve replaced the transformer thinking that the likely issue but no joy.
Wiring on the switch and dimmer all look good and the other 2 zones controlled by the dimmer are working fine.
There’s been no work going on that could have upset things.
What am I missing?
You're missing a piece of test equipment to take most of the guesswork out. Does the transformer have 240v in (only) when you expect it to? Similarly 12v output and if so, do you also get 12v across lamp terminals?
It’s test equipment I’m missing. All the lights in the house are on a single fuse on the consumer unit so I’m struggling as to why I’d have lost the 240v just to one set of lights?
Clearly I have no idea what I’m about.
Do you have 3 dimmer modules?
If so, the one not working would be my first place to check.
I presume 2 way switching if you have a normal switch and a dimmer.
If so, you will probably have 3 wires at the dimmer, turn the power off, then connect the Common to L1, put the other terminal (L2) somehwere safe, or leave it in the dimmer terminal.
Turn back on, and try the lights at the normal switch. If they now work, it is the dimmer module. It is quite common for them to fail.
If that doesnt work, then far more info will be required to give an online diagnosis.
Thanks Alanl, correct on the 3 dimmer modules.
I wired into one of the working modules earlier and still didn’t work, it’s looking like I need a sparky.
I was hoping there was something glaring obvious but I think I’ve done as much as I can safely.
Have you proven the transformer that you changed? It's possible for new 9nes to be faulty.
A multi meter would take out a lot of the guess work.
It should take out all of the guess work.
Are they LED lamps or MR16? Have you replaced the transformer or driver with the opposite kind? Either will need to be a dimmable version too, and capable of running the amount of lamps attached.
Also depending on how many cables are connected in the switches could indicate there is a junction box somewhere and the screw terminals in those can work loose over time.
Troubleshooting 101. You have many variables. Start ruling them out, one by one.
Refer to WhatsApp!
When you get it all looked at bin the transformer and get some gu10 LEDs. 12V downlights are hateful things; the lamps last no time at all, they're single-handedly killing all the polar bears and you'll not be able to buy the lamps in the near future.
Unless you know your way round the wiring, and have voltage indicating equipment, you'll need to get an electrician in. But I think you've come to that conclusion.
Cheers for all the advice, electrician arriving at 10am on Saturday
Normally the mini transformers which die, they often sit in the ceiling somewhere.
Could be the dimmer switch.
FYI, you need to get specific dimmers for lights with either electronic transformers or led lamps.
I've also seen before where a lamp has popped and has taken the electronic transformer and dimmer switch with it. 🤷🏻♀️
