I see. I'm surprised that one room, that is a relatively recent build (1980s) would be setup this way. Even from a brightness level, it's overkill.
Replacing Light Switches - Standard to Dimmer Wiring
- Thread starter The Gent
- Start date
I see. I'm surprised that one room, that is a relatively recent build (1980s) would be setup this way. Even from a brightness level, it's overkill.
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The new is the dimmer. The old is the switch that is currently wired up.
No one would need that much lighting. Do you have a pic of the other switch. How far away from the one shown is it?
So only ONE switch for all 7 lights?
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I'm hoping this shows the setup better...
Seven lights, all the same, represented by the gold triangles.
Three switches, represented by blue circles: 1; 2; 3.
Two circuits, represented by cyan boxes. Circuit left, two lights. circuit right, five lights.
I want to replace the switches with dimmers. My plan was therefore, to remove switches one and three and replace with the dimmers. Leaving switch two as a basic on/off switch (I thought you could only have one dimmer per circuit).
Seven lights, all the same, represented by the gold triangles.
Three switches, represented by blue circles: 1; 2; 3.
Two circuits, represented by cyan boxes. Circuit left, two lights. circuit right, five lights.
I want to replace the switches with dimmers. My plan was therefore, to remove switches one and three and replace with the dimmers. Leaving switch two as a basic on/off switch (I thought you could only have one dimmer per circuit).
.
So now 3 switches....Whitch SWitch is the location of the one you posted?
Three.
Not possible.
Choices:
1. Old light fittings and an on/off switch
2. New light fittings with a dimmer.
There are no dimmers which can deal with those high load halogen lamps and that will also fit into a standard wall box.
For a traditional dimmer capable of dimming 5x80W linear halogen lamps, you will need one rated to at least 800W.
Anything less will fail due to overheating or the substantial current which flows when the lamps are switched on from cold.
Thanks, I was going mad for ages.
My deleted post going to be....
Ok. A very expensive option.
£46 for 2 dimmable LED, 4 watts each. Your dimmer manual said 'They only guarantee Philips. Times by 4 £200 Quid for new lamps.
OR. Use your dimmer and install TWO ONLY, otherwise blow the dimmer. I'm pretty sure you would ever use both at max brightness as you said. One is enough.
OR. Change your light fittings.
OR, Rewire and separate them into 3 circuits. (and 3 dimmers/Switches/Combination)
Sorry, I've been thinking and looking for an answer for three hours. I didn't want to be beaten. I'm sure the sparks may have the answer here that you are looking for.
Ok. A very expensive option.
£46 for 2 dimmable LED, 4 watts each. Your dimmer manual said 'They only guarantee Philips. Times by 4 £200 Quid for new lamps.
OR. Use your dimmer and install TWO ONLY, otherwise blow the dimmer. I'm pretty sure you would ever use both at max brightness as you said. One is enough.
OR. Change your light fittings.
OR, Rewire and separate them into 3 circuits. (and 3 dimmers/Switches/Combination)
Sorry, I've been thinking and looking for an answer for three hours. I didn't want to be beaten. I'm sure the sparks may have the answer here that you are looking for.
Even if I replace the halogen bulbs with LEDs?
you seem to be having trouble finding any. I just Googled
“r7 78mm led dimmable”
And there are many. Even from Amazon.
Sure, if you can find them at 20 watts each, at was it £46 a pair. You need do way way below the max rating of the 200 watts TOTAL allowed for your total circuit.
Go back to my post #17. rethink.
This will not go away. You cannot just change any one thing. I see in my travels a 600 watt dimmer, but a bulky thing.
Square peg, round hole. You can take ALL but TWO "bulbs" out and connect your dimmer for now until you decide what to do.
Sorry bud, but it's 'Not 'Appnin'
Go back to my post #17. rethink.
This will not go away. You cannot just change any one thing. I see in my travels a 600 watt dimmer, but a bulky thing.
Square peg, round hole. You can take ALL but TWO "bulbs" out and connect your dimmer for now until you decide what to do.
Sorry bud, but it's 'Not 'Appnin'
Yes there are, generally @100W each, total 700 on a max 200 watt dimmer Sir...
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