I have 3 halogen lights and tonight they have all gone out at once, I am going to test the dimmer switch tomorrow when there is light but wanted to ask any electrical guys if its likley to be the transformer which is under the floorboards and will be a pain in the ar** to get to.

All i noticed was that everytime the shower was used they kept dimming on their own, then tonight the mrs was washing her hair using the shower and they just went out all 3.

I just hope its the switch rather than the transformer.

Finally will I need a transformer that can be dimmed or will any low lighting transformer work if it needs replacing.

The transformer has been installed for 9 years but all of a sudden just packed in, Is this the way they go?

Cheers guys.

I would be much more worried by the lights dimming when the shower is used :eek: not good

It could just be the voltage drop from the shower that has finally killed the transformer. They don't last forever.

Dimmer switches have to be derated when used with a transformer as the dimmer has to 'run' the tranny as well as the lamps themselves.

If you are using a dimmer switch you should use a dimming transformer rated close to the total wattage of the lamps being used. And remember that trannies dissipate lots of heat and need ventilation.

Can you test one of the fittings to see if you have 12/24/whatever voltage at the connections?

I would be much more worried by the lights dimming when the shower is used :eek: not good

Its only when the shower is first switched on its not like the shower is turned on and the lights are dim until its switched off its like a moment of mili seconds

I'd be very worried about the transformer being under the floor boards.

Saw a fire emergency fly on the wall that showed similar going up. House was wrecked.

I'd be very worried about the transformer being under the floor boards.

Where else can it go - It is the transformer so going to get another later, just thinking where else i could place it.

Is this because they get hot etc - Cheers

The transformer is situated under the floorboards on top of the stairs and there is about 50 cm from the floor to the recess where the lights are fitted underneath - i thought this would be ample space required for ventilation etc.

Any advice where else it could be placed would be great, thanks again.

The transformers are meant to be fitted in the roof spaces

The transformers are meant to be fitted in the roof spaces

So i have put it in the right place then

Yes

Having seen transformers catch fire in person, the stairs (your means of escape in a fire) would be the last place I'd put them myself.

Each to their own though.

Why not use use normal 240v hallogens? or 240v LED's?

Having seen transformers catch fire in person, the stairs (your means of escape in a fire) would be the last place I'd put them myself.

Each to their own though.

Why not use use normal 240v hallogens? or 240v LED's?

I know what your saying, Can you dim the 240v hallogens (sorry if it sounds stupid lol) I changed the transformer and the lights are back on.

Regards the transformer setting on fire - I dont want to go to sleep now

Yes, you can dim 240V halogens

Quite like the small led ones aswell they look nice

LEDs don't like being dimmed, neither do the tiny compact fluorescent GU10s either. If they were widely available I would have the CFLs to replace the terribly inefficient halogens.

I have some compact fluorescent GU10s in my landing fitting and they take a while to warm up and give decent light output.

The LEDs are seriously lacking in overall light output at present, no good for general lighting duties.

LEDs can be dimmed, and function perfectly well.

Fluorescent lights can be dimmed, but only to a certain voltage (and this can change over time, and according to heat so it's not recommended!)

LEDs can be dimmed, and function perfectly well.

Fluorescent lights can be dimmed, but only to a certain voltage (and this can change over time, and according to heat so it's not recommended!)

The vast majority on the market cannot be dimmed and the ones that can are usually expensive and protrude more than the standard lamps which makes them impractical for many applications. They also look ****e as well.

Same rule for dimmable LED GU10s, they are seriously expensive, have the protrusion issue and are still few and far between.

From experience, if you're gonna dim GU10's, dont by cheap ones. They wont last. Buy decent branded and they'll be fine.

I would be much more worried by the lights dimming when the shower is used :eek: not good

Mine do as well, it is due to the lighting cct. being old cabling and the new shower supply cable being a nice hefty 10mm copper feeding a 10kw. shower heater.

From experience, if you're gonna dim GU10's, dont by cheap ones. They wont last. Buy decent branded and they'll be fine.

Yep the 10 for £5 or 10 for £10 packs are often short lived, but the £2 each 2 year bulbs do seem to last much longer.