spider

iTrader: (1)

Afternoon; can anyone recommend an electrician in the Reading area please?

Tenants in my O/H’s flat have just called to say that they’ve turned on one of the bedroom lights, there was a small pop and the fuse/switch for that part of the lighting circuit has tripped.

They’ve tried resetting the tripped switch, both on it s own, and by turning off the main switch first and then resetting the light circuit, but it just trips the lights again each time.

Being colourblind I’ve never toyed with electrics – do the miniswitches in modern boards ever need replacing like old fashioned fuses/wire, or is it likely to be a fault in the light/wall switch?

The light fitting is a metal one with 5 halogen spots in it (GU10?); the whole building is about 6 years old.

Thanks,
Steve

Coffin Dodger

First up try taking all the bulbs out of the fitting, one may have gone short circuit hence it keeps tripping the breaker. That may at least get the lights on elsewhere.

The other possibility, assuming its a low voltage type halogen set-up, it that the transformer and associated electronics in the fitting have gone sort circuit. Simplest thing to do is remove the halogen and replace with a normal ceiling light rose / pendant for now. Then get a new light fitting at your leisure.

Worst case scenario, something has gone bad in the lighting circuit itself. A good spark should have the kit to try and isolate the fault but plasterboard may need to come down or floor boards up to get at the wiring

Sosbanite

Good advice from Coffin Dodger - there is a short somewhere but where?!
If you need help, a neighbor is a qualified spark and can probably help short notice.
Based in Sandhurst which is not too far from Reading!
Let me know if you want me to give him a shout!

P1Fanatic

If you want to find a reputable sparky or any other tradesmen try these links:

Directory of Excellence, List of Businesses in Maidenhead, Wokingham, Surrey, Reading, little green book
Recommended Tradesmen, find recommended tradesman, local trusted tradesman

The latter gives you reviews from other customers which is very handy.

Cheers
Simon

spider

iTrader: (1)

Thanks all

Had another chat with the tenant and he expanded on the incident - apparently there was a spark at the switch at the same time.

Have found a local handyman through a friend with a flat in the same block so hopefully will be sorted relatively painlessly!