Spotlights run by transformers

[carlsbergy]

HI, I have 5 x spotlights run by separate transformers on each light. Can I run them off a dimmer able switch?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

only if the transformers are rated for dimmers!

 

[carlsbergy]

Thanks

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Your switch will also have to be rated at a value above the load that it operates.
So if you have 5 X 50 watt lamps, the dimmer needs to be rated above 250W

 

[ericmark]

With a transformer likely they will work but the dimmer would need to be a very heavy duty type able to handle the inrush. Today it is rare to use a plain transformer most ELV spots are quartz and it is important to have a very well controlled temperature so an inverter is used to ensure the voltage is maintained to within very close limits. But over and under voltage will reduce lamp life. In the commercial display however sometimes money is not really a problem it is worth having to change the lamps to get the desired effect to sell products. So you can get dimmer units and matching inverters. There are leading and lagging and both dimmer and inverter need to be same type. The coil of tungsten in the lamp can also effect the pair and to be sure lamp, inverter and dimmer should all be same make and designed to be dimmed.
Except where regulations require ELV it seems rather pointless today to use ELV where one wants to dim the lamp. Why buy an inverter to keep the voltage spot on then use a dimmer. May as well use GU10 lamps and just use a dimmer directly driving the LV lamp. The dimmer will stop spikes blowing bulbs. However it's common to have ionisation when spot lamps blow so the dimmer will need a fuse matching it's ratting.