Is one of our dimmers on its way out?

[cerclebois]

There are dimmers to control the lights in our lounge and dining room. They must be quite elderly as we have been occupiers for 17.5 years and our seller since new in 1971. The dimmers connect to 5 and 3 light fitments.

Now the 3 light fitment flickers, when switched on, and, if dimmer is advanced to full, the lights go out. Is the problem definitely the dimmer; should it and its partner be replaced with a u t d version that can cope with low power lamps? Given the existing dimmers may be imperial, will I be able to fit in the wall as is?

 

[333rocky333]

Its possible your now dimming lamps that are different to what the old dimmer is designed to dim, what do you mean by low power lamps.
A new dimmer will most likely fit, the fixing centres and metric screws have been the same since pre 70s

 

[cerclebois]

The dimmers work for the old tungsten bulbs, and the fitments have rough service 40 watt golf balls fitted.
Low power, I meant dimmable LEDs that work from mains, as tungstens do now.

Hope I'm not muddying more, and wondering if LED for tungsten can be done one for one.

 

[delmel]

Led will not dim or work correctly using your old dimmers. I would suggest changing out the dimmer for a standard switch as Dimming Led is a barrel of fun. You have to ensure correct dimmer and that the lamps are dimmable type.

 

[cerclebois]

Thanks for warning. I would make sure the change was done by a professional.

 

[aptsys]

You're normally safe with a Varilight V-Pro dimmer and any LED retrofit.