fitting a dimmer with halogen spot lights

[Squire05]

HI I have 8 halogen spots, currently with 50W bulbs and I have bought a 400W dimmer switch to replace the 1 gang switch, will this work or do I need to replace the bulbs with a lower wattage, or buy a higher voltage dimmer?
Thanks

 

[333rocky333]

what voltage are the lamps

If 12 volt, is the dimmer and transformers compatible

If 240v, does the dimmer instructions mention if it needs to be derated for halogen loads.

 

[Squire05]

what voltage are the lamps

If 12 volt, is the dimmer and transformers compatible

If 240v, does the dimmer instructions mention if it needs to be derated for halogen loads.

Hi thanks for your reply,
The bulbs are 240W and the dimmer's instructions do not mention anything re halogen loads.

 

[breezer]

in that case, i suggest you assume that your dimmer is NOT de rated for halogen, so you need either a bigger dimmer or smaller lamps.

if you opt for smaller lamps then you wont need to dim them

 

[17thman]

I assume you meant 240V squire in which case ur original question stated that you have 8 bulbs at 50W which equals 400W.

 

[sparkyspike]

You can get Aurora derated dimmers at City Electrical. If you can't get derated ones, then double the load. This means a 1000W dimmer.

 

[johnnykc]

Hi.........if your lamps are cheap imports rather than one of the main 'branded' lamps with a fused link...it doesn't matter what your dimmer is rated at...when a lamp blows there is a very good chance you will fry the dimmer.

Look at your lamps as well as your choice of dimmer.
cheers