Timer for outdoor lights not working

[Jackall]

Hello.



[FONT=&amp]Any ideas as to why the following timer doesn't work - the dial doesn't turn at all. There is an electricity supply going into the box because the last switch is for the boiler which works. The first switch is labelled 'General'; the next switch and the timer are labelled 'Outdoor lights'; and the last switch is labelled 'Boiler', which definitely works. All the wiring is attached and not loose at all.

[/FONT]

 

[Plonker 3]

Have checked there is voltage going to the time clock with a approved voltage tester to GS38?

 

[Bobster]

Coils burnt out in the time clock would be my guess.

For anyone to reply, what skill base do you have? DIY, Trainee, Apprentice?

I'm asking as a qualified electrician would have solved this in minuets.

 

[Jackall]

I have a City Guilds Cert in Basic Electrics, as part of a combined skills course which also included Carpentry and Plumbing, but I didn't take the Part P - although I did practice with all the testing, etc.
I don't have any of the testing equipment, which is why I am asking for ideas for solving this. If the coils are burnt out, I could presumably replace the timer? Or does the burning of the coils suggest a more serious problem which would have to be remedied first?

 

[Anthony S]

Handyman

 

[Jackall]

I don't have a voltage tester, so I would have to bring in a fully trained electrician if that is the problem. I am hoping that the problem is a simple one which would simply mean replacing the timer unit.

 

[Plonker 3]

You need test equipment to find the problem not just swap parts until it works again. Call out a electrician who will be able to find the fault and advise on what needs to be done and costs.

 

[ImpededLoop]

I have a City Guilds Cert in Basic Electrics, as part of a combined skills course which also included Carpentry and Plumbing, but I didn't take the Part P - although I did practice with all the testing, etc.
I don't have any of the testing equipment, which is why I am asking for ideas for solving this. If the coils are burnt out, I could presumably replace the timer? Or does the burning of the coils suggest a more serious problem which would have to be remedied first?

If you don't have test equipment, you can't safely diagnose the cause of the fault. You might get lucky by replacing parts until the problem is resolved, or you may be unlucky and the new parts get damaged as well.

If you're unsure its best to get an electrician in.

 

[Jackall]

Handyman

"Please be reminded that if your reply can't help the original poster, it may be seen as pointless and taking the thread off topic. Please make sure what you are about to post is in-keeping with the forum rules, specifically the "be nice" rule. Just be nice and helpful (even to new members) or don't reply at all please."

 

[Anthony S]

"Please be reminded that if your reply can't help the original poster, it may be seen as pointless and taking the thread off topic. Please make sure what you are about to post is in-keeping with the forum rules, specifically the "be nice" rule. Just be nice and helpful (even to new members) or don't reply at all please."

Rob in post 3 asked about your your skill base so I read your profile and answered it for you.

 

[Jackall]

If no-one here says, say, that they had a similar problem and were able to solve it in a simpler way than testing, etc. (because they had the same problem themselves or have heard of things that could be done to check to see if the problem could be resolved simply) then, fair enough, I will have to get someone in. But I wanted to ask and find out, that's all.

 

[Plonker 3]

Every fault is unique, you never know what will be wrong when getting called to a fault.

Only onsite experience helps with that, a photo in this instance is of no use what so ever.

 

[Spoon]

Hi jackall. As mentioned above, its hard to sort out the problem without some form of test gear.
Also maybe better if you get the post shifted to the DIY section, you may get less stick.

 

[Jackall]

If I've put this in the wrong place, I'll remove it, but what I read for this forum also says:

"General electrical information and advice."

Is it only for electricians working in the UK and giving information and advice to each other?

 

[Leesparkykent]

If no-one here says, say, that they had a similar problem and were able to solve it in a simpler way than testing, etc. (because they had the same problem themselves or have heard of things that could be done to check to see if the problem could be resolved simply) then, fair enough, I will have to get someone in. But I wanted to ask and find out, that's all.

what could be simpler for a qualified electrician to do other than test it to see if it works or not?