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  • 11-11-2017 12:01pm
    #1
    Bob99754096
    Registered Users Posts: 22 ✭


    All lights downstairs are taking a couple of seconds to power on and seem a bit dimmer than usual. All applicances are working fine and upstairs is also ok.
    Any idea of possible cause and if it is a big/expensive job to fix? Thanks.


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    #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    If they're CFLs this is normal operation in cold weather.

    I'd bin them and get lamps with a superior light quality that don't negatively affect the power quality of the installation.


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    #3
    Bob99754096
    Registered Users Posts: 22 ✭Bob99754096


    Sir Liamalot wrote: »
    If they're CFLs this is normal operation in cold weather.

    I'd bin them and get lamps with a superior light quality that don't negatively affect the power quality of the installation.

    Don't think it is related to light bulb type. Same ones used upstairs are fine. Also extractor fan in downstairs bathroom is struggling for power when this is happening.


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    #4
    aido79
    Registered Users Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭aido79


    Bob99754096 wrote: »
    Don't think it is related to light bulb type. Same ones used upstairs are fine. Also extractor fan in downstairs bathroom is struggling for power when this is happening.

    Possibly a loose connection at the mcb at the fuseboard. Are the downstairs lights all on the same mcb?


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    #5
    Bob99754096
    Registered Users Posts: 22 ✭Bob99754096


    aido79 wrote: »
    Possibly a loose connection at the mcb at the fuseboard. Are the downstairs lights all on the same mcb?

    Its strange. There are six lights downstairs on the same mcb but this problem is only affecting four of them. At one stage today it got worse and was up to 20secs before they came on. Now back to 3/4 secs.


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    #6
    aido79
    Registered Users Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭aido79


    Bob99754096 wrote: »
    Its strange. There are six lights downstairs on the same mcb but this problem is only affecting four of them. At one stage today it got worse and was up to 20secs before they came on. Now back to 3/4 secs.

    Possibly a loose connection between the 2nd and 3rd lights on the circuit. Are you confident enough to turn the power off and open up the 2nd and 3rd light fittings and check for loose connections?


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    #7
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    That's the way to go alright. Although it wouldn't often be clear which are the second and third lights in the circuit. And it could be a connection problem at a switch either. The sequence of wall switches might not match the sequence of neutrals at the light fittings in ceiling either, if wired in singles, but knowing the sequence doesn't matter too much.

    Anyway as said, check switches one at a time with power off. If nothing found, check neutrals in the light fittings at ceiling. A loose connection might not always be obvious visually on lighting circuits. So check terminal screws are tight.


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    #8
    aido79
    Registered Users Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭aido79


    Just to add to previous advice Op. This may be a fire hazard if it turns out to be a loose connection and should really be looked at ASAP.


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    #9
    Bob99754096
    Registered Users Posts: 22 ✭Bob99754096


    aido79 wrote: »
    Just to add to previous advice Op. This may be a fire hazard if it turns out to be a loose connection and should really be looked at ASAP.

    Thanks to you both. Getting someone out tomorrow to take a look.


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