2 way dimmer switch wattage

[simmy]

As a relative novice to lighting electrics at home and this forum, I have a query regarding the wattage quoted on dimmer switches.

I want to replace one of my current 2 way switches (single switch which turns on 2 main lounge lights together) for a 2 way dimmer switch.

The 2 way dimmer switch I have quotes wattage up to 400W. The dimmer switch would operate both of the 2 main lounge lights together - each light fitting has 5 x 60w golf ball bulbs i.e. 300W on each. Does this mean I need to find a dimmer switch with wattage up to 600W ??

Is it ok to use a single dimmer switch to operate 2 main lights like this, as I don't really want to have to put in wiring to operate the 2 main lounge lights separately?

 

[davelx]

You're trying to dim 600W on a single dimmer, so the dimmer must be rated higher than 600W. A 400W one is probably going to fail quite quickly and it will get rather hot anyway, which is not a good thing. It will probably also make a noise.

You don't really want to be running the dimmer at its maximum rating, so I'd look for a dimmer rated at least 700W.

TLC do a 1000W unit:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VL1000.html

 

[securespark]

But you will need a minimum 25mm box for that.