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Original poster

How do I turn the cuplights on?

50 replies

Liddelingland · 20/03/2021 16:50

We moved into a new house recently, which has cuplights under the kitchen cupboards. There was a note to tell us where their 'mains' switch is (hidden away at ankle height at the back of a cupboard) but turning that on doesn't make the lights come on. I'm assuming there must be another more convenient switch on or near the lights themselves, but I can't see it. There is a transformer (pictured) but I can't see a switch on that. What am I missing?

How do I turn the cuplights on?
How do I turn the cuplights on?
OP posts:
thenightsky · 20/03/2021 18:08

Yes I think there's another switch on that lump of plastic to the left. Although, I don't have a switch with a light on like you do, which puzzles me.

Original poster
Liddelingland · 20/03/2021 18:24

@whereiwanttobe

You don't have an odd looking remote control hanging around the kitchen do you? I've googled and some of them seem to be operated via WiFi...
No, nothing like that. I think they were installed about 8-10 years ago, so not very modern.
OP posts:
Original poster
Liddelingland · 20/03/2021 18:26

@mnahmnah

Isn’t that a switch at the end of the wire nearest the light?
Unfortunately not.
OP posts:
clareykb · 20/03/2021 18:37

In our old house there was a switch that didn't seem to do anything...we were there 8 years never figured it out...maybe it was that that turned on your lights 😂

Em308 · 20/03/2021 18:43

If they were installed 8-10 years ago could they need new bulbs?

Original poster
Liddelingland · 20/03/2021 19:32

@Em308

If they were installed 8-10 years ago could they need new bulbs?
They might, but I would still expect a switch.
OP posts:
berryhead2013 · 20/03/2021 19:43

Could you ask the previous owner?

Ahbahbahbah · 20/03/2021 19:51

Maybe they’re voice controlled. Have you tried saying “Lights on!” in a clear authoritative voice?

Original poster
Liddelingland · 20/03/2021 19:58

@Ahbahbahbah

Maybe they’re voice controlled. Have you tried saying “Lights on!” in a clear authoritative voice?
No, I think they pre-dates all that. Grin
OP posts:
Original poster
Liddelingland · 20/03/2021 19:59

@berryhead2013

Could you ask the previous owner?
No, we're not in touch.
OP posts:
TheQueef · 21/03/2021 09:20

I think the cup is shorthand for cupboard not the style of light.

skipperjonce · 21/03/2021 09:30

Transformers knackered I'm afraid. Common in this light type of this age. Get yourself some battery sensor under cupboard lights from amazon. Cheap and effective. Batteries last ages.

Original poster
Liddelingland · 21/03/2021 10:22

@skipperjonce

Transformers knackered I'm afraid. Common in this light type of this age. Get yourself some battery sensor under cupboard lights from amazon. Cheap and effective. Batteries last ages.
Possible, but it doesn't explain the lack of a handy switch (unless there is one integrated into the transformer that isn't obvious).
OP posts:
LittleBearPad · 21/03/2021 10:25

Ours have a switch on the wall with the overhead lights etc.

If there isn’t one it’s likely the overhead light switch makes them work and you need new bulbs

LittleBearPad · 21/03/2021 10:25

They may not have worked for years and the sellers didn’t care

SoupDragon · 21/03/2021 10:27

I've been in my house 19 years and I still haven't found a switch for the lights above the sink or for the outside security lights 😂😂

SoupDragon · 21/03/2021 10:31

Might the bulbs/transformer have blown and they are meant to come on with the main lights?
Is there a switch on the wall that you think is the switch for the cooker/fridge/some other built in appliance?
My under cupboard lights have a switch under the cupboards in a corner.

Original poster
Liddelingland · 21/03/2021 10:56

@SoupDragon

Might the bulbs/transformer have blown and they are meant to come on with the main lights? Is there a switch on the wall that you think is the switch for the cooker/fridge/some other built in appliance? My under cupboard lights have a switch under the cupboards in a corner.
There is only a labelled mains switch (pictured) but I have to get down on my knees and empty out a cupboard to reach it, so it can't be the everyday on/off switch.
How do I turn the cuplights on?
OP posts:
UseYourIllusion · 21/03/2021 10:59

I had this with an extractor fan over the hob when we moved in. Tried every switch, pushed every button, replaced the bulb (I really wanted the light bit). Nothing.

I eventually found the thing in a google search - nearly £2k worth and it transpired it was never actually wired in. The actually spent that much on something to not use it properly. Problem is now to get it wired and working would involve removing tiles etc so it remains this huge white elephant taunting me.

IM0GEN · 21/03/2021 11:04

@clareykb

In our old house there was a switch that didn't seem to do anything...we were there 8 years never figured it out...maybe it was that that turned on your lights 😂
This is more common than you might expect. I viewed a flat a few weeks ago and asked the owner what the switch on the kitchen wall (with a light ) was for. She said she didn’t know so just left it on all the time.

I think it was for the immerser water heater Shock

Chanjer · 21/03/2021 11:05

Is there a switch built into the cupboard door?

IM0GEN · 21/03/2021 11:22

Are you sure there isn’t an architrave switch hidden behind the trim?

Original poster
Liddelingland · 21/03/2021 11:36

@IM0GEN

Are you sure there isn’t an architrave switch hidden behind the trim?
I can't see anything like that. If there was one it should be in series between the transformer and the lights shouldn't it?
OP posts:
TakeYourFinalPosition · 21/03/2021 11:49

Mine is under the cupboard, under the ledge. Took me forever to find it. But I agree that it’s quite possible they’re all blown, so if yours are fancier and twist on; there wouldn’t be a switch to find...

Otherwise I’m baffled and it’d drive me mad Grin

SoupDragon · 21/03/2021 12:09

There is only a labelled mains switch (pictured) but I have to get down on my knees and empty out a cupboard to reach it, so it can't be the everyday on/off switch.

I know. I didn't mean in those cupboards, I meant under the cupboards the lights are attached to.

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