Taking bets . . UPDATE

[Steve]

My upstairs lighting has tripped. It tripped BOTH the RCD and MCB. The RCD reset when I had the MCB off. Turning the MCB on causes both to trip.

The circuit tripped when I had just finished my shower and was turning off the light by pulling the pullswitch, the top of which is chrome plated.

The light fitting is a 32 watt circular fluorescent lamp, with a magnetic choke on a metal base.

What is the problem?




Answers tomorrow evening when I find out (provided it is obvious when i take covers off).

 

[1john]

random stab in the dark for humour more that anything... fixing screw of pull cord gone has through the cable

 

[BigJon]

another stab in the dark, fecked ballast/choke!

 

[ELZ4742]

fecked ballast.

 

[securespark]

I know, I know!

There was a massive surge of current from the faulty choke as you switched off that shot across the damp bathroom atmosphere to the chrome switch cover.

It then tracked down the cord and grounded through your naked damp body (Oooh err!), causing the trip.

Well, Mummy did say I had a vivid imagination!

 

[Steve]

Assuming a big crack across the resin casing/mould of a magnetic ballast is a bad thing, then the ballast is broken. I will take it back to B&Q where I bought it a month ago. Or should I just replace the ballast - because other than that its a cracking light!

Think I'll see whats available online. Would I need a specific ballast for a circular fluorescent lamp? Or would any 32 watt ballast do?

 

[pjcomp]

Physical size and shape will matter if you want to replace it in the same position, and check any rating written on it. But if it's that new I'd take it back to where it came from and ask for a replacement because it should have lasted longer than a month, even from B&Q ....

PJ

 

[RF Lighting]

Take it back to B&Q and have a look around for something with a high frequency ballast in it.

 

[Steve]

Take it back to B&Q and have a look around for something with a high frequency ballast in it.

Trouble is, most of their lighting is made by Ring, and their ballasts are ****. This fitting I have has another brand on the ballast, not heard it before. Cant remember it.

 

[RF Lighting]

B&Q aren't the only place that sell lights you know

 

[Steve]

B&Q aren't the only place that sell lights you know

I know!

 

[Steve]

An update!

New light fitted - very basic, a metal plate with a ceramic lampholder and glass shade.

But its still tripping. I cant understand this so i am getting my electrician back.

I have checked the switch and replaced it. And the light is wired correctly.

 

[BigJon]

Can you carry out an Insulation resistance test to ensure the cables haven't been damaged?

 

[RF Lighting]

Get the kettle on. I'll be there for 10am

 

[ban-all-sheds]

B&Q aren't the only place that sell lights you know

I know!

Ban all sheds.