low voltage lighting with dimmer switch

[zyg]

getting conflicting advice on what type of dimmer switch to use with 12V halogen lights.
I have wired up 6 of these lights each with its own dimmable electronic transformer rated at 65W.The lamps are 50W rated.
I need a 1gang,2 way dimmer to operate the lights but what sort?I have been told to get a switch specific for low voltage lighting that would cost in the region of £35 but another source has said a normal switch rated at 400w and costing £12 would be adequate!
I'm confused!!!

 

[Big_Spark]

Zyg, a quality dimmer switch will set you back at least £25. Any cheap old dimmer will work, but you might bet some serious noise from the circuit and the life of the transformers and the lamps could be significantly reduced.

I would suggest you buy a decent quality dimmer, (MK, Hamilton-Litestat etc) rated at no less that 400W, if you can get a 600W all the better. The nearer the load is to the maximum rating of the dimmer, the more likely it is you will get some "noise" generated by the dimmer..normally a slight buz.

 

[zyg]

great.thanks for the advice.will invest in a quality switch!