home electrics

[tallyot]

my downstairs lights are not working.the switch in the fuse box marked lights has tripped out and i am unable to reset it because the switch wont stay up.the lights upstairs are working ok.please can anyone tell me what might be wrong. thank you

[chas2008]

something must be tripping it, tried turning all the downstairs lights of then trying them one at a time until it trips, at least then you can pin it down to a particular switch/socket/bulb

[tallyot]

hi.chas thank you for getting back to me so quick.i have tried doing as you say.but the trouble is none of the light switches downstairs work.they are ok upstairs.
thanks john

[doglady]

Try changing the bulbs on the lights that don't work. My trip switch used to be over sensitive and a blown bulb would make it go and not turn back on again.

[SeaJayPea]

Turn all the lights downstairs off, then reset the trip switch. If it still won't set, then it's time for the experts. If it will, then, as Chas2008 says, turn each switch on in turn. When you get to the one that trips it, whatever kind of lamp it is will need checking out, as will the wiring to it.

But if you are in any way unsure what you are doing, then get an electrician or other capable person in.

[tallyot]

thank you doglady.i will try doing what you have said.
many thanks
tallyoy

[tallyot]

thank you seajaypea for your help.i will try doing what you have said.i just hope that i can get the lights to work.
kind regards
tallyot

[Disco Fever]

When you switch the MCB, (Minature Circuit Breaker), on does it go bang or do you see a flash coming out of the breaker???

If it does go bang or you see a flash then you have a fault on the circuit and you will probably need a sparky to look at it, but if it doesn't do the above then it's a faulty breaker, I get them all the time in my job....