lighting problem - please help!

[LayerSeven]

hi all,

i installed some new spotlights in a customers kitchen and an external security light about 6 months ago. all went well with the install - test results were good and the lights worked as the client wanted them to (switchable from 3 points in the kitchen).
however, i got a call today to say the kitchen lights and the security light had stopped working. i went round and did some testing on them to try and find out what the problem was but couldnt figure it out. i only had time to do some basic tests as the client couldnt give me much time but what i found was:

• measured 240v at the switches
• measured 240v at the light fittings
• bulbs definitely work, i tried them in a different fitting
• checked for loose connections at the db, switches and light fittings and found none
• switch lives and common seem to be working as they should but i need to test again

client says no work has been done to the house or wiring since they were fitted so i'm assuming no damage to cables but i still need to test them.

the only part of the circuit i cant get to for testing is a junction box concealed in the ceiling cavity but if i have to i can cut a hole in the plasterboard to get to it. obviously i would like to avoid this if possible!

anyone come across this before and got any handy suggestions on what the problem might be?

thanks in advance for any help given.

 

[7029 dave]

Why did you not measure to neutral?

Agreed Dillb, first test L N

 

[LayerSeven]

ok, i got...
L-N - no reading
N-E - 230v
L-E - 230v

circuit is wired loop in but with junction boxes. run as an addition to an existing lighting circuit and the original lights are still working

 

[Plonker 3]

As you have already been told, you have lost your neutral.

- - - Updated - - -

Find that problem solved.

 

[LayerSeven]

righto, thanks for the help everyone

 

[BES]

Sorry but the statement bleeding obvious comes to mind !!!

 

[LayerSeven]

thought it might be, i'm just being thick. need things spelling out sometimes!

 

[Octopus]

How do you know there is a hidden JB?

 

[LayerSeven]

How do you know there is a hidden JB?

because i put up in the ceiling where it would have been accessible and then the builders came in and moved it (according to the client) first i knew of it being moved was when i went back to do the final fix and testing and by that point the ceiling was in place

 

[Silly Sausage]

Why have you got a JB in this circuit?
What's connected to it?

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

How far can you move a connected up JB :-s

 

[bigspark17]

Are you an electrician? Work in kitchen is notifiable to LABC!

 

[LayerSeven]

How far can you move a connected up JB :-s

not far enough, already tried

 

[LayerSeven]

Are you an electrician? Work in kitchen is notifiable to LABC!

yes. niceic member, work has already been signed of with bc

 

[Silly Sausage]

client says no work has been done to the house or wiring since they were fitted

because i put up in the ceiling where it would have been accessible and then the builders came in and moved it (according to the client) first i knew of it being moved was when i went back to do the final fix and testing and by that point the ceiling was in place

Hmmmmm!!!! :smilielol5:

 

[D Skelton]

I'm biting my tongue here with regards to competence, I don't know enough to comment, still, let this be a lesson to you LayerSeven, with downlights always loop at the switches!