Hi we had some cowboys install our bathroom... and one of the things they installed weree 6 dimmable recessed lights. When you turn the lights down, the extractor fan also reduces power (so presumably is on the same circuit).

Our problem (apart from the fan) is that the connection between the pins of each lamp appear after a few hours of use to become tarnished, and lose the connection with the plug into which pins are seated, and the lamp stops working. So we end up changing the lamps every few weeks.

We had electricians come in to quote to fix but they never came back to us(!). They seemed unsure what the problem was except to say that the transformers and wring was cheap, and they would upgrade, and remove the fan from the circuit.

Can you give us any advice on the best next step. We could add an on-off switch to test to see whether that is the issue (lights are not dimmable variety); remove the fan from the circuit, and see if the fan is the issue; or try an upgraded lamp and fixture to see if that sorts the issue.

Have you any advice? We refused to pay the cowboys bill, so we can't even find out the make and type of equipment they installed.

Why in the world would you want a dimmer in the bathroom?

There should be a make and model somewhere on the recessed lights.

Edward, get some real electricians in there to fix with the hacks did.

The fan should NOT change speed. They wired it wrong. It should not be on the load side of the dimmer.

Can you take some pics of the lights they installed and post them? That would help identify them to see what the recourse is.

Why in the world would you want a dimmer in the bathroom?I have them in both bathrooms. I wouldn't be without them!

Why in the world would someone want to wake up first thing in the morn, or worse yet in the middle of the night, and have the light blaring at them. ;) :cool:

Thanks. Decided to take your advice, and have someone coming this morning.

On the lamp pins put a film of vaselene

Tk raised a question about the merits of Vaselene for corrosion protection and removal on lighting devices. Vaselene and petroleum jelly is specifically mentioned.

To illustrate this problem see: NON-CONDUCTIVE COATING FOR LIGHTING DEVICES - Patent application (http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20080242157)

Abstract:
A device and method are disclosed that facilitate removal of an electric lamp, such as a light bulb, from a socket. A thin layer of electrically non-conductive material is applied to the contact surface of the lamp and/or the socket prior to the lamp being inserted into the socket.

Read more: NON-CONDUCTIVE COATING FOR LIGHTING DEVICES - Patent application (http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20080242157#ixzz0fWOGEmgl)


I've been using the stuff for 50 years with no issues. In my aquarium light kit that I got when I was a kid said to put Vaselene on the pins of the fluorescent lamps to prevent corrosion. Worked like a champ.

I've extended that application to bathroom lights, outddoor lights and particularly car lamps, again with no issues.

It makes the bulbs easy to remove and it prevents corrosion.

A more specific product DESIGNED for such applications is dialectric grease: A PDF can be found here: http://www.permatex.com/documents/tds/Automotive/31824.pdf

You can sometimes find this in auto parts stores.

I've used this Conducto-Lube Silver Lubricant (http://www.cool-amp.com/conducto_lube.html) stuff too for more critical applications.
This stuff isn't cheap.

I've used Stabilant 22: Posthorn | Stabilant 22 (http://www.posthorn.com/Stab_2.html) for low level connections such as audio.
This stuff isn't cheap either.

.. and he said replace, and completely rewire.

But in the meantime, I will try what kISS suggests.

I have them in both bathrooms. I wouldn't be without them!

Why in the world would someone want to wake up first thing in the morn, or worse yet in the middle of the night, and have the light blaring at them. ;) :cool:

Never thought about that. Good idea!