Lights keeps tripping the fusebox

AxlF · 17-07-2011 10:18PM #1

All the downstairs lights are on the one fuse and all are working fine except one. The kitchen has 6 gu10 bulbs attached to it and when I turn it on all 6 bulbs come on for a split second before the fuse trips. I flip the fuse switch on again and repeat - same deal.
I removed each bulb, one by one, turning on the lights each time and it tripped each time.
Then, I tried with no light bulbs and it tripped after 2 seconds.
Do I need to fix something in the fusebox?

JOHNPT · 17-07-2011 10:56PM

There is a problem with the light fitting not the fuseboard - probably a short circuit.

jprboy · 18-07-2011 12:05AM

Are they on a dimmer? We had a similar problem with our GU10s in the kitchen and ended up taking out the dimmer switch completely and replacing with a standard one.

Bruthal · 18-07-2011 10:21AM

Probably one of the gu10 fittings alright, take each one out of the ceiling and check for signs of burning in the fittings, or problems with the connectors, and where the bulbs plug into. Turn off the MCB for the lights first.

AxlF · 18-07-2011 04:27PM

No jbroy - there's no dimmer - I've had problems with gu10s and dimmer switches before

Thanks John and Robbie - I'll take a look at the fittings now.

AxlF · 18-07-2011 05:06PM

OK, I took down all the light fittings and there is zero sign of burning or damage - they all look like new. All the connections look fine too.
Any other suggestions - I'm a bit puzzled by it.

Bomberman · 18-07-2011 05:26PM

Disconnect the light completely and see if you still have the same problem when you turn the light switch on.

Bruthal · 18-07-2011 05:54PM

Check behind the light switch, the odd time there is a cable nicked and touching the metal back box, or a short of some sort could be occuring behind the switch if there is an earth to it or a neutral which many newer houses have.

Lights keeps tripping the fusebox

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