I know I know, not another buzzing dimmer question....

SiDwayz · 19 Feb 2009

I have just fitted a wickes dimmer switch to my 7 downlights in my bathroom. The switch itself has a tiny buzz which is fine but there is a louder buzz from the lights/transformers, I have dimmable transformers.

My question is... What actually causes the buzzing? Is it the lights, or the transformers? The lights are fairly low voltage as they are bathroom lights.... Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Si

DESL · 19 Feb 2009

Dimmer overload

The lights are fairly low voltage as they are bathroom lights...

Makes no difference what voltage they are it's the wattage of each lamp

7 down lights at 50W = 350 Watts

What's the rating on the dimmer?

I bet it's 250 Watt

aptsys · 19 Feb 2009

DESL said:
lights at 50W = 350 Watts

Who says they're 50W?

SiDwayz · 21 Feb 2009

No, actually mate, 7 x 20W = 140W, with a 250W switch.

I asked the question because it's easily livable with (good english!) so if it was the transformers I would leave it, but if I could get dimmable bulbs or a bulb that wouldn't buzz I would weigh that up.

I know it's very hard to diagnose from an email, just wondered what the common things were with dimmers....

Cheers

hairyben · 21 Feb 2009

What rating is/are the transformer(s)?

Is it half decent brand or cheapy?

SiDwayz · 21 Feb 2009

I'll get in the loft tomorrow and let you know. Cheers for your time

hairyben · 21 Feb 2009

If you have a transformer for every 20w light they're probably 60's which may explain it- they're underloaded. To dim 12v lighting the transformer should be close to the lamp rating- eg 50W lamp on 60VA transformer, or 4x 20w on 100VA transformer.

SiDwayz · 21 Feb 2009

I'm pretty sure each light has it's own transformer, I checked that they were dimmable before I bought the switch, but didn't check anything else! It is when I turn them down that they buzz, so I'm sure your right, what's the best thing to do?
Like I say if it's gonna be a big job I can live with the slight buzz, but if it was something I could sort easily and cheaply I would....

Cheers Ben

333rocky333 · 21 Feb 2009

http://www.modelighting.com/index3.asp?id=517&section=What Makes a Good Quality Transformer&set=2

SiDwayz · 22 Feb 2009

Thanks everyone for your help, I think I'll stick with the slight buzzing for now until I can warrant spending £100+ on new transformers, and the time to swap them all over!!
I'm sure I'll be back on when that time arises!!

Si

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I know I know, not another buzzing dimmer question....

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