Bit of advice please....

[Rammie]

Customer wants 16 downlights fitted 50w halogens (already purchased) should be a bright room! Have suggested down rating to 35w...can these be run off a single 1 way 1 gang dimmer? Can't seem to find anything big enough off the shelf....thinking will need a 750w dimmer?...am I right and anybody know a good site to get one from?

Thank you

 

[telectrix]

you need at least a 1kw dimmer at 16 x 35watt. iether that or use 2 700watt dimmers, 8 on each.

 

[Rammie]

ah forgot to include dimmer in my calcs so yes see the need for 1kw and thanks v much for swift response....

 

[telectrix]

thinking about it, i would def. use 2 dimmers.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Are these fittings extra low voltage or 230V?

If ELV, check you have dimmable transformers and in any event, check that the dimmer will function with halogen lighting.

 

[Dunc]

Check the dimmer spec for tungsten halogen and ELV (these will be quoted in the instructions) but you can get 1000W dimmers that don't require any de rating. I would always spec the dimmer for worst case scenario too which means that if the fitting will take a 50W lamp then a full load of 800W should be expected. Ask your wholesaler for 1000W dimmers if you can't find one yourself, you'll need to fit atleast a 35mm deep single back box to take a dimmer of that capacity.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Customer wants 16 downlights fitted 50w halogens (already purchased) should be a bright room! Have suggested down rating to 35w...can these be run off a single 1 way 1 gang dimmer? Can't seem to find anything big enough off the shelf....thinking will need a 750w dimmer?...am I right and anybody know a good site to get one from?

Thank you

Rather than a dimmer I would imagine they would need these

 

[Steve1412]

Wont need the heating on in that room.ppphhheeeewwwwwwwww!

 

[VoltzElectrical]

would even split into 4 circuits giving different configurations. I've got 3 wall lights on one gang, 6 spots in the lounge (lounge diner) and a 5/4 configuration on the diner part. 4m x 7m total. 4 gang chrome dimmer from TLC.

 

[Marvo]

Unless the room is massive (over 40m sq or 400 square feet) I would talk the customer into less light fittings. It's going to cost him dearly in the electric bills and he's likely to get the next hole in the ozone layer named after him.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

Well splitting the circuit up will give plenty of options, including the option of not having them all on. Mostly i have 5 on dim over dinner, then just the wall lights on. Low voltage 35w in the ceiling. haven't really noticed much leccy bill going up yet. BUT, I can have them all on Full if I want to find something, or if I feel cold and can't be bothered to put the fire on lol.