dimmer switch problems

[neil_ev]

Hi all,

After rewiring a property the owner has been complaining of flickering lights on a lighting circuit in the lounge.

Sometimes when the dimmer switch is turned there is a slight flicker on the lamps.

The circuit has 5 wall lights on it with 2 x 45w halogen lamps in each (450w total) and a 1000w dimmer controlling it.

I have tried 2 different manufacturers of dimmer and still having the same problem.

Could it be that because the dimmer switch range is 200w - 1000w that the 450w load is a little light? (I know it's within the limits but sometimes these things can happen....?)

The customer is withholding all payment until this is resolved (understandable) but also questioning my competency and the safety of the the entire installation!

I am keen to get this resolved, so as there is a poor selection of high wattage dimmers was also wandering if it would be a decent option to replace the lamps with either LED or CFL and fit a lower wattage LED dimmer, which I have found are great quality.

Sorry to ramble on, and any thoughts are gratefully received.

 

[Englishman]

Are the lamps dimmable?

 

[neil_ev]

Yep. Standard halogen lamps. All dimmable.

 

[ipf]

Compatible? Have a word with the lamp and dimmer manufacturers to find out.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Try a standard on/off switch to eliminate any other issues,which will at least prove the flickering is down to the dimmer. If the load is within the dimmer spec then take it back to the supplier, complain loudly and ask for a response from the manufacturer. This sort of thing crops up all the time these days and it's always the installer who is expected to waste his time and money sorting out problems with cr-ap gear.

 

[baldsparkies]

Frustrating as it is its also common on cheaper dimmers especially when driving over 250 watts.
Try reducing the wattage of the lamps and possibly a better quality dimmer.
The next problem could be a buzzing from the dimmer that gradually gets louder.
At 450w your controlling a load that generates a lot of heat, its possible that heat build up within the dimmer whilst being used on the lower setting is causing the problem.
Other than that its going to be difficult.
And as far as the customer with holding ALL payment due to a flickering dimmer ??
You've got a piece of work there my friend.
Do as wirepuller says and then show the customer the problem is the dimmer and not your work.
Hopefully a better quality dimmer will cure the problem.
Hope you get paid.

 

[Adam W]

The bulbs will be dimmable but are you sure the transformers are?
Are the dimmers you tried compatible with inductive loads? Maybe try temporarily swapping one of the halogen fittings for a resistive lamp to see if that helps?

 

[NickD]

The bulbs will be dimmable but are you sure the transformers are?
Are the dimmers you tried compatible with inductive loads? Maybe try temporarily swapping one of the halogen fittings for a resistive lamp to see if that helps?

Are there any transformers involved or are we talking 230V bulbs?

I would be surprised if the dimmer can 'tell the difference' between a halogen and an old-school filament, other than any wattage difference, but stranger things have happened.

Agree with wirepuller, first go back to a bog standard switch to eliminate any simple connection issues. Then maybe refit the dimmer and see what happens with only one bulb per fitting to halve the load?