Downlighter Transformer Problem?

[Pharg]

Have 10 low voltage (12v) halogen downlights in kitchen/corridor working off the same dimmer switch. These have been working for several years but had to change the occassional transformer.

Hadn't done it for a while so had 3 to replace. Used Saxby ET60T-R, rated 20-60W, and seemed to be sorted but after working for a day or so, all 10 dimmed and died at the same time. After switching off and leaving for a few secs, turned back on and only one light working (one of the lights on the transformers I changed). Am using 20W bulbs (haven't changed any bulbs, only transformers).

Any ideas - could all 9 transformers have blown or is it more likely there's something wrong in the rewiring/refitting on one of them?

Not been around during the day to try to fix yet, was planning to investigate over the weekend.

Many thanks for ideas

 

[ricicle]

Are the transformers dimmable ?
Is the dimmer compatable with the transformers ?

Halogen lamps do not like being dimmed.

 

[Pharg]

Thanks for the reply.

This is what it says on the tin:

"Dimmable with most Low & Mains Voltage Dimmers" on box and
"The transformer can be dimmed using most types of mains resistive and low voltage inductive dimmers." on inside sheet.

Think I'm using same variety that a previous sparky used for other transformers that had gone a year or so back.

 

[ricicle]

Are the trannys free for air to circulate around them. ?

 

[Pharg]

Thanks again.

Shouldn't be the problem as no different to before and didn't touch 7 out of 10 lights.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Have 10 low voltage (12v) halogen downlights in kitchen/corridor

I only have 12 (soon to be 11) low voltage (230V) lights (ceiling and wall) for the entire ground floor of my house.

One of us must be doing something wrong, and as I've not noticed any drawbacks in 20 years I don't think it's me...

 

[Pharg]

Agree but mrs pharg wanted the kitchen "nice and light" when we put the extension on. They used to have 50w bulbs in - I needed welding goggles to eat tea!!
Anyway, lights now all working. I looked at the one that was working and there was a bit of the plastic wire insulation in the connector for the neutral terminal. I stripped this back and remade the connection and lights now all ok.
Does this make sense? The light that was working was the closest one to the switch, although I'm not certain of the wiring order, so if this was a bad connection, does it fit with this one working whilst the others were not working.
Sounds right to me but would like confirmation.

Ta

 

[electronicsuk]

Your assumptions sound correct - if the transformers are looped in/out on the primary side then a poor connection at the beginning of the chain could, of course, affect the fittings further along the chain.