Exterior/Awning light

[timhowarduk]

This isn't working, and the supply wires are dead. I can't see an easy or non destructive way to fix that but am open to ideas. I have a 12v feed the other side of the wall from the kitchen light. Is it madness to drill a new hole right through and feed a new pair of wires to it?
I only have a small porch awning but it would be nice if the light worked. Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[DrZhivago]

It is unusual for wires to fail at some mid-point. It is far more likely that the voltage is not getting into the wires at their point of origin or is not passing an intermediate salient point - ie at the fuse, switch, or some intermediate connector.

First check the appropriate fuse (you have probably already done that). If you don't know which fuse, check them all. Then you need to identify the wires around the switch (get the switch out) and determine if there is voltage there (both before and after the switch). It maybe the switch has failed. By elimination you determine at what point in the circuit there is a break in continuity. Only if you deduce that the break is in the wiring between fuse and switch, or switch and light, do you need to think about replacing or bypassing wiring, which is the worst case scenario as it might involve invasive work.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Are you measuring voltage at the bulb contacts themselves or the bare wires coming into the fitting? I had a similar problem on a previous van and it was caused by a dry joint between the incoming wire and the contact.

 

[timhowarduk]

Thank you both. I will double check how measured it, I would have certainly scraped the contacts with the test probes but I can't recall exactly what I did. That is next thing to try.
If that is of no avail, then DrZ's post reminded me that I'd seen a right maze of scotchlock connectors in the insulation above the end bedroom lamp, and when I changed the lamp I had no reason to explore them, but it is plausible that they are the next connection along.
(There is no main switch or fuse for lights, it's an old van. I have added fuses for the fridge and pump and a master switch for the pump, and I'm confident I didn't interfere with the lighting circuit when doing it!)
Thanks again.

 

[timhowarduk]

Ok, so bare wires completely dead. Will investigate behind bedroom light when I get a chance.

 

[timhowarduk]

Good news - managed to trace cable route. It ends up following door trim behind conduit and then is clipped to the underside of van. The other end of the cable is measuring 12v at the connectors. My guess is there is a break underneath.
In any case, there is now enough cable discovered for me to cut it and pull backwards and connect to a convenient point that is already in the cupboard directly behind the light, and I can disconnect the other end. So things are looking up!