Dimmer Switch Problem

[Simon_G]

I recently posted about problems I'd had with a dimmer switch running a single lamp. After a bit of searching, I found this Varilight low-load dimmer switch HQ7W - HQ7W 1 Gang 1or2 Way 0-120 Watt Push On/Off Standard Dimmer Switch White Plastic White Knob | Rotary Dimmer Light Switch | The Internet Switch Store and matching CFL YCA20D-B22 - DigiFlux YCA20D-B22 Dimmable Light Bulb - Bayonet | Energy Saving Light Bulbs | The Internet Switch Store

I fitted both yesterday, and all appeared fine, and over the space of the afternoon and evening turned the switch on no more than 5 or 6 times, trying the dimming the light only a few times. After I tried switching the light on this morning, I got no response and now the light is simply showing no signs of life.

Does anyone have any advice, or know what the problem might be?

Thanks for any help.

Cheers,
Simon

 

[chloebear]

Strange question, but what light bulbs do you have - some are not dimmable

 

[Simon_G]

I'm using the recommended dimmable energy saving bulb with the dimmer switch:

YCA20D-B22 - DigiFlux YCA20D-B22 Dimmable Light Bulb - Bayonet | Energy Saving Light Bulbs | The Internet Switch Store

The bulb is also by Varilight and is recommended for use with the dimmer switch I purchased.

 

[chloebear]

another stupid question - are all the terminals tight & connected in the dimmer & 2 way switch, also in the ceiling rose??
Do you have incoming voltage at the switch?? - what about at the ceiling rose? simple things to check before looking at the fancy stuff.

 

[Simon_G]

Thanks for the reply chloebear, I'll try to answer the best I can, but bare with me, as I'm a complete novice. The switch is in an upstairs bedroom, and I'll be checking that the terminals are tight and connected when I get home. I will also check there's not a fault with the bulb by trying it in another pendant. I'm uncertain if I have incoming voltage at the switch - is there anything that would signify this? I also should have mentioned the house was rewired in September 2011, so all electrics should be up to date.

Thanks for any further help

 

[chloebear]

you would need a volt meter to check

 

[Simon_G]

If I did have incoming voltage at the switch, would that cause a problem?

 

[telectrix]

simon, it's time to phone a sparks. several members are in your area, and someone should be able to pop round and fix it for you. it's not likely to be an expensive job.

 

[Simon_G]

I think I've come to the same conclusion, as I'm at my wits ends with it and would rather have a professional, with the expertise and equipment take a look. Thanks for the advice telectrix.

 

[telectrix]

any professional members in sheffield, then???? help the guy out.

 

[Simon_G]

I guess they must all be snowed under (bad joke, sorry!)

 

[KAS1]

That was not stupid, it got to the bottom of it, he hasn't got a clue what he's doing.

another stupid question - are all the terminals tight & connected in the dimmer & 2 way switch, also in the ceiling rose??
Do you have incoming voltage at the switch?? - what about at the ceiling rose? simple things to check before looking at the fancy stuff.

 

[Simon_G]

That was not stupid, it got to the bottom of it, he hasn't got a clue what he's doing.

Thanks for stating the obvious Kas1. At no point did I elude to being a qualified electrician or state I had any experience in the matter. Was simply trying to get some advice with the problem I have.

 

[DPG]

That was not stupid, it got to the bottom of it, he hasn't got a clue what he's doing.

KAS1 - do you find you have problems dealing with people generally, or is it just a forum thing? Daz

 

[KAS1]

It's mainly that crap on here but I'm getting into it now, I do find there's a lot of so called electricians out there who are as thick as ****e, but no don't have too many probs perhaps some on here don't like me saying what I think but **** them, on site I'd sack them, plenty more metal munchers out there and tray bashers and cable pullers and I forgot terminators to take their places lol

KAS1 - do you find you have problems dealing with people generally, or is it just a forum thing? Daz

 

[BigTom83]

What is the wattage you are trying to dim? And what is the rating of the dimmer? I.e. do you have 4x 50 watt lamps and 150watt dimmer??

 

[markc123]

It's mainly that crap on here but I'm getting into it now, I do find there's a lot of so called electricians out there who are as thick as ****e, but no don't have too many probs perhaps some on here don't like me saying what I think but **** them, on site I'd sack them, plenty more metal munchers out there and tray bashers and cable pullers and I forgot terminators to take their places lol

:laugh3:

Mate, just say it how it is - i would haha. You are the most blunt sparky i think ive ever come across lol.

Stick around KAS1, can see you're going to be a controversial one a balotelli of the electricians forum if you like