Strange Wall Light Switch Problem

[Tigermoth]

Hi, I hope someone could shed some light on this issue.

Recently a set of switched wall mounted spot lights stopped working.

One of the bulb holders had broken down, so I assumed a blown fuse somewhere and purchased a new unit.

It is a very simple dual spot light wall unit with separate switches to both holders.

OK so the issue.

1) I checked the incoming live feed, and it is indeed live.
2) I check that power is making it to the holders, and it is.
3) I check that power is coming back out on the other side of the switches, and it does when the switch is in the correct position.

So the problem is that when I make the full circuit back to the cable coming from the wall, all live feed disappears.

IE, power coming "out of the wall" when the unit switch is in one position. Then changing the switch position and the live side goes away....

I expect that I am being very thick here, but what is going on? No other outlet has failed, no fuses blown....

Cheers
Steve

[sparkydude]

What are you using to tell if it is Live? Do not tell me it is a neon screwdriver.
If so , go and buy yourself a proper multimeter from maplins or similiar and try the tests again.

Nick

[Tigermoth]

Im checking with a screwfix direct one.

I'll sort out the multimeter and see what it says [/b]

[sparkydude]

All i meant by a neon screwdriver was it has a neon in the handle that lights up when voltage is present. Not the brand. They are notoriously bad for giving misleading results and a multimeter is the way to go .


Nick