dimmers with halogen lights

[scotteng]

we have two halogen lights in our kitchen each with 4x 50w halogen bulbs, gu10's.

run from a 400w rated dimmer. trouble is the dimmer keeps going.

its a 2 gang dimmer and its always the side running these halogens which blows.

any suggestions? poor quality dimmers, or the 400w load should be reduced?

cheers

 

[Steve]

You need an 800 watt dimmer. Or use fewer lamps . . .

EDIT: OR a more efficient and effective method of lighting.

 

[scotteng]

any idea where i can get an 800w dimmer??? 2gang

 

[riveralt]

Or put 35w lamps in it.

 

[pjcomp]

any idea where i can get an 800w dimmer??? 2gang

You won't - more than 2 x 250W and the dimmer modules generate too much heat for a single size box (themodules are probably getting too big to fit, as well). You'll either have to get a couple of kilowatt dimmers and chase out for a second switch box. Dropping down to 35W lamps is probably a better idea - kitcehn lights are there to work by and if you have to dim them you're probably ruinnign too much wattage anyway, IMO.

PJ