Replace fused switch with dimmer switch

[badgerade]

Hi,

Just after a quick bit of advice.

The light switch in my conservatory currently looks like this:

http://tinyurl.com/yj8fabd

It's switching a spotlight with 4 GU10 bulbs.

Is there anything to stop me replacing it with a normal dimmer switch? I've searched but can't find any dimmer switches with the removable fuse..

Thanks..

 

[333rocky333]

You need to keep that as it fuses the circuit down to a suitable rating , usually for the smaller cable.
You can fit a dimmer in addition after that unit.

 

[Spark123]

The logical explaination for using a switched fused spur is it will be off the socket circuit so you shouldn't connect a normal dimmer switch directly as your lights won't have the correct fuse size protecting them.
There is nothing stopping you having a fused spur (3A fuse) and a separate dimmer switch though.

 

[sparkwright]

The light and switch possibly isn't fed from a 5-10 amp lighting circuit.

It's probably fed from a socket circuit or similar, and the fused spur provides the lighting with 3 or 5 amp protection.

If this is the case you cannot simply replace with a dimmer switch.

You would have to fit the dimmer after the fused spur.

Or, if it's important to have just the one faceplate, you could make up something from a grid system;-
a 2 gang grid plate consisting of a
3 or 5 amp fuse module to feed a
dimmer module

 

[badgerade]

Thanks for the replies.

Thinking about it, I think the lights are run off the socket circuit.

Could I replace the existing switch with something along these lines:

http://tinyurl.com/yzevp9b

And then run a dimmer switch after that?

Thanks

 

[Spark123]

Yep, just don't connect the L & N to the dimmer switch as it will go bang!
Link the Neutrals together in the back box of the dimmer switch using chock block.
Link the earths together and connect to the back box if metal and the dimmer switch plate if that is metal too.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Use a 2-gang grid plate with a fuse module and a dimmer module - it will fit into the existing space where your existing FCU is.



(Other makes of grid systems and other suppliers are available)

 

[baldelectrician]

Best to pick something other than Volex

 

[badgerade]

Ah thanks, not seen that kind of system before.

So I think I would need this:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4890.html

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4501LV.html

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK3702.html

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK3632.html

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK0891.html

?

Or could I use my existing backbox?

How are these things fitted? Do they just sort of clip into place?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[flameport]

The modules clip onto the frame.
The frame screws onto the backbox (new or existing) with the usual size screws
The cover screws onto the frame with smaller screws which are supplied with the cover.

The existing backbox can be used, provided it is deep enough.

 

[RF Lighting]

Both the fuse and dimmer module need a 45mm back box IIRC

 

[securespark]

You could replace the existing pattress with a deeeper one.