Questions re: mains halogen downlights and dimmer switches

[Spityarn]

Hi all

Complete novice here.

I'm project managing a refurbishment in which we are supplying pretty much everything and a contractor is installing. I'm having to make a lot of decisions about stuff I know nothing about.

I want to purchase our light fitting and switches and would be grateful for some advice.

Firstly: Do I need to buy fire-rated downlights? They're more expensive and we're on a budget, but equally I don't want the house to burn down or to have an issue with Building Regs.

Secondly, if I have 2 circuits of 4 lights (240V fittings with 50W lamps), i,e, 8 in total in my living room, I assume a 2G2W dimmer cabable of controlling 250W is okay, on the basis that each circuit is only 200W? Or does the dimmer need to be able to control the full 800W?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Steve]

If the lights are in a house, and there are no other dwellings above, then the ceiling doesn't need ot be fire rated, and you can use normal downlights.

To control 200 watts of halogen lights, you need a 400 watt dimmer due to the loading characteristics of halogen lamps. Therefore you need to try and find a 2G 400w dimmer!!!

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIQ1402.html

Thats one, but its a varilight touch control, not sure if thats what you want, but i recommend them highly. If you need 2-way control, you need the varilight slave controllers.

Sadly i cant find a standard 400w2g2w dimmer on tlc

 

[davy_owen_88]

They do them in brass, and there is also a 400w dimmer for the MK grid system.

 

[Steve]

a 400w dimmer for the MK grid system.

But it takes up 2 modules. The varilight one has 2 such dimmers on one plate.

 

[Taylortwocities]

The TLC site has a guide for selection of dimmers and derating. Its at http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Systems/DimmerGuide.htm

Personally, if you have a contractor doing the job, make him source the gear then its down to him if it doesnt work.

TTC

 

[Spityarn]

Thanks so much for the advice, everyone! I'll get my researching cap on.