Is it possible to use a 400W dimmer switch to reduce the voltage to a "Remoska" portable oven (also rated at 400W)? The Remoska has no controllable thermostat and it would be useful if I could control the temperature. A step-down transformer would be a bit bulky and a bit expensive for this task.
Is it possible?
- Thread starter georgew
- Start date
Only if your oven is rated at 400w or less (unlikely)
[sidepoint dimmer switches don't simply reduce voltage, they employ a method called 'phase angle control' where in each half cycle the dimmer will wait until a set point before switching on, the later in the half cycle it is, the dimmer the light is
]
What you really want is a device called a 'simmer-stat', basically a thermostat and a small heater resister in one unit; its designed for doing what you want to do
[sidepoint dimmer switches don't simply reduce voltage, they employ a method called 'phase angle control' where in each half cycle the dimmer will wait until a set point before switching on, the later in the half cycle it is, the dimmer the light is
]What you really want is a device called a 'simmer-stat', basically a thermostat and a small heater resister in one unit; its designed for doing what you want to do
That'd be a no then.
Yup - because, simply put, the later in the half cycle it turns on (or the earlier it turns off if it's a trailing-edge dimmer, which most are) the more it reduces the RMS voltage....
I would imagine this is the case as it seems to be a very simple machine and in appearance it looks a bit like a small pressure cooker with a heating element contained in the lid. I wonder if it's worth a go as a single dimmer is not too expensive. What do you guys think? Suck it and see?
It might work, but you may find you just increase the amount of time it takes to warm up without reducing the final temperature by much.
Normally, thermostatic controls do nothing until the oven (or whatever) reaches the desired temperature, then they start switching to maintain that temperature.
Normally, thermostatic controls do nothing until the oven (or whatever) reaches the desired temperature, then they start switching to maintain that temperature.
I suspect, on a 400W device, it isn't bothering to do that. But georgew can check the current taken and see if it turns on and off, using a suitable instrument to safely measure it.
My main concern is that in-line dimmers at 500W seem hard to come by, so one would be pushed towards a dimmer switch plate and a patress, which between them wouldn't have a satisfactory means to clamp the cable, without a deliberate attempt being made.
Other than that I'd say go for it.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local