Think I've fixed my floor lamp?!

[simondyntDBeK]

So the dimmer pack in a quite expensive floor lamp stopped working a while ago (well the whole lamp stopped working). I was told by the manufacturer that the fuse in the pack was probably knackered and couldn't be replaced.

So I cut away the dimmer pack:

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• simondyntDBeK
• 5 Mar 2014
• 1

... and bought this connector thing from B&Q:

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• simondyntDBeK
• 5 Mar 2014
• 1

... and it connected it all up:

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• simondyntDBeK
• 5 Mar 2014
• 1

The lamp works again now (without a switch of any sort - which isn't a problem as it's controlled remotely) but does this all look ok? I'm not going to burn the conservatory down am I?!

Thanks!

 

[Taylortwocities]

I was told by the manufacturer that the fuse in the pack was probably knackered and couldn't be replaced.
!

Well, they lied, as the fuse in the picture can be changed as easily as a fuse in a standard plug.

It may be safe, but I don't have X-Ray eyes and can't see how you have wired up the connector. A picture with the lid off would have been more useful

 

[simondyntDBeK]

Hi TTC,

There was a lot of faffing about with different fuses - some made the lamp work (without the dimmer function) but that worried me more about something going wrong!

Here's a pic of the inside - I think the wiring should be fine - it was more the principle of what I've done (knowing bugger all about electrics!)

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• simondyntDBeK
• 5 Mar 2014
• 1

Thanks!

 

[Monkeh]

You want more of the outer sheath under the clamp. It needs to be sticking out at least 3-4mm.

 

[winston1]

Hi TTC,

There was a lot of faffing about with different fuses - some made the lamp work (without the dimmer function) but that worried me more about something going wrong!

!

The triad is short circuit then. That is the component on the heatsink. Easilly replaceable by an electronics engineer.

 

[Monkeh]

Hi TTC,

There was a lot of faffing about with different fuses - some made the lamp work (without the dimmer function) but that worried me more about something going wrong!

!

The triad is short circuit then. That is the component on the heatsink. Easilly replaceable by an electronics engineer.

It's a TRIAC, and it doesn't take an engineer to fix..

 

[flyingsparks]

Hi TTC,

There was a lot of faffing about with different fuses - some made the lamp work (without the dimmer function) but that worried me more about something going wrong!

!

The triad is short circuit then. That is the component on the heatsink. Easilly replaceable by an electronics engineer.

OOI - How would 'faffing about with different fuses' some of which made the lamp work, transpose to the diagnosis that the triac being faulty?

 

[flameport]

If you still want the dimming function, replacement dimmers are readily available:
http://www.mr-resistor.co.uk/controls.aspx?t=603
and is a far safer option than attempting to repair the existing unit.

Obviously some people could safely repair it - however plenty could not. Dismantling and repairing mains voltage electronics is not something most people should have a go at doing.

 

[winston1]

Hi TTC,

There was a lot of faffing about with different fuses - some made the lamp work (without the dimmer function) but that worried me more about something going wrong!

!

The triad is short circuit then. That is the component on the heatsink. Easilly replaceable by an electronics engineer.

OOI - How would 'faffing about with different fuses' some of which made the lamp work, transpose to the diagnosis that the triac being faulty?

Because, as you said, QUOTE: (without the dimmer function)

 

[DaftPunk]

When the lamp failed it took out the fuse and the triac. Simple job to repair.