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Pegleg

Member Since: 15 Apr 2010
Location: Deep in mid Wales
Posts: 3114

2008 Freelander 2 TD4 GS Manual Santorini Black

Downlights

I have some low voltage downlights in my kitchen ceiling and one isn't working and it's not the bulb.
I also noticed that the cable to the bulb has some cracks on the insulation, presummably due to heat.

Question is, has the transformer possibly failed and how to I get the bloomin' 'can thingy' out of the ceiling? Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

1st May 2013 8:49 pm

piattj

Member Since: 18 Jan 2012
Location: where the crowds aint...
Posts: 1235

2011 Freelander 2 SD4 GS Auto Baltic Blue

...

Have you tried a known good bulb?

Where is the transformer mounted. Often just sits in a loft space.

... ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...

1st May 2013 9:01 pm

Pegleg

Member Since: 15 Apr 2010
Location: Deep in mid Wales
Posts: 3114

First thing I did was swop bulbs around.
No idea where the tranformer is; the downlights are in my downstairs kitchen.
Floorboards up you think? Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

1st May 2013 9:09 pm

npinks

Member Since: 28 Jun 2007
Location: Ls25
Posts: 20092

Often the down lighters transformer is just next to the fitting, if they are singular transformers per light fitting

You can get larger transformers that power more lights but these are normally accessible without too much issue,

Pull the light fitting out and see were the cable leads, they are normally held in by springs Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

1st May 2013 9:14 pm

Pegleg

Member Since: 15 Apr 2010
Location: Deep in mid Wales
Posts: 3114

Tried pulling the fitting out without success.
Will try with more force tomorrow Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

1st May 2013 9:18 pm

npinks

Member Since: 28 Jun 2007
Location: Ls25
Posts: 20092

If you google downlighter images you can see the springs on some, they sort of fold back on themselves to put pressure on the plaster board to pull the fitting tight

Didn't blame me if you pull the ceiling down

Thinking are the bulbs 12v halogens or 240v gu10, which are mains powered and don't have transformers Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

1st May 2013 9:32 pm

Pegleg

Member Since: 15 Apr 2010
Location: Deep in mid Wales
Posts: 3114

I had a look at some pics too.
Yeah, 12v.
All your fault without doubt if the ceiling comes down

I'll check with the RAF chaps before I venture up the stepladder Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

1st May 2013 9:38 pm

piattj

Member Since: 18 Jan 2012
Location: where the crowds aint...
Posts: 1235

...

I have low voltage bulbs in the bathroom. There's a transformer for each bulb just in the loft space above, about 2 ft cable to the light fitting from the transformer. If yours are in a downstairs ceiling, the trnsfrmr is likely in the floorspace. ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...

1st May 2013 9:59 pm

Bill Turner

Member Since: 08 Jul 2008
Location: Birkenhead
Posts: 977

2009 Freelander 2 TD4 SE Auto Santorini Black

Pegleg wrote:
First thing I did was swap bulbs around.
No idea where the transformer is; the down-lights are in my downstairs kitchen.
Floorboards up you think?

Taking the floor boards up is the safest thing to do if you can get above the luminaire ie they are not under a tiled bath room floor.
If you try the pulling on the cable route and the mains cabling to the transformer terminals have not been tightened correctly you could end up with a pair of 240 volt live wires in the ceiling void.

A last resort which my electricians used when rewiring single story schools with none demountable ceilings to get past beams etc. is to use a 100mm hole saw to gain access and on completion put back the circular cut-out of plaster board with a length of 20 x20 mm timber glued to the back and thread it though the hole, hold in place with a suitable size screw until the glue sets and then finish with a plaster skim.
The ceiling will probably (RAF permitting) require painting but it is better than the alternatives.

Hope this helps.

Bill T. Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

2nd May 2013 7:55 am

hinchy

Member Since: 08 Jan 2009
Location: Stockport
Posts: 779

2013 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Lux Auto Aintree Green

Had the same problem once. one failed tranformer for six lights, and it was in the ceiling which was plastered and the bathroom with tile flooring on top of that.
Had to remove part of the ceiling, fitted new type tranformers and replaster ceiling.
Don't you just love Cowboy builers.

2nd May 2013 8:20 am

taztastic

Member Since: 03 Feb 2011
Location: North West
Posts: 8652

Hi Greg
I have transformers here, brand new and boxed, taking up shelf space, give me a call later

2nd May 2013 8:32 am

chicken george

Member Since: 05 Dec 2007
Location: N. Yorks
Posts: 13292

2008 Freelander 2 TD4 XS Manual Santorini Black

rip them out replace with led At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

2nd May 2013 9:53 am

Bill Turner

Member Since: 08 Jul 2008
Location: Birkenhead
Posts: 977

chicken george wrote:
rip them out replace with led

Second that but access to ceiling void still required.

Bill T. Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

2nd May 2013 10:39 am

chicken george

Member Since: 05 Dec 2007
Location: N. Yorks
Posts: 13292

yes but no transformers will be need so simpler to do and future proof. and energy saving At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

2nd May 2013 11:27 am

Pegleg

Member Since: 15 Apr 2010
Location: Deep in mid Wales
Posts: 3114

taztastic wrote:
Hi Greg
I have transformers here, brand new and boxed, taking up shelf space, give me a call later

Will do

Got the thing out of the ceiling - some filler needed later.

Thanks Taz, just proves the old proverb 'many hands make light work'.
I'll get me coat............. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

2nd May 2013 11:57 am

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