Dimmer problems with R7 lights

[KelvinS]

Hopefully someone can help me decide whether to persevere, or is it time for an electrician?

I have two new R7 bulb wall lights for the bedroom. I have spurred off a double socket with a FCU and changed the 13A fuse for a 5A one. I have then run cable from the FCU 'through' a dimmer to the light. All connections are live to live to live, etc.

When I switch on the FCU the lights come on. However, when I try to dim the lights it blows the dimmer and either fuses the FCU or just 'pops' and then stays on, i.e. the dimmer doesn't work and also won't switch off the light.

Are these lights not dimmable with a standard Homebase dimmer, or have I done something wrong somewhere else?

Thanks for any guidance

 

[breezer]

sounds like you have wired the dimmer across the live and neutral. it should only be connected so it "breaks" the live.

 

[KelvinS]

Yes I have. So I should take the feed live into the 'live' of the dimmer and then take the live for the lamp and connect to the dimmer 'out' or neutral. Do I just then connect the two neutrals in a connection box/plastic connector within the socket box?

 

[breezer]

to the dimmer "out"

and yes both neutrals should be in the same choc block within the patress

 

[KelvinS]

Thanks - I'll rewire it. Chances are the dimmers have blown haven't they? What's likely to happen if I try them wired properly? If nothing happens, get new dimmers?

 

[Steve]

depends on the dimmer - some will just refuse to light, some will light fully on only. Creating a dead short across a dimmer - nasty.

 

[securespark]

Chances are it's gone to that great wholesaler in the sky. Even if a lamp fails, it can toast dimmers. But test it before you chuck it.