Downlight not working

myfairlady

Evening guys,
Can anyone offer me some advice on a downlighter that isn't working? I have 4 Halogen downlights in my kitchen ceiling and one has stopped working. I changed the bulb and still no joy. I took a bulb I knew to be working and tried that and it didn't work. I pulled on the cable that was holding the bulb (yeah, I can see you all shaking your heads), and a small (what I believe to be a transformer) popped out on the cable.

Is it safe to assume that the transformer is the problem (if infact what I have pulled out of my ceiling is a transformer) Is there any test I can do? Does the transformer have a fuse? Okay, too many questions...help anyone?

Oh, and before anyone suggests I call an electrician, that was my husband's advice. To be perfectly honest, we can't afford one, so I want to try and fix it myself.

Thanks to anyone that has read this and even bigger thanks to anyone offering advice :beer:

TimBuckTeeth

The electronic transformer units can fail. You can get a new one for about £10.
They do contain a fuse but it is soldered to the circuit board and not replaceable.

If the transformer is connected to other lampholders then it must be working and maybe just a loose wire or bad lampholder.
If it is only connected to one lampholder then without test equipment the safest way is just to replace it.

Switch the electricity off at the main fusebox, then disconnect the cables from the old transformer - there should be a screw terminal block under a cover at each end.
Make sure the new transformer has the same output voltage (usually 12V) and the same or a higher power rating eg. 100VA.

Connect the cables to the new transformer, making sure that the mains is connected to the correct terminals and also the lampholder to the other end.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/39220/Lighting/Electronic-Transformers/LV-Transformers/240V-to-12V-AC-Low-Voltage-Electronic-Transformer-35-105VA

ormus

you can test it with a multimeter. just make sure you know which is the low voltage side!
domestic lighting transformers are not the most reliable things in the world.
as been said, if other lamps are working on the same circuit then the problem must be after the transformer.
bulbholders esp, these days, are a bit cr ap.

myfairlady

Timbuckteeth and Ormus,thank you so much. There is only one light connected to the transformer so I think its safe to assume that the transformer is the problem. Tried to find one today in B&Q but didn't have much luck. I guess I have to go an electrical retailer?

Thanks again guys. Much appreciated.

dcon_blue

Hi Myfairlady

I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if you ever solved the problem without calling an electrician ... cos I have exactly the same problem ... but I now have 4 bulbs in 3 rooms not working