Changing to Dimmer switch help

[Ian n]

I have two new lights in the living room. Both 360 watts.
They are currently connected to a single switch. I want to connect a dimmer as they are a to bright.
Below is the current wiring

https://app.box.com/s/o5h44kpsfjqa9uttb84u5fc8j4ddhv9j
This is the back of the new dimmer which is rated 400w

https://app.box.com/s/5pyfihkmo5g0u91jnvd5tqw04wmxakge
Can someome give me a clear idea how to wire it up please? Is it possible ?

Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

Typo somewhere?

 

[Ian n]

Added image links.

 

[EFLImpudence]

You only have two wires at the present switch, so -
one wire - it doesn't matter which - goes to L1 and one to the Wavy X symbol.

However, 720 Watts is too much for the switch.

If you bought a double dimmer because you wanted each light controlled independently, then you cannot without running another cable from the light switch to one of the lights (can't tell which, probably the nearest).


They are too bright because you have far too much - reduce the wattage.

 

[chivers67]

360 Watts x 2 in a living room, no wonder you wear shades

 

[Ian n]

Theyre a bit fancy lights with too many bulbs!

All i want is to be able to turn them both down. I dont mind them being independant. Turning both down together is fine.

Would i wire both brown to just one side ( L1 and wavy X)or is that overloading it?

 

[Iggifer]

I know it doesn't really matter, but fitted one of these dimmers earlier and the instructions say

Switched live into wavy symbol/common
Permenant live into L2.

Don't know why that's what they specify but that's the manufacturers advice

 

[Ian n]

Just checked the bulbs i put in they are 42w halogen savers. 6x42w =252w X2

 

[EFLImpudence]

Switched live into wavy symbol/common
Permenant live into L2.

Thanks for that. I will bear it in mind for the future.

That's a really illogical way to number the terminals.
Do you think they manufactured them wrongly?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Theyre a bit fancy lights with too many bulbs!

All i want is to be able to turn them both down. I dont mind them being independant.

You can't.

Turning both down together is fine.

You don't have any choice.

Would i wire both brown to just one side ( L1 and wavy X)or is that overloading it?

Yes but it will overload the switch with 504 Watts.

 

[Ian n]

Thanks- so i need ro reduce watts to below 400w? Then i can wire it up as you suggested?

 

[333rocky333]

I know it doesn't really matter, but fitted one of these dimmers earlier and the instructions say

Switched live into wavy symbol/common
Permenant live into L2.

Don't know why that's what they specify but that's the manufacturers advice

I have mentioned this before and got slated, by the same people that go on about following manufacturers instructions.
Obviously we know it don't matter but
L is the symbol for live
The wavy line squiggle is the symbol for VARIABLE OUTPUT

However with a 2 way version the drawing enclosed when studied often
shows Live To L for 1 way
But the 2 way drawing often shows the load off L1 or L2, so obviously it dont matter and for the last few years most instructions say it can be wired either way round.

 

[333rocky333]

Thanks- so i need ro reduce watts to below 400w? Then i can wire it up as you suggested?

what bulbs are in it, sounds excessive, would need to be like 18 x 20 watt bulbs.
maybe swap to 10 watt lamps or get a 1000 watt dimmer

 

[Ian n]

what bulbs are in it, sounds excessive, would need to be like 18 x 20 watt bulbs.
maybe swap to 10 watt lamps or get a 1000 watt dimmer

They are 42w halogen savers. Just went with recommended by supplier. Just a bit bright!!

Would like the option to dimmer if possible or.shall i just get lower watt bulbs?

 

[333rocky333]

how does that equate to 360 watt each then