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LED Transformer Issue

Adrian
I have recently installed a 30 meter 24v LED Strip Lighting System powered by x1 150W power supply and x320W power supply - all parts have been supplied by Maxilux Ltd.. During installation the two power supplies were temporarily connected to the mains 240v ac via a cord and 3 amp fused plug in to a wall socket. All worked okay.


A dedicated light junction box and light switch was then installed in the downstairs light circuit. As a precaution a switched fuse spur box with 3amp fuse was installed in the switched line between the light junction box and two power supplies. The light switch purpose is primarily to turn 'on' and 'off' the two power supplies - the 320W has an internal fan that would otherwise run at all times even when the 24v LED Strip Lighting is not in use. A battery powered remote can also turn the 24v LED Strip Lighting 'on' and 'off', dim and change the colour from warm to cool white - provided that the light switch is 'on' 


When the light switch was first operated the 6amp consumer unit MCB tripped. However, if the 6amp consumer unit MCB was quickly reset and light switch operated again, the two power supplies turned 'on' okay and the 24v LED Strip Lighting worked okay. The lights could be turned 'on' and 'off' okay many times using the light switch. If left 'off' for circa 30 minutes, then light switch operated to 'on' the 6amp consumer unit MCB would once again trip.

After much searching of the Internet the problem was resolved by replacing the 6amp 'B' consumer unit MCB with a 6amp 'C' consumer unit MCB from the same manufacturer. The problem went away and for several weeks it has been possible to turn 'on' and 'off' the lights using the light switch and remote without the 6amp MCB tripping. 


This evening, the light switch was turned 'on' and the 24v LED Strip Lighting worked okay. However, when the light switch was operated to turn the lights 'off', the 24v LED Strip Lighting remained 'on'. The switch does not feel right - it is not fully returning the 'off' position; I suspect the contacts have welded closed in the 'on' position. 

There are no burning smells, nothing is getting warm or hot etc. The 6amp 'C; consumer unit MCB has not tripped. Fortunately, the switched fuse spur box with 3amp fuse has allowed the 24v LED Srtip Lighting to be turned off.


Any advise please 1) what is happening, 2) how I can resolve this issue. Thank you in advance.

Parents
  • 0
    Thank you Mike for your great advice. I will change the switch and highly likely fit an in series inrush current limiter as I do have room - the two PSUs and 3amp fused Switched Spur Unit are mounted in a brick built indoor cupboard adjacent  to the living room, so one extra box with a chock block etc inside can be installed.


    One last question if I may please; thank you for the details of the MK Grid Switch from Screwfix. There is a Screwfix very close to home that I use very frequently. 


    Although more expensive by a margin, would the 'MK EDGE 20AX 2-GANG 2-WAY SWITCH' serve the same purpose? Reason for question is I currently have two lights being switched from a two gang switch, the LED circuit being one of them. I could fit two of the MK Grid Switches (even though there is no problem with the other lights), or fit a two gang switch as detailed in the link - the confusion for myself is the switch you recommend is 20A rated (I understand this and this should work), the switch I have identified is 20AX rated. I am also trying finding the balance between functionality and appearance as all switches and sockets in our home are chrome - wife will question white switch..:)


    the https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-edge-20ax-2-gang-2-way-switch-polished-chrome-with-black-inserts/802FF?tc=XB8&ds_kid=92700055281954484&ds_rl=1249401&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzZL-BRDnARIsAPCJs73mOdwgtrwJH6i9p97Ktz6LPgybd7ugWAr0-ElYmEbAITia2ccUNrUaAgXKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds 


    RE: Brightness, they are not over intrusive when fully illuminated. We do tend to operate 1/2 to 3/4 illuminated on the dimmer, but the levels at full are nothing like what is being portrayed in the forum as 'studio level' or 'blinding'. This may be because the LED strips are mounted on the back of the coveing flanges facing inwards toward the wall and upwards to the ceiling, as was recommended by both coveing supplier and LED supplier. Having said that, when tested out of the coveing, again they were not over bright.
Reply
  • 0
    Thank you Mike for your great advice. I will change the switch and highly likely fit an in series inrush current limiter as I do have room - the two PSUs and 3amp fused Switched Spur Unit are mounted in a brick built indoor cupboard adjacent  to the living room, so one extra box with a chock block etc inside can be installed.


    One last question if I may please; thank you for the details of the MK Grid Switch from Screwfix. There is a Screwfix very close to home that I use very frequently. 


    Although more expensive by a margin, would the 'MK EDGE 20AX 2-GANG 2-WAY SWITCH' serve the same purpose? Reason for question is I currently have two lights being switched from a two gang switch, the LED circuit being one of them. I could fit two of the MK Grid Switches (even though there is no problem with the other lights), or fit a two gang switch as detailed in the link - the confusion for myself is the switch you recommend is 20A rated (I understand this and this should work), the switch I have identified is 20AX rated. I am also trying finding the balance between functionality and appearance as all switches and sockets in our home are chrome - wife will question white switch..:)


    the https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-edge-20ax-2-gang-2-way-switch-polished-chrome-with-black-inserts/802FF?tc=XB8&ds_kid=92700055281954484&ds_rl=1249401&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzZL-BRDnARIsAPCJs73mOdwgtrwJH6i9p97Ktz6LPgybd7ugWAr0-ElYmEbAITia2ccUNrUaAgXKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds 


    RE: Brightness, they are not over intrusive when fully illuminated. We do tend to operate 1/2 to 3/4 illuminated on the dimmer, but the levels at full are nothing like what is being portrayed in the forum as 'studio level' or 'blinding'. This may be because the LED strips are mounted on the back of the coveing flanges facing inwards toward the wall and upwards to the ceiling, as was recommended by both coveing supplier and LED supplier. Having said that, when tested out of the coveing, again they were not over bright.
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