Newbie dimmer question

[Cjbentley]

Hello,

Probably a really straightforward issue, but i am trying to get an already-installed single dimmer switch to work.

The switch controls two wall lights (not indepently) and a ceiling light, all at the same time. Problem is it only switches them on or off, no dimming.

At the back there are two wires, one black wire with a red sleeve goes into L1, one red goes into C. That's it.

How do i get it to dim? Swap L1 for L2? I don't want to go poking around til I know what I'm doing.

Sorry if this is answered elsewhere. Did some searching but didn't find what I needed.

Any help / advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

CJB.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Nothing wrong with how it's wired - the dimmer is probably knackered.

I take it it's never worked properly for you?

 

[Cjbentley]

Thanks for the reply. No, it's always just been either on or off, no in-between.

 

[Paul-man]

What kind of bulb is in the light fitting? Is it a standard bulb or a CFL/Energy Saving Bulb?

 

[Cjbentley]

Hmmm, can't remember what's in the wall lights (I'm at work - but can let you know later). There's currently no bulb at all in the ceiling light (there's no shade on it and it's not currently needed).

Will it make a difference?

 

[securespark]

Yes! Most dimmers and CFL's are not compatible with each other.

Ban. The old Volex and some MK dimmers had two outputs: one dimmed & one switched, so it is possible the dimmer is wired up wrong.

Having said that, from the OP's description, it seems the dimmer has only two terminals.

 

[Cjbentley]

Thanks - there's three places for the two wires, L1, L2 and C.

If one is switched and one is dimmer, does that mean maybe the wire should be in L2 and not L1?

CJB

 

[Taylortwocities]

If one is switched and one is dimmer, does that mean maybe the wire should be in L2 and not L1?

CJB

It should not matter. Red in C and black in L1 or L2. Both will work.

Need to know:
Rating of the dimmer
Rating of all of the lights
Type of lights (LV, ELV, low energy, etc)

 

[Cjbentley]

Ok, so I've checked and the wall lights both have normal 240V, 40W bulbs. Dimmer is a Doyle & Tratt Products Ltd dimmer and states:

Connect wires either way round
1 way 200-250V AC
Max load 250W
Min load 40W

As I mentioned, ceiling light is not in use so has no bulb. If it did it would also be a normal bulb and turns on and off as the wall lights do.

Hope that helps. Thanks for your replies.

CJB

 

[davelx]

I'm guessing the on-off function is either via a push on/off or a click on-off when the dimmer knob is fully anti-clockwise?


The Triac has failed short-circuit - you need a new dimmer.

 

[Cjbentley]

It's not a push in one, it simply clicks on or off when turned.

Thanks for the response - is it time to get a new one?

CJB

 

[davelx]

I refer the honourable gentleman to the answer I gave above!

 

[Cjbentley]

Oops! Sorry, didn't see that bit! I'll get a new one then.

What's a Triac!??

Thanks for everyone's responses.

CJB

 

[ban-all-sheds]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIAC

 

[Cjbentley]

Lovely, thanks