12 50watt downlighters in living room -- tripping out!

[damage]

Hi guys,
Can anyone offer me some advice?

I have just moved house and in the living room there are 12 x 50 watt downlighters running off a dimmer switch.

the problem is that after about 10 minutes the 12 downlighters turn off and the dimmer switch is very warm.

I have been told that I need to get a 1200 watt dimmer switch, is this correct or are there other options available?

Thanks,

Ian

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Lynda, moderator.

I used the edit button, looks like

 

[Job_n_knock]

Its a question of what is actually available to buy. I am told that there is now a 1000W dimmer that fits onto a single box. Home Automation use to have a 600W Dimmer that fitted onto a gridswitch (MK or Crabtree).
My view is that if you fit a 600W dimmer it wont last too long so upgrade to whats available and you'll get longevity.

 

[Steve]

use less downlighters

600 watts ffs. i have less than that lighting my garden adequately.

 

[damage]

600 watts -- alot I know, but I have just bought the house and this is what was fitted in the living room.

That is why Im asking for help / advice. So please don't flame.

 

[breezer]

change the lamps to 20 w ?

 

[Steve]

600 watts -- alot I know, but I have just bought the house and this is what was fitted in the living room.

That is why Im asking for help / advice. So please don't flame.

fair enough - many apologies

breezer's idea is good. 20w lamps would reduce the load significantly.

 

[damage]

Do you think 20 watt bulbs would be bright enough?

The room is 20ft x 12ft.

 

[damage]

Do you think 20 watt bulbs would be bright enough?

The room is 20ft x 12ft.

 

[brisband]

check if your transformer is being controlled via the dimmer switch. Not all transformers will allow the use of dimmer switches to control the voltage/current passing through them.