Mend > Lighting

my low voltage light trips the circuit breaker?

I have just installed a new light fitting (32 small lamps 10 watts each) the fitting came with its own supply transformer, when the light is first switched on it trips the 6 amp supply mcb 2 out of three times. There is no fault in the wiring as original fitting works if re-connected, I suspect a surge in current when the transformer is first switched on. If the mcb is reset quickly after tripping out the light will work normally.

w nimmo
February 2008

D.I.Y, Lighting

You need to check what other load is on that circuit. One lighting circuit could cover several rooms. If you are adding 32 x 10W lights, it seems highly unlikely that the fitting they replace could be rated at 320 W. Don't know what country you are in - so you would need to specify the voltage also! In Ireland or the UK it would be more usual to find a 10 A mcb on a lighting circuit in a domestic situation (and there would be at least 2 such circuits).

J
February 2008