Dimmer Switch

[CarolineF]

Hi there,
Can anyone help me with a domestic query?
I currently have 10 x 50 watt spotlights in my kitchen ceiling, which can be switched on via two different switches (one switch is in the kitchen, one is just outside the kitchen).
I would like to replace the switch in the kitchen with a dimmer switch, which will need to handle 500watts. But I'm not sure if I need one-way or two-way, and one-gang or two-gang...? (In fact, I'm cluleless as to what these terms mean!)
If anyone could advise, I'd be really grateful!
Many thanks,
Caroline

 

[Dazza1976]

Hi Caroline,

the 2 way switches are designed for when you have 2 different switches controlling the same light, such as for your landing when you have a switch downstairs and one upstairs, however these can also be used for one way, so it doesnt actually matter wether you buy a 1 way or 2 way dimmer switch.

the number of gangs is basically the number of dimmer switches on the unit, as you said there is just one switch in the kitchen, then you would just need to get a 1 gang 1 way switch, although a 2 way dimmer switch will be fine if that is all they have.

You didnt mention what type of spotlights you have though ? are they halogen bulbs ? If so a 500w dimmer would not be suitable, and you would need to get something larger like 750-1000 w

Hope this helps

 

[Spoon]

Doesn't she need a 1 gang 2 way switch Dazza, as the lights in the kitchen are controlled by two separate switches?

 

[malcolmsanford]

750 watt may just not be quite there as you should derate the dimmer by 50% for halogen lamps, so 500+250 is just on 750watt You could down rate the lamps to 35watt if you wish, as 500watt of lighting must be like walking into a blizzard.

Dimmer Switch 1 gang dimmer switch 1000 watt 2 way Primed White - Mr RESISTOR

Above though is a link to a 1000watt 2 way Dimmer

 

[CarolineF]

Hi Caroline,

the 2 way switches are designed for when you have 2 different switches controlling the same light, such as for your landing when you have a switch downstairs and one upstairs, however these can also be used for one way, so it doesnt actually matter wether you buy a 1 way or 2 way dimmer switch.

the number of gangs is basically the number of dimmer switches on the unit, as you said there is just one switch in the kitchen, then you would just need to get a 1 gang 1 way switch, although a 2 way dimmer switch will be fine if that is all they have.

You didnt mention what type of spotlights you have though ? are they halogen bulbs ? If so a 500w dimmer would not be suitable, and you would need to get something larger like 750-1000 w

Hope this helps

Thgis is really helpful - thanks so much!

 

[Dazza1976]

Doesn't she need a 1 gang 2 way switch Dazza, as the lights in the kitchen are controlled by two separate switches?

Yes sorry you are quite right Spoon, i misinterpreted the question , and for some reason I had it in my mind that the switch outside the kitchen controlled 5 of the lights, and the switch inside controlled the other 5 lights.

Sorry Caroline, make sure that it is a 1 gang 2 way switch, I was having one of my daft moments !
And as Malcolm suggested, a 1000w one would be preferable if you have got halogen lamps in them.

 

[Spoon]

Yes sorry you are quite right Spoon, i misinterpreted the question , and for some reason I had it in my mind that the switch outside the kitchen controlled 5 of the lights, and the switch inside controlled the other 5 lights.

Sorry Caroline, make sure that it is a 1 gang 2 way switch, I was having one of my daft moments !
And as Malcolm suggested, a 1000w one would be preferable if you have got halogen lamps in them.

No worries Dazza, its been one of those days for me as well.

 

[telectrix]

or downrate lamps to 35w and fit 700 watt dimmer. otherwise 1000wat dimmer, but probably need a deeper back box.