Security Lights not working

[Mazdarese]

Chaps

A couple of years ago the three security lights that we have at home stopped working suddenly. Initially I thought it was the wiring, but last week I decided to get some 'nicer' lights anyway so purchased three from B&Q. So, I've been up on the ladder this afternoon to replace them. I've just replaced the first light and the new one didn't work. So I tried another of the new ones at that doesn't work either.

I've tested the terminals on the base-plate that attaches to the wall and they're getting ~240v no problem across live and earth, so it can't be a wiring problem can it?

The lights have a feature that lets you test them during the day, but still they're not working. They're also supposed to stay on for 2 mins when you first connect them to the power, and that didn't happen either.

Any thoughts?! All my logical thinking is pointing to the wiring, but surely if it's deliverying 240v then it can't be that?!

Well confused.

[ShampooEfficient]

You need a trained cat to set them off as a test.

[NoNeed]

ShampooEfficient said:

You need a trained cat to set them off as a test.

[netherfield]

You need to test the voltage between Live and Neutral as well,can't work if the Neutral has come adrift somewhere.

Or you have a mental neighbour

Edited by netherfield on Sunday 28th November 15:14

[Mazdarese]

NoNeed said:

ShampooEfficient said:

You need a trained cat to set them off as a test.

Should the voltage be 240v between live and earth, or live and neutral? I've started to doubt my limited knowledge now. The voltage between live and neutral was 0v.

[Mazdarese]

I'm starting to think it should be 240v between live and neutral too, now. And that something has happened to my neutral somewhere in the loft.

[netherfield]

Should be 240v between L and N, and between L and E.

Any mice up the loft.

[Raverbaby]

Yep as above, you seem to have a missing neutral somewhere.
See if you can trace the wiring back to check for damage/loose connection.

[Mazdarese]

Cheers Guys. We have heard the odd 'noise' up in the loft in the last couple of years. If something has chewed through the wire and hit the neutral core, are they likely to still be up there rather frazzled?!

[Simpo Two]

I think every 'security light' any of my friends/neighbours have fitted has always gone wrong in a year or two.