Home Wiring Problem?

[Kinky]

Kinky juniors bedroom light blew 2 nights ago (or so we thought). The bulb looks OK - but was not working. So assumed it had blown.

In the previous few hours before that it was flickering on/off (but not like how a bulb does just before it blows).

Anyhow - I changed the bulb, and all was fine.

Until tonight. The light is flickering again. Except that this time I've noticed that the radio (which was on at the time) distorts everytime the light flickered on.

Any thoughts anyone?

[BlackZeD]

Loose cable heating up and making/breaking circuit.
CHECK IT ASAP hot wires burn things down !!!
Possibly would be in the ceiling rose to light.
Isolate and check tightness.

[Simpo Two]

I'd go with a loose connection as well. Tiny sparks make RF interference which is why the radio is breaking up. If it's a table lamp check the entry and exit of the flex - wiggle it about and see if you can reproduce the problem.

[bimsb6]

check the plug ?

[Kinky]

It's a ceiling light, as opposed to a desk/plug-in light.

It's too dark to check the wiring now - but I'll check first thing in the morning. In fact, I might just trip the fuse the lights for tonight. There's also a smoke alarm right outside that door.

Thanks again guys

[grumbledoak]

Got a 'Consumer Unit'? Turn the circuit off.

[odyssey2200]

Does it have a dimmer switch?
Sounds like a loose wire somewhere but needs checking ASAP.

Could be a fire risk.

[Goochie]

What kind of light is it? Is it a halogen downlight?

[Kinky]

It's a regular normal old-fashioned bulb (screw-type as opposed to bayonet). I wired it all up about 8/9 years ago, along with a dimmer switch, and never had a problem until now!

[odyssey2200]

Kinky said:

It's a regular normal old-fashioned bulb (screw-type as opposed to bayonet). I wired it all up about 8/9 years ago, along with a dimmer switch, and never had a problem until now!

Last year I had a problem withthe lighting circuit blowing fuses.

Finally traced to the Dining room dimmer switch.

Replaced it with a normal switch and job done.

Worth a try!!

[Smiler.]

Kinky, sent you a pm. Useless mobile kpad

[Goochie]

Either (as above) lose wiring or the dimmer module has packed up. When they go they can often cause RF interference like you have heard on the radio.

If the connections seem OK tomorrow, try changing it for a standard switch (borrow one from another room to test it out)

[Kinky]

Just an off-hand unqualified comment, but if I was to guess or speculate, I'd go for the dimmer switch. So yes, I will replace that for a standard one and see how it goes.

But, I will check the ceiling wiring too - I certainly won't dismiss it. But I'm always careful with my wires, making sure everything is right, tidy, not loose, etc, etc.

Smiler - I'll keep an eye out for your mail. My PH email normally takes about an hour to get through to me.

[Wings]

Agree check bulb holder or ceiling rose for loose wiring, if not found, then same check in previous room on lighting circuit. Electrical shorts can create "flash backs", where the electrical fault, short wiring is in the bulb holder, ceiling rose to the room where the bulb has blown.

[Kinky]

Smiler. said:

Kinky, sent you a pm. Useless mobile kpad

(finally) received

I'll reply in a sec - and may do as you suggest tomorrow (more detail on email).

[garycat]

I had similar problem with a dimmer switch (a brand new one from Wickes). I replaced the switch and it was all OK.

[M400 NBL]

Why can't the page not load when i've typed a short post

Long story short, are you usng energy saving bulbs and a dimmer? I guess not all, but some energy saving bulbs only work with 240v. When you dimmer is set on max it shouldn't be a problem... but thta's assuming that your switch is ok.

The quickest way (assuming you're using ESB's) is to use a standard bulb and see if that sorts the problem.

[andy43]

Could be aliens.
Have you checked the wardrobe?


Apologies if nightmares result from this post

[odyssey2200]

OP!!

update please?

[Kinky]

..... Update .....

Well, firstly the house is still standing - so that's good news. Even better news was that there were no aliens in the wardrobe I did check, just in case

And best of all is that upon closer inspection there were 2 separate issues causing the problems!

Firstly was the dimmer switch. Replaced the switch - all perfect

Secondly, within in the bulb holder itself there is a curious piece of metal which is basically a connector. And it would appear that if you now don't screw the bulb in correctly, then the connector does not live up to it's name.

So, I'm going to replace the whole light for a new one, and job done.

So a sincere thanks everyone. It did put my mind at rest. Thanks

I've not checked for aliens in the loft. I'm too scared too, as the gremlins are in there