Low voltage dimmer switches

[notb665]

I have a circuit which controls some halogen downlights using transformers (input 240V output 12V).

I was wondering why I have to use a low voltage dimmer switch, as a normal one seems to work fine.

Thanks.

 

[breezer]

perhaps you are misunderstanding something? short answer is you don't.

But you do have to use a dimmer that can dim low voltage lights (most can) and also the transformer for the lights must be dimable

 

[notb665]

Thanks.

As for me misunderstanding something - I just wondered why low-volatge dimmers are made in the first place if you say I don't need them.

Anyway, you've answered my question, thanks again.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

As for me misunderstanding something - I just wondered why low-volatge dimmers are made in the first place if you say I don't need them..

I imagine that all it means is that the dimmer has been designed such that it is happy dimming a transformer. Not all "ordinary" dimmers are happy with reactive loads, and those that are may well need to be derated (i.e. assumed to have a lower rating than their nominal one) when used on such loads.