Problem with x6 down lights with dimmer

[Wahzy]

Hi guys.

At a job today where 6 low voltage recessed downlights with individual transformers (jcc) have stopped working. Dimmer switch seemed to function as supply at light fittings present. Looked like all 6 transformers have blown. Replaced one and turned dimmer on. Light came on and then transformer blows. Dimmer also blown now.

Changed dimmer for for a switch and tried another transformer. This time it works. Is this just a case of a faulty dimmer that blew all 6 transformers?

fimmer is an Aurora 400W

 

[applemac]

I hate Lviv lighting. I usually pull them out and upgrade to 230v led.

 

[moose]

You need drivers not transformers and some dimmers are incompatible with the above.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

You need drivers not transformers and some dimmers are incompatible with the above.

I dont think the OP mentioned LED downlights so transformers would be fine.

Where they all fed from one junction box or individually looped? What was the voltage, was it particulary high? Have to agree it does sound like the dimmer, perhaps poor connections in the original dimmer?

 

[Hawk]

Are they dimmable transformers?

 

[greengrass66]

You need drivers not transformers and some dimmers are incompatible with the above.

Why do u need drivers? they arent LED are they? Also i had the same problem the other week and the fault turned out to be a faulty dimmer switch. Replace that and see what happens

 

[Wahzy]

Checked all fittings looped wiring with 3/4 wires at one with feed etc. transformers are dimmable. They are MR16 lamps in fire rated enclosures. Might downgrade lamps to 35w?

 

[R G]

What rating is the dimmer , if you have 6 x 50W lamps , thats 300watt and theres also the transformers and start up , so if you have a 250 watt dimmer this could have become damaged over time , and may have caused the fault that you have , If you are replacing the dimmer install a suitably rated one ..

 

[HappyHippyDad]

What rating is the dimmer , if you have 6 x 50W lamps , thats 300watt and theres also the transformers and start up , so if you have a 250 watt dimmer this could have become damaged over time , and may have caused the fault that you have , If you are replacing the dimmer install a suitably rated one ..

The OP said in his first post it was a 400W dimmer.

 

[R G]

The OP said in his first post it was a 400W dimmer.

Oh O/K...

 

[telectrix]

change to GU10 LEDs, fir appropriate dimmer. job done, money saving. everyone's a winner.

 

[shanky887614]

change to GU10 LEDs, fir appropriate dimmer. job done, money saving. everyone's a winner.

I dont understand why people don't do this, you can keep the mr16 fittings.

All you need to change is the connecter, dimmer and remove tranny

 

[telectrix]

yep.it's a no-brainer. the GU10 LEDs are now down to below a fiver (quality dimmable 5watt).

 

[Marvo]

Some electronic transformers specify they'll only operate with a leading edge or trailing edge dimmer.

A word of caution testing the dimmer output, you may get some strange readings because the waveform is modulated and isn't even remotely sine wave in shape some some testers won't give a meaningful or accurate reading.

 

[Wahzy]

yep.it's a no-brainer. the GU10 LEDs are now down to below a fiver (quality dimmable 5watt).

Can you link me to these? I have fitted some new Aurora 9W LED GU10 dimmable lamps that are really bright and give a nice warm colour temperature. They are about £10 each though.