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.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

not far enough, already tried

So how did the builder move it?

 

[Geordie Spark]

sorry, should have clarified. i measured 240v between L and E at the light fittings

Why??

Sorry if that's a silly question but I'm only a plumber.


BUT .... I would have thought measuring between L and N may have been better.

Never mind .. where's me blowtorch???

 

[Octopus]

Why the HELL did you use a JB on a lighting circuit?????????


Sorry matey but you've got what you deserve

AND more to the point, did the "moving" of the JB cause the problem???

 

[Silly Sausage]

It's a good job Glenn is still banned, he might not have lasted very long tonight! :smilielol5:

 

[Geordie Spark]

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

I think this tells me all I need to know about the almighty niceic !!

I'm glad I never wasted my hard-earned by joining any of these scams.

 

[rattlehead85]

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

Unless either a new C.U or a brand new circuit has been installed to this location the work in a kitchen is no longer notifiable.

 

[kingeri]

Was it a maintenance free junction box? Where in the ceiling was it accessible before, through one of the holes made for the downlights? You must have left a lot of slack on it for the builder to have moved it significantly! If this pseudo-fictional builder has moved it then has he potentially rewired it? If so I'd say that this isn't your problem so I hope you are charging for your time!

 

[midgetman]

In such cases I would loop at the switch. Less likely bodge the builder will break anything. As said sounds like a neutral is out somewhere.