halogen lights - can i fit a dimmer switch?

[determinedtodoit]

OK - I have checked out the other posts on this topic - and still not 100% so ...

I have 3 x 50W halogen spots in bedroom.
I have 6 x 50W halogen spots in lounge.
I have 2 x 1-gang 2 way 400W dimmer switches.

Can I intall the dimmer switches safely? From what I'm gathering -bedroom - yes, lounge probably -no. Is that right? What can I do then?

Also, to to complicate matters, the bedroom used to have wall lights (not halogen) which I got rid of. When I take of the existing double switch plate how do I know which connection is which? And what do I do with the connection I don't need?

Many thanks, determined to do this myself! (yes, I am a single female)

 

[ericmark]

There are three problems when fitting dimmer units to quartz halogen lights.
1) The inrush on the lights is higher than standard bulbs and some cheap dimming units can't stand this inrush current on switch on.
2) Some quartz halogen lamps use inverters which drop the voltage and also correct any voltage drop and these if they can be used at all need to have a matching dimmer unit designed to go with that inverter (Often called a transformer).
3) The whole idea of quartz halogen lamps is the tungsten which the element is made from is reflected from the very hot quartz and if you run them cold this will not work as designed so lamp life will be reduced.
So although you can dim the quartz halogen lamp it is not really a good idea. But your post really lacks information no voltage or types are given and you ask what wires do not need connecting without saying what wires you have so maybe you can say what you have so we can give a more considered reply.