12 Volt lighting

[Kevin Green]

Can some savvy electrician help me out with this one? I have a row of 12 volt AC spot downlighters in my kitchen, wired in groups of 2 to their transformers via connector boxes. One set of 2 lamps is playing up. I have replaced both lamps with new ones as the surrounds were broken. When I plug them into the connector box, they either: don't come on at all, and if I take either plug out of the connector box, the remaining one lights up, or, if I leave the lights swiched on, they sometimes both come on after a while. If I switch off and on again, they either both come on or both stay off. I've tested the conections for power in the connector box and both register at 12v AC. Can someone tell me what the hell is going on? Is it the transformer or the connector box or what?

[Sparks]

It sounds like the transformer to me.

Try swapping the transformer over with one from a working group of lights Then see if the problem moves wit the transformer!

Sparks...

[Christian McArdle]

Well, given that you've replaced the lights, it would seem to be the transformer!

Christian.

[meow2222]

either the transformer or bad cable connections. To see which, attach multimeter to the transformer output connections, and when the lights play up, see what the meter reads. If reading is 12v, you have a wiring or bulb holder problem. If meter says far below 12v, new transformer time.

NT

[The Natural Philosopher]

Transformer is unable to handle the load. Probably shutting down ..if it is in a cool place, replace it. If its in a hot one, relocate it.