HELP....Switch wired to L1+L2 ...BUT Dimmer has L1+L2+C ??

[DAGRN73]

existing wiring = 2 core (red + black) and earth cable

The old switch was wired...
red in L1
black in L2
no C on old switch
earth wired to the back box

no instructions with the dimmer (twist switch) but i have wired it....
red in C
black in L1
then i looped the earth around screw on the back box to the earth connection on the back of the dimmer plate.

Does this sound okay to you guys because when i switch on the dimmer the ceiling light does come on but after about a quarter of a turn the light flickers and the swith starts to buzz.

Any advice would be appreciated, but most of all peace of mind knowing its safe or not, i dont want to go out later to come back to my flat being hosed down by the fire department.

 

[stargazer]

Your wiring is correct, but what sort of light are you dimming?

 

[DAGRN73]

just a standard ceiling light, bulb is a 40w i think.

 

[hairyben]

Try a 60 or a 100 watt lamp.

 

[stargazer]

Some dimmers require a minimum load to work properly.
Try changing your bulb for a 60W one and see what happens.

 

[DAGRN73]

YES, 60w bulb has cured it, thanks a lot, much appreciated,
debs x