dimmer switch with Halogen light fitting

[agh100]

Hi
I have an IKEA light fitting, with 8 Halogen G4 12V 10W bulbs in.
It originally had a dimmer switch that seemed to work fine, however we had all our lighting rewired and I bought a new 400w max dimmer and fitted that. It seemed to work, but turning it up and down caused a lot of flickering and then I was turning the switch and the light fitting popped and now it doesnt work at all.
I put the old non-dimmer switch back on and it still doesnt work.
What do you think I have done, blown the transformer in the light fitting?
If so, can this part be replaced?
I've searched on the internet and am still not sure if I can have a dimmer with these type of bulbs?
The electrician who rewired the lighting is now on holiday so I cant contact him.
Thanks for any help.

 

[electronicsuk]

What do you think I have done, blown the transformer in the light fitting?
If so, can this part be replaced?

Yes, and yes. The old transformer probably wasn't designed to be connected to a dimmer, make sure that whatever replacement you get hold of can be dimmed.

 

[agh100]

So is it possible to buy a generic transformer that will fit in my light fitting and work with a dimmer etc?
Ie - without having to replace the whole light fitting or buy exact same spare transformer from IKEA?

Cheers

 

[electronicsuk]

If the fitting came from IKEA then I'd hazard a guess it wasn't too expensive, and buying a new fitting would be the easiest option. I don't doubt a replacement part is available, but the transformers in these fittings are usually very small - you need to take the fitting down and find out the physical size and wattage of the existing part before you can start to look for a replacement.

 

[TicklyT]

Trouble is if you get an identical replacement fitting or transformer from Ikea, you ar back in the same boat.... A transformer not suitable for dimming.
TLC or Screwfix, among others should be able to supply generic dimmable transformers.

The dimmer needs to be suitable for use with a transformer, and the transformer suitable for use with a dimmer.

 

[agh100]

hmm ok thanks
not sure I would have a clue what transformer to buy from screwfix, or how to wire it!
I think my choices are going to be replace the light and not have a dimmer or buy a new light fitting that does not use low voltage bulbs as I think I'm right in saying there shouldnt be a problem dimming these as no transformer?

 

[Steve]

A lot of light fittings still come with wire-wound transformers, which are not suitable for dimming. These are big and bulky and do usually form part of the structure of the fitting. So finding a suitable small electronic transformer can sometimes be difficult.