IAK Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 The transformer for my BH has just stopped working. :lol: All the lights in the house are out so I assume this is the case. I checked it for wire damage (thought that puppy may have chewed it some) but couldn't see any obvious problems. This also happened to the transformer for the Arthur I had given to my daughter. Replaced it and now it works again. The thing is the one for the Beacon is a large one, lots of lights and will be pricey to replace. Is there a way to check to see if the transformer went or not? I miss not seeing my B&B not lite up at night... B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 Irene, unplug the lead-in wire from the junction splice, the wire that connects the transformer and the junction splice. Test to see if there is power coming through the wire by putting the tester against the prongs (turn it on, of course!) If you have power, then the problem is in the junction splice, a less expensive part to replace (or it may have wiggled loose). If there's no power in the prongs, disconnect the lead-in wire from the transformer and test whether there is power coming out of the screw connections. Do you have a spare light that you can separate the two wire to touch to the screw connections? If there's power, then it's the switch in the lead-in wire that's probably the culprit. If there's no power in the transformer, perform the last rites and prepare your wallet to pay for a replacement. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAK Posted April 30, 2008 Author Share Posted April 30, 2008 Irene, unplug the lead-in wire from the junction splice, the wire that connects the transformer and the junction splice. Test to see if there is power coming through the wire by putting the tester against the prongs (turn it on, of course!) K did this yesterday and was no power... B) If there's no power in the prongs, disconnect the lead-in wire from the transformer and test whether there is power coming out of the screw connections. Do you have a spare light that you can separate the two wire to touch to the screw connections? If there's power, then it's the switch in the lead-in wire that's probably the culprit. Hmmm gonna try this when I get home later...thanks Kathy :lol: keep your finger crossed... If there's no power in the transformer, perform the last rites and prepare your wallet to pay for a replacement. I fear this will be the case, oh well B) Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 Also, try calling the manufacturer as it may be something going on, on the inside of it. Or maybe they'll know of another issue with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAK Posted April 30, 2008 Author Share Posted April 30, 2008 Also, try calling the manufacturer as it may be something going on, on the inside of it. Or maybe they'll know of another issue with it. Great tip, if all else fails I'll contact them, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 Sudden thought ... is it the kind of transformer that has a fuse in it? I think some have a fuse, some don't. Maybe the fuse has blown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corwin Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 Could it be the junction splice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SallyG Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 That's why I don't electrify my houses. It looks great, but sooner or later something goes up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallhouset Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 If you have to buy a new transformer, check with a hobby shop that sells trains, I bought mine there. I just told them how many lights I needed to light and they got me the right size, and it was way cheaper there than at the miniature shop. The one I got is a sliding control so I can dim the lights if I want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justmesue Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 Sorry about the bad luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judithfa Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 check with a hobby shop that sells trains, I bought mine there. I just told them how many lights I needed to light and they got me the right size, and it was way cheaper there than at the miniature shop. The one I got is a sliding control so I can dim the lights if I want. I like this idea. Transformers and fuses: I have had transformer problems but I HAVE NEVER had to replace the transformer. --If you hve a transformer that needs an external fuse -- it is not always easy to see if the fuse is blown-- so just replace it. I have had this happen with the "house-brand" transformers from HBS. After I replaced the fuse, all was well. --With Cir-kit transformers, the fuse is internal. If a cir-kit tramsformer stops working, turn the elecricity off and let it rest for about five-ten minutes. Then turn on the electricity and see if it works. I have had this problem also. Hope this helps -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAK Posted May 2, 2008 Author Share Posted May 2, 2008 Update: Took the switch apart and everything looked fine there...when I showed it the DH he noticed a small "tear" or should I say chew mark on the wire....Looks like that puppy got the best of it..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathi17 Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 I hope you can replace the wire, it would be a lot cheaper than a new transformer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judithfa Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 when I showed it the DH he noticed a small "tear" or should I say chew mark on the wire ???? Wire from the transformer to the electrical outlet? or some other wire? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesterfieldzoo Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Puppies do like wire, don't they? Mine ate the plug cord for the cordless phone charger, the cord for my laptop, the cord for an electric lap blanket, the strap of my purse..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tcmorrison Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Darn dog! Naughty boy! (or girl) My dog got ahold of the wire from my keyboard to the back of my computer, pulled it out sideways and ruined 2 USB ports. And he wasn't even a puppy anymore! You have my sympathy, Kathi! Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChildhoodRevisited Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 My Amazon Parrot is good for that. One snip and the wire is cut. I'm surprised she has never gotten jolted. Gee, maybe I should hire her out! Actually, I have to keep a very good eye on her when I let her out. She gets into trouble real easy. Once, I let her go into the pots and pan cupboard, she opens the doors herself. (yes, I planned on washing them after... ) When she finally came out, I looked in and the wooden handles on the big pot were no longer there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heni Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 That the transformers stopped working happened to a friend of mine too! And the cables set on fire in her dollhouse, so she had to make new wallpapers in 2 or 3 rooms! The good thing is my friend was not pleased with the wallpapers before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 I think we have all experie4nced frustration and aggravation at one time or another. It's just part of life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAK Posted May 7, 2008 Author Share Posted May 7, 2008 ???? Wire from the transformer to the electrical outlet? or some other wire? Chew marks are on the wire closer to where you plug it into the dh, beyond the transformer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Chew marks are on the wire closer to where you plug it into the dh, beyond the transformer The lead-in/switch wire? That should be easy enough to replace. :groucho: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAK Posted May 7, 2008 Author Share Posted May 7, 2008 The lead-in/switch wire? That should be easy enough to replace. :groucho: Really? hmmm gonna send you a PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesterfieldzoo Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 You can't just cut the chewed section out and reattach the wires with wire nuts? If your transformer is like mine, it can't be opened up to make the wires shorter and resolder them inside. Let us know if you get a solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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