Hi there

The ceiling lights in our bedroom stopped working and apparently there was a popping sound from the dimmer switch that controls them when they stopped. There are 5 12v lights all controlled by the same dimmer switch. There are other lights in the room on different circuits and they still work fine. I have removed the switch from the wall and can't see any fuse in there - just the transformer.

Any help would be hugely appreciated. I know nothing about electrical wiring, just determined to sort this out!

Many thanks

Jacky

JB, November 2009

I really couldn't say with any high degree of being aboslutely certain but there is a bit of a clue in your original question...

"there was a popping sound from the dimmer switch"

If you were previously able to have the lights on from the conventional switch with the dimmer turned completely off - and the lights now no longer work from the ordinaty switch - I would begin to suspect the transformer.

If the conventional switch controlled the dimmer - i.e. conventional switch has to be set to on for dimmer to work - then I would suspect the dimmer.

P, November 2009

Thanks Adam, will do!

JB, November 2009

It's most likely to be the dimmer because dimmers contain electronic components which can fail.

Before you take the dimmer out, make a note of which coloured wires go where.

Adam, November 2009

Thanks Peccavi. The lights are also controlled by another normal (not dimmer) switch on the other side of the room. This stopped working at the same time. Could this still mean it's the dimmer that has failed?
Thanks!

JB, November 2009

So the problem will either be caused by a faulty dimmer switch or by a faulty transformer that makes the 12V for the lamps...

Given that a popping sound was heard to come from the dimmer switch it's a strong indication that the dimmer may have failed.

Take it to a good electrical or a DIY store and ask for a replacement. You will usually get better service at a good specialist shop.

Good luck...

Peccavi, November 2009