Compatible Dimmer Switch?

[mallord]

Hi, I have changed my 2 ceiling light fittings in the living room to 12v 20w GU4 Halogen lights with a single bulb in each. The fittings have built in transformers. The lights are flickering and the dimmer switch on the wall and the fittings are buzzing in an angry way!

I'm guessing the problem is the current wall dimmer switch (60-400w & 200-240v) is not compatible with the new halogen 12v 20w lights????

I've looked at various guides to dimmers but remain confused on what would be a compatible dimmer switch for this set up...trailing edge/leading edge and the rating etc etc?????

Any pointers would be gratefully received.

Many thanks
Mallord

 

[ricicle]

Your dimmer = 60w minimum
Your lights = 20w x 2 = ?
Dimming halogen lamps shortens their life.

 

[mallord]

Hi, thanks for the quick response and info. I enjoyed you leaving the maths for me to do to highlight my stupidity...well deserved!

In terms of the type of wall dimmer...Inductive or Resistive (leading edge) or Resistive (trailing edge) would you be able to help with that??? I would be more than happy to pay extra for a dimmer type that cut out buzzing.

I appreciate that dimming isn't ideal for halogen but we use the lights infrequently and are happy to take the consequences ie degraded bulb life.

General info for other potential posters.....something I didn't mention in my original posts but the lights are dimmable.

Thanks again for your quick initial response.

 

[Taylortwocities]

You need to get a dimmer that is compatible with the TRANSFORMER.

Given your miniscule load one of these might work
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLLQ1W.html

But why do you need to dim 40watts of light? Surely its dim enough already

 

[knowall]

You need to get a dimmer that is compatible with the TRANSFORMER.

Given your miniscule load one of these might work
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLLQ1W.html

But why do you need to dim 40watts of light? Surely its dim enough already

You haven't seen the wallpaper!