Dimmer

[Albert]

hi,
8 x 50W, 12v down lights. The dimmer was dead after 1 year, not surprising as it was a 400W one (not my work). Changed it to 1000W, it is buzzing I know that this is normal and in my opinion it is reasonable. The customer said that the old one did not buzz, I think that they just did not notice the buzzing.

The make is Varilight, Is there any thing that can improve the buzzing; different recommended make or any other ideas?

 

[hairyben]

It'll buzz when it's loaded that low, they just do.

Varilight make a 500w/400VA electronic dimmer, think they make 630 and 1000w items too, ask your wholesaler if they have the stearn catalogue.

 

[RF Lighting]

What about a remote dimmer?

 

[Albert]

Thanks, I was looking at the Stern catalog, I think they have the 630w. I believed that a 1000W dimmer should overcome any overloading from 400W load x 1.8 (for low voltage).

 

[Albert]

What about a remote dimmer?

Never used them any more details?

 

[RF Lighting]

http://www.aurora.eu.com/ProductPages/PowerProductDetails.aspx?g=328&c=575&b=71&oc=575

 

[Albert]

thanks

 

[johnnykc]

The Varilight remote control dimmer should be quieter as it doesn't have a coil and would be a straight swop for your current switch.....

 

[Albert]

The Varilight remote control dimmer should be quieter as it doesn't have a coil and would be a straight swop for your current switch.....

surly you cannot change only the dimmer switch, what about the transformer? or can you?

 

[hairyben]

The Varilight remote control dimmer should be quieter as it doesn't have a coil and would be a straight swop for your current switch.....

surly you cannot change only the dimmer switch, what about the transformer? or can you?

No, the remote dimmer handles dimming only and you use normal transformers.

I think it's worth trying a decent electronic dimmer, often referred to as "intelligent" dimmers, before resorting to remote dimm packs.

Thats said remote dimm packs are great sometimes, did a job little while ago, the guy wanted reproduction olde worlde round brass dome toggle switches on wooden plates and the mrs demanded dimming. Solution? Custom order retractive toggle switches and remote dimm packs! They were well chuffed, I'm clever, me.

 

[Albert]

Sorry for being so slow but if it is a remote unit it must have something else to control the dimmer remotely...

 

[hairyben]

Sorry for being so slow but if it is a remote unit it must have something else to control the dimmer remotely...

Normally either a 10v rotary dimmer (looks like a normal dimmer) or a retractive switch.