Trouble with halogen downlights

[tristanhefele]

The halogen downlights in my kitchen have shut down over the period of a few months, to the point where I have no working ones left.

They're on 3 dimmer switches and all the lights on one switch went at once (if that makes sense), so I guessed that each dimmer would have 1 transformer which is where the problem would be. However when pulling the downlights out I can't find any transformers just connectors (see pictures attached).

What options does this leave me with? Has the electrician who wired them put them so far up the chain that I can't access them? Is it possible that the transformers are located in the dimmer switches themselves? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tristan

 

[astormatt]

How many lights on each dimmer switch? I would assume they are mains downlights as they have an earth so no transformers to find.
My guess would be that a dimmer has failed if all stopped working at the same time as you may have 250 watt dimmers when perhaps you need 400's if more than 5 x 50watts lamps per switch.
Some Lamps may have blown, have they got sufficient airflow around them?

 

[tristanhefele]

Thanks for your time and advice Matt.

There are 11 lights on 3 dimmers (so 2x 4 + 1x 3) and are 50w lamps. I did have an airflow problem initially and think still have a bit as my bulbs do blow more often than they should, but the current issue is definitely not the bulbs as they have been replaced.

I'm going to replace the dimmer switch I think (attached is a picture - looks like a 400w one) and hopefully that'll sort it.

Thanks again,

Tristan

 

[Silly Sausage]

You've got a disconnected cable in there!

 

[oldtimer]

There are 2 types of light 1 is 12 volt ac and there is a transformer fitted then there is a 230 volt version of the lamps ie GU10 so what type have you got

 

[tristanhefele]

Good spot! That wouldn't have affected all 3 lights if they went at different time though would it?

- - - Updated - - -

Oldtimer, I've got GU10 40v lamps

 

[telectrix]

that job looks rough to me. get a sparks in to sort it, and while you're about it, go for GU10 LEDs.

 

[oldtimer]

Good spot! That wouldn't have affected all 3 lights if they went at different time though would it?

- - - Updated - - -

Oldtimer, I've got GU10 40v lamps

No you got GU10 230v 40 watt lamps and yes if this is the case then you could have a bad connection somewhere

 

[chrish_1977]

Make sure you fit the right lamps too, some reflect the heat out towards the front of the lamp and others reflect towards the rear, if you have an airflow problem this might not help either, and also use decent ones not cheap and cheerful

 

[oldtimer]

Make sure you fit the right lamps too, some reflect the heat out towards the front of the lamp and others reflect towards the rear, if you have an airflow problem this might not help either, and also use decent ones not cheap and cheerful

Yep get the Aluminium reflector ones and not the Dichroic

 

[thomas-1981]

Why are you trying to solve the problem when you don't even know the type of fittings you have. No offence but get an electrician in to sort it before you harm yourself.

 

[tristanhefele]

Why are you trying to solve the problem when you don't even know the type of fittings you have. No offence but get an electrician in to sort it before you harm yourself.

I promise you I won't be harming myself. Thank you for the care though.