Add a double dimer switch to an existing installation

jimmydean · Nov 25, 2021

Hi,
Would like some advice please on the following issue.

2 (dimmable)wall lights which are plugged into a mains socket via a 5 amp fused plug. At the present time the two lamps are switched on and off by the plug socket. They are wired as follows. Lamp 1 is connected to the mains, and Lamp 2 is connected to Lamp 1, so both switch on and off together. The installed cable is 1.5mm twin & earth. Is it possible to introduce a double dimmer switch into the circuit ( would wall mount the switch) to control the lamps independently, and if so how would it be wired. The proposed double dimmer switch has L1, L2 and Common connection terminal( x2), with an earth terminal. Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

DefyG · Nov 26, 2021

You can get dimmable 'in line' switches that attach to the cable to the light.
Doesn't sound like a very satisfactory set up but replace the t&e with a circular flex with the in line dimmer control and separate 13A (fused to 5A) plugs into separate socket outlets (or a twin adaptor).

littlespark · Nov 26, 2021

If the dimmer is going between source of power and first light, then you’ll need a second switch wire from switch, jointed through at light 1 to go to light 2 (but not connected to light 1)

Would this be easier using dimmable smart bulbs in each fitting?

jimmydean · Nov 26, 2021

littlespark said:
If the dimmer is going between source of power and first light, then you’ll need a second switch wire from switch, jointed through at light 1 to go to light 2 (but not connected to light 1)

Would this be easier using dimmable smart bulbs in each fitting?

Awesome idea. Did that today. Thank you!

jimmydean · Nov 26, 2021

DefyG said:
You can get dimmable 'in line' switches that attach to the cable to the light.
Doesn't sound like a very satisfactory set up but replace the t&e with a circular flex with the in line dimmer control and separate 13A (fused to 5A) plugs into separate socket outlets (or a twin adaptor).

Thanks for the advice. I did this and added two smart dimmable bulbs. Thanks again