1Gang 2 Way Dimmer Switches

[SteveCav]

Hi,

Some advice would be appreciated on the following:-

Currently, I have 2 switches (georgian brass) controlling 1 light (240W load). I would like to exchange these switches for dimmers. This would have been straightforward until I found that the back boxes are 16mm and as everyone knows dimmers usually require at least 25mm.

Changing the back boxes is not an option as the room has recently been decorated and I'm not going through that misery again!

Consequently, I have been searching high and low to find dimmers that will fit into a 16mm back box. I can find white ones but not georgian brass with the exception of the varilight ones (master/slave). I was told these will fit in a 16mm box but checking on the TLC website it indicates a 25mm box. Being wary of the fact these can reach temperatures of 50 DegC I'm in two minds whether to install these or just give up and live with the current switches as these appear to be the only option.

Steve

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[Chri5]

Pattress frame is what you need, I'm certain someone will be along with a supplier- even if I can't find any

Wooden pattresses are generally available and that would add 10mm, but then you would have a wooden frame around the switch.

I would add that a 16mm back box would pull out without much mess, and honeycomb drilling the wall back to 25 or 30mm wouldn't be the greatest challenge ever. So the change out of the back box is possible.

What's the decor- paper ? and whats the wall type- brick or stud ?

 

[SteveCav]

Unfortunately, the decor is paint (light colour) and none remaining. 1 back box is in brick and the other in stud (easy enough).

Although I could honeycomb the wall previous experience tells me this will make a lot of mess and probably require touching up the plaster / paint or both.

I could add a pattress but there are none elsewhere in the house.

 

[sparkwright]

The main 'problem' with changing a 16 mm box to a 25 mm box is that the cable entry on the shallow box is in the centre; and the deeper box off centre. So you would have to drill a 20 mm hole and fit a grommet. Or you fit the 16 mm box deeper into the wall.

The wooden plinth idea is good. B&Queue do them in many wood finishes and would suit the brass. You would need longer screws, they should have them too.

Has the 16 mm box been put in deeper than it should have been? If so it may be ok.

Possibly if you do find a relatively shallow dimmer in plastic you could take out the dimmer modules and fit them to a brass plate. And make another, spare dimmer out of what's left.

If you do attempt to recess the box in further and cause some damage you could try and get a test-pot of paint. Or fit a white fingerplate behind the switch.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is a "Georgian" brass accessory a necessity? What about a flat plate one? Could still be brass...

Alternatively look for a brass fabricator who could make you a couple of spacers.

 

[sparkwright]

If both the switches are controlling just one light then you will only be fitting one dimmer switch, the other end being an ordinary switch.

So the dimmer switch can be at the end where it's studwork, as you said it's easier to sink a box in.
If in the studwork it's a 16 mm deep box then I assume it's fitted to wood.
The box should come out easily enough, a knife may help. Chain drill round the hole into the wood 10 mm then chissel out recess.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

He's using the Varilight master/slave dimmers, isn't he?

 

[sparkwright]

Yes, but he doesn't have to, does he?

He could have the ordinary bog-standard arrangement if it would mean only sinking one switch box in.

 

[SteveCav]

I'm only using the Varilight ones as I was told they would fit a 16mm box. Personally, I'd prefer the normal dimmer type.

Unfortunately, the switch that gets used is the one mounted on the brick not the studwall.

Georgian brass is necessary as every other switch and socket in the property is Georgian.

The 16mm box is slightly recessed but only by a couple of mm.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm only using the Varilight ones as I was told they would fit a 16mm box. Personally, I'd prefer the normal dimmer type.

No you wouldn't, two of them in a 2-way circuit won't work.

Georgian brass is necessary as every other switch and socket in the property is Georgian.

Ah yes - brass electrical accessories were very popular in Georgian times...

 

[SteveCav]

I know I'd only need 1 dimmer but it would have to be placed in the brick wall - i'd leave the other as a switch.

Georgian may have been popular in georgian times but if I changed them i'd change the lot and that would cost

 

[sparkwright]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Single-Patres...QcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&rvr_id=&cguid=f053c6f11

 

[sparkwright]

Who told you the Varilight master/slave stuff would fit on 16 mm boxes?
Maybe further research on this is required.

 

[SteveCav]

TLC told me that they know of someone who had done it. probably the back box was set a little deeper