One switch stopped working and another on same panel hot

[Lex90]

Hi all just after some other brains

From the photo, the switch on the furthest right has stopped working - the downlights it switches (4) are not actually dimmable, just off/on, but they’ve put it on a 3 gang where the other two are dimmable (also 4 each, working fine).

Obviously the wires they’ve left are rather long, but looking for the most likely cause of the failure and also I noticed that above the middle switch had been getting hot so I have disconnected everything for now and any obvious reason why that would be before I call a spark in for more thorough investigations? If it’s just going to be swapping out the failed switch and shortening some wires to wire back in I feel competent but beyond that I’ll call a spark.

Cheers

 

[securespark]

Well, I think the likely cause of failure is that the dimmer is trying to dim lamps that are not dimmable.

How long ago was this work done?

Can you call them back?

Dimmers often run warm, but if they are hot, it can be because they are overloaded.

 

[Lex90]

Ok, I will check tomorrow what the load is. I wouldn’t have thought overloaded though. And it’s weird that it only started getting hot after the other switch failed. Unless it is somehow now carrying the load of both switches but I can’t see how that would be, especially if those lights don’t turn on.

No they were done before my time here unfortunately. I do know from looking up the dead switch though that it’s just on/off, not dimmable, so that part should be ok at least.

Click MiniGrid MD9001 6A 2 Way Push On/Off Module

About this product​

The Click MiniGrid MD9001 6A 2 Way on/off push switch is a simple two way grid switch with a single screw installation. It looks like a dimmer switch and will match up to other switches on a dimmer plate. This allows easy installation into any of the Click Unfurnished Mini Grid Plates - requires one module space in the plate. Offers complete freedom and flexibility when customising and creating switching solutions within the home or in a commercial setting.

Brand
Scolmore
Style
Push Button

 

[securespark]

OK. Got you now.

So, has the switch actually failed, or are the lights goosed? Does the right hand switch click when you operate it?

If you feed confident, turn off the power and remove the wires from that switch and join them together with a connector.

Reinstate the power. Do the lights come on?

If they do, the switch is goosed, if they don't, the lights are.

Re the other two dimmers, what are the the lighting types and what are the loads?

Eg LED, Halogen, CFL, mixed. And how many watts in total on each?

Edited for clarity.

 

[Lex90]

Ok connected them with a Wago and it is the switch. So that’s good to know. But I found out it is actually on a different circuit to the other two switches. Is that normal? Glad I used a tester first!

Perhaps the heat was also from this failed switch. I’ll order the part and find out.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Lex90]

All sorted, thanks @securespark

 

[securespark]

No worries.

 

[EFLImpudence]

But I found out it is actually on a different circuit to the other two switches. Is that normal?

Yes. For example upstairs and downstairs.

 

[ebee]

Yes a common one to bite you on the bum. Always make sure that ganged switches have all circuits to them isolated before you open the switch from the box .

It is not uncommon for two or more switches on the same plate be for different circuits, most seen is an upstairs/ downstairs situation but other permutations are possible.

Test properly and stay safe