Dimmer switches

[boniface8th]

I have a dimmer switch in my living room that has worked perfectly for 12 years. Recently though, my tenants have complained that the bulbs kept failing after about 6 weeks (old fashioned bulbs, obviously, because new eco ones don't work with dimmers as far as I understand).

Now it's got to the point that when you put the dimmer switch up to full, it comes out at about, I would guess 20 watts.

What does this mean?

Do I need a new dimmer? Do I replace it with a simple switch? Or does this mean something more serious?

All responses gratefully received soon as - otherwise angry tenants.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Wow, a conscientious landlord. How refreshing.

Dimmers do die after a while. Sometimes it takes them some time.
The only option is to change it for another. Better to put a straight switch in, if you can get away with it, otherwise you'll be back in 5 years to swop it again.

 

[boniface8th]

Many thanks for this. Is changing the dimmer switch a relatively easy thing to do, or do I need a sparky?

Wow, a conscientious landlord. How refreshing.

Dimmers do die after a while. Sometimes it takes them some time.
The only option is to change it for another. Better to put a straight switch in, if you can get away with it, otherwise you'll be back in 5 years to swop it again.

 

[riveralt]

Many thanks for this. Is changing the dimmer switch a relatively easy thing to do, or do I need a sparky?

Any competent diyer should be able to change one dimmer for another.
Just make sure you note where each of the wires go on the old dimmer before you disconect it. On a single way dimmer (one that alone controls the lights) you should expect red/brown in Common and black/blue in L1 and the earth to the backbox. If the dimmer switch is metal it to needs connecting to the backbox earth with a piece of sleeved cable.
If there are more than this number of wires then the new one should wired as the old one.
Two things to be aware of - most dimmers have a range say 40-250w - you want one that covers the total wattage of the lights it is controlling with a bit to spare. So for the above 60-200w should be okay.
Secondly, the old dimmer may have terminals marked C = Common L1 and L2. The new one could have the same or L1 L2 L3 where L1=C or ~ L1 L2 where ~ = C.

 

[boniface8th]

Many thanks for this. Is changing the dimmer switch a relatively easy thing to do, or do I need a sparky?

Any competent diyer should be able to change one dimmer for another.
Just make sure you note where each of the wires go on the old dimmer before you disconect it. On a single way dimmer (one that alone controls the lights) you should expect red/brown in Common and black/blue in L1 and the earth to the backbox. If the dimmer switch is metal it to needs connecting to the backbox earth with a piece of sleeved cable.
If there are more than this number of wires then the new one should wired as the old one.
Two things to be aware of - most dimmers have a range say 40-250w - you want one that covers the total wattage of the lights it is controlling with a bit to spare. So for the above 60-200w should be okay.
Secondly, the old dimmer may have terminals marked C = Common L1 and L2. The new one could have the same or L1 L2 L3 where L1=C or ~ L1 L2 where ~ = C.

 

[TicklyT]

Given the trend towards replacing tungsten lamps with low energy lamps, you may be better off replacing the dimmer with a simple switch.

As you are aware, many low energy lamps will not function correctly with a dimmer meant for use with conventional lamps, and vice versa, and tungsten lamps are disappearing from the market.

Selecting suitable replacement low energy lamps can be a little bit of a minefield. Don't believe all of the claims about the light output of the lamps - some are a little optimistic to say the least! Just tell your tenants you chose them to match the light output of the old lamps with the dimmer turned down!