Help please with 12 x 50w downlights & dimmer switch

[dena007]

Hi,

My OH's mate has installed new 12 x 50w halogen downlights. These are connected to a 2 gang dimmer switch, the other switch operates a low voltage light in the hallway.

The chap did say that we would need to upgrade the switch to cope with 600w as the existing switch was only for 250w.

10 mins after he left, we couldn't turn off the lights and the switch became extremely hot, so my OH took out the light fuse which means we currently have no working lights downstairs.

I will have to call an electrician out to wire up a new switch, but, having tried to purchase one today, I couldn't find a double dimmer anywhere above 250w.

Could anyone advise what my options are?

Thanks

 

[londonboy]

Your options are take the dimmer out and put a 2 gang switch in!
Why do you want these dimmed? What room is it?
I've looked and can only find 500w single dimmers.

 

[dena007]

Your options are take the dimmer out and put a 2 gang switch in!
Why do you want these dimmed? What room is it?
I've looked and can only find 500w single dimmers.

They're in my lounge, and I really need them to be on a dimmer control?

 

[londonboy]

The only option I can see is to split the lights into two halves and put in an extra switch.
The others will be on later to tell you how inefficent this type of lighting is.

 

[Chri5]

All the beefy load dimmers >400w are single dimmer rather than 2 x dimmers in a single plate size.

You will need to provide a 2nd single switch back box and have 1 x dimmer for the hall and another for the 12 x GU10's.

The only other alternative is this, which looks wrong

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIDQI602MS.html

Then again if you 'happy' to have an odd look a single MK grid plate with 1x normal dimmer, and 1 x high load slid switch would work. Be warned an in grown toe nail looks more attractive

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...nu_Index/Grid_System/Grid_System_4/index.html

 

[LiamPope]

Or just replace the horribly inefficient halogen bulbs with dimmable low energy versions if your fittings allow, then you'll be well under 250W.

Liam

 

[Taylortwocities]

You are a bit knackered, mate.

600VA plus dimmers take up a whole single box so you are going to have to chase out for a second box for the other dimmer. Make sure its a nice deep box too. 35mm I would suggest.

You can get dimmers more than 1000watts.

Also, you may need to uprate the dimmer to cope with 600W of GU10 lamps. Check with the maker before buying.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Could anyone advise what my options are?

Get rid of those ridiculous and useless lights and install a lighting system which actually works.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I agree, 600watts of halogen lighting.

The next thing you'll need is air conditioning because the room gets so hot.

What have you got there, a car showroom??

 

[nozspark]

I fitted one once,,

1000w dimmer & switch (fake dimmer) fitted to a double flat plate.
a double plate above had a 250w dimmer and switch (fake dimmer)

It still works fine now (did it for my brother - it's a big room)

They were the "define" range by CLICK