Dimmer dilema

[marksparky]

Hi folks got a call bout three months ago that a customer 1 gang dimmer had stopped working (the lights still switched on but didnt dim) 5 * 50 watt 12volt halogens = 250watt so replaced with a 400watt new unit! only for her to ring back today and say that 1 has stopped workin also! any ideas as to watt may be the cause? thanks in advance!

 

[telectrix]

1. cheap dimmer. 2. try a 700watt dimmer. i always double up for halogens, and use a rotary dimmer, not a push one.

 

[marksparky]

its a click deco 400watt rotary iv never had any probs with there stuff b4, surely if its rated at 400watt it should be able to cope wit 250? u think it could be bulbs or tansformers or even some sort of fault on the circuit? cheers for the prompt reply

 

[i=p/u]

well the rule of thumb is double, all you can do is try larger dimmer, try reading the transformer data sheet, youl'l get online somewhere

 

[ian]

1. cheap dimmer. 2. try a 700watt dimmer. i always double up for halogens, and use a rotary dimmer, not a push one.

spot on.
ian

 

[Marvo]

I would do all the usual tests on the circuit if this isn't the first time the dimmer has gone south. Visually check the terminations and transformers as well for good measure.

 

[telectrix]

and make sure the transformers are dimmable. your op didn't mention transformers. sometimes when a halogen blows ( tungsten filament as well ) rhe momentary current flow is quite large enough to trip a 6A MCB so won't do a 2Adimmer a lot of good.