dimmer switch help

[igloo600]

Hi all, rather new to this biz so am in need of a bit of guidence.
Am I right in believing only certain types of lights will work from dimmer switch control, because of the voltage being regulated or something.
If so which ones WILL work by dimmer switch, my mate wants the simple hologen lights that you get out of Homebase and the like, are they O.K?

Much appreciated.

 

[deanovilla]

Hi are these the little 2 pin lights about 1inch long , if so make sure you get the ones that are ok for dimmers as l was told by wholesaler that there are 2 kinds , something about the dimmer being burnt out , l did check with makers and it was true , pity they dont say on the packet as the ones for dimmers are a few quid dearer .mate

 

[bugsy]

Most dimmers will control tungsten, tungsten halgen L.V ( although some require 0-10v )
They will not control fluro's LED or discgarge some cfl's are now dimmable

 

[feselectrical]

The important thing to remember is to use the correct wattage dimmer for the job,add up the wattage of the total lights and choose a dimmer with a biiger wattage capacity..

e.g 4x 50w downlighters = 200w you will need to get a 250w dimmer.

Hope this helps

NICEIC Registered Electricians, Bolton, Salford, Manchester - FES Electrical

 

[deanovilla]

igloo sorry l didnt explain myself quite clearly , the bulbs where you can get a problem are the 2-pinG4 ,Halostar ,and the halopin bulbs ,those nasty little things although you may get the wattage right for the dimmer l was told by the manufacturer that you need to specify its a dimmer switch you are using , a customer of mine had these about 2year ago and problems abound with them taking the switch out , and as l said in the earlier thread they dont mention this , my wholesaler has had problems explaining this to the diy ers , altho he has since stopped now because of the hassle ,hope this helps

Hi all, rather new to this biz so am in need of a bit of guidence.
Am I right in believing only certain types of lights will work from dimmer switch control, because of the voltage being regulated or something.
If so which ones WILL work by dimmer switch, my mate wants the simple hologen lights that you get out of Homebase and the like, are they O.K?

Much appreciated.