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dougjon

Open Question

problem with bathroom lights?

I have three little lights in my bathroom powered by the lightswitch, however this morning turned the light switch on and they all started dimming, then just went off. they are new bulbs and the fuse box is showing that they are all on. Any ideas how I can fix this?

Posted 184 days ago

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Answers (8)

janemar

looks like a voltage variation issue

Posted 184 days ago

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janemar

You could have a loose connection which would effect all the lights if they are connected in series. or you could have one faulty bulb or one of the bulbs is not screwed in properly. Also a loose connection at the switch could be a cause.

Posted 184 days ago

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janemar

You have a bad connection, if you are not fearful of working with power on remove the switch check the connections the same on the light fixture and if you are not then turn the power off and do the same thing.

Posted 184 days ago

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janemar

You have a electrical short circuit. You need to identify where this is possibly with an electrical meter that measures voltages.

Posted 184 days ago

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janemar

If all three dimmed and went off at the same time, that rules out the light fittings or the direct wiring to them, therefore if the fuse is ok it only leaves the switch itself to be at fault.

Legally you are required to get a qualified electrician to replace it, it's also safer to do it that way unless you know what you're doing.

If you do know what your doing it's a simple DIY job.

1. Switch off the mains or the fuse to the lighting circuit.

2. Carefully remove the switch cover, sometimes it's only one of the wires that has become disconnected and just needs tightening up.

3. If all the wires are in place the chances are that the switch has broken down and needs replacing.

4. Make a note (a drawing is easier) of how many contacts there are and where each wire goes and buy a similar switch, or if there's not going to be anyone in the house switch the electricity off at the mains and take the switch with you.

5. Replace the new switch, connecting the wires as before, turn on the mains and all should be well.

Posted 184 days ago

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afiffai

If I were you I would get put in new light bulbs. See if it happens again. My guess is no. It is pretty uncommon for all lights to go out at the same time unless you have a power serge.With the resent storms I would 1st assume that is the problem. Another thing, electrical doesn't typically go bad without being adjusted. However, if it was improperly installed 1 of 2 things could happen. a slow arc between 2 wires not getting a good connection most unlikely which could take anywhere from minutes to years to cause serious damage, or the neutral wire could be getting a bad connection causing the lights to flicker then go out in minutes to days. Also unlikely. So i say turn light switch off put in bulbs turn on switch and check if it goes out again. My money goes on not. Good luck

Posted 184 days ago

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afiffai

From the behaviour that you describe, it is likely that they are low voltage bulbs with a common transformer.
Modern transformers have safety regulation circuits so that they will not be damaged by a short or other failure.

Check and replace all the bulbs, (if possible look at the originals) if the wattage is too high it will overload the transformer, and shut it down.
Take one or two bulbs out and see if it works correctly without it.

Posted 184 days ago

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janemar

I'd go with Fred,sounds like a low volt transformer has cut out or blown,have you replaced a lamp recently?
If so is it the right wattage,do check.
Most transformers have a thermal cut-out which turns off when too hot,but they will work after cooled down,if not coming back on it's blown,which can be replaced,just make sure you get same size(Kva rating) or bigger,definitely not smaller.

Posted 184 days ago

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