so far from Citroens !

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 04 Sep 2006, 23:36

Folks, I thought I was quite handy with household DIY.. but I have a very silly issue.

I am wiring 6 halogen downlights into my camper. 240volt.

I want a dimmer switch too, question

does it go inline i.e. break up a live, or inline neutral?

or does it 'sit' between live and neutral?

On the packaging it said, wite Com and L1 whatever way around you wish, job done.
I took a Neutral and a live and wired them in, the light came on when the switch was off! and then the lights got dimmer as i turned the switch up, and then the main plug fuse (and dimmer) blew.

I think my switch was underloaded, which caused the blow.

help

John ..

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 00:03

it breaks up the 'live' i now think

This is for an on off switch but will be the same..

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgur ... B%26sa%3DG

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 05 Sep 2006, 10:09

It certainly breaks up the live

The neutral is then only used for the control circuit in the dimmer.

By the nature of live circuits AC voltage - the "live" and "neutral" is for you to decide on the incoming feed voltage pair - if nothing else identifies it.

I do hope you know what you are fiddling with : a lethal voltage supply and a potiential fire hazard

bxbodger · Post by **bxbodger** » 05 Sep 2006, 10:34

Are you using the vans power i.e. 240vac from an inverter with a cheap dimmer switch? If so, this could be causing your problem.

It's something to do with the waveform apparently, and that's all I know.........it stuck in my brain as it was the only interesting bit in my dads extremely boring caravanning mag!!

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 10:52

thanks both..

the plan is to use an inverter from 2 leisure batteries, and also to switch to mains hook up when on site.

However, for last nights test I was using Mains..

Anders I am being careful

extinguishers and AC testers all present

J

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 11:59

I made this.. can anyone see the pic?

http://collect.myspace.com/reloc.cfm?c= ... 282891&id=

I dont really know how my space works yet

this is bascially what i have at the moment

John

Post by **RichardW** » 05 Sep 2006, 12:20

I can see the pic. Looks OK. You don't actually need to connect a ring with all the lights on it - you can string them all on one leg, or even 2 legs if that's more convenient. You don't need to take 2 wires into the switch either - you can put a junction box in (or use one of the lights) and take the live to the switch down the red wire, then bring it back up the black wire as a 'switched' live (should identify with red tape). Of course you should also be using brown / blue wire these days too!

I'm just putting some lights up in my loft, and have a junction box with a terminal that's got red, black and brown wires all connected to it

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 12:30

now I am confused

sorry - AM using blue/brown wire, have no idea why I coloured them like that on Diagram hehe

Rich,
I used a ring as it fits well with the project, going around the roof of van.. If i used one (or two legs), wouldn't that be wiring the bulbs in series?

I only have one wire going into switch? and one coming out? both live (brown)

[quote] then bring it back up the black wire as a 'switched' live
?

run that by me again

J

pug_owner2002 · Post by **pug_owner2002** » 05 Sep 2006, 12:39

Hi,

Just out of curiosity are you using mains voltage halogen lights or the type that use a transformer?
If its the type that use the transformer you have to buy a special type of dimmer switch.

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 12:49

mains....

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 12:50

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.c ... =107282891

if the above link doesnt work...

John

AX_Man · Post by **AX_Man** » 05 Sep 2006, 13:29

RichardW wrote: Of course you should also be using brown / blue wire these days too!

Of course you'll need to get it inspected too (new electrical circuits in houses have to be council inspected) ...

I believe your camper van insurance will also see this as a modification and may demand a certificate.

PS I am not joking on this!

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 14:30

thanks.

look at this pic? this is the switche's own wiring diagram. shows L and N wires going in.. this is why I am confused? (not just L in and L out)

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.c ... 1134445024

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 05 Sep 2006, 15:06

all, i think its finally clicked into place
!

let you know

BernieLugg · Post by **BernieLugg** » 05 Sep 2006, 19:02

FrenchCarForum wrote:Not a Forum for non French car problems. Nonsense posts may be deleted!

Try an electrical forum - or if you are unsure in any way shape or form about what you are doing with 240v AC electrics refer to a qualified electrician.