Switch works but known good dimmer doesn't?

[Linh]

Hope someone can offer some help.

1 way switch controlling a standard element type light bulb.
Dimmer worked for 1 year then failed. Fitted a new dimmer, still not switching on... fitted standard switch...works fine.
I've tested both dimmers, old and new, in mums house and they work fine ! Why should they not work in my house ?

 

[sparkybird]

whats the wattage of the bulb? If it's less than 60W then most dimmer don't like this as they require 60 W min load

 

[Linh]

hmmmm, very interesting.
Although, both dimmers worked OK when I tested them in my mums house on her 20W energy saving OSRAMS. But I'll try some different bulbs tomorrow.
Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[JohnW2]

1 way switch controlling a standard element type light bulb.

What do you mean by a "standard element type bulb"? What wattage is it?

Kind Regards, John

 

[Linh]

JohnW2

I mean that it is not a not strip light or low energy bulb just an old school bulb. I'll check again but I think it was a 30 Watt.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I think it was a 30 Watt.

Many dimmers need a load of at least 40watt, you may need to try a bigger lamp.

 

[Linh]

Taylortwocities
Thanks for your reply seems you and sparkybird are thinking along the same lines...

whats the wattage of the bulb? If it's less than 60W then most dimmer don't like this as they require 60 W min load

Be trying that tomorrow, I'll post news on the out come.
Thanks again guys

 

[JohnW2]

JohnW2 ... I mean that it is not a not strip light or low energy bulb just an old school bulb. I'll check again but I think it was a 30 Watt.

Thanks. In that case, as others have said, the 30W (more likley 25W - can't say I recall having ever seen 30W!) could well be the problem.

Kind Regards, John

 

[Linh]

Mission SORTED
A big thanks to;

Taylortwocities
sparkybird
and JohnW2

I've never comes across a low watt bulb not working on a dimmer switch before. Live and learn.