Swapping out halogen spotlights on a dimmer

[NickB_99]

Hi,

I have an open plan lounge/dining area where I'm looking to modify the existing ceiling lights.

The lounge area has a light fitting containing 4 small halogen spots 12v,20w

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• NickB_99
• 29 Apr 2014
• 1

The dining area has three separate downlighters (also 12v,20w)

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• NickB_99
• 29 Apr 2014
• 1

Lounge and dining area are controlled by a 2 gang dimmer, back shown below

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• NickB_99
• 29 Apr 2014
• 1

I would like to change each fitting to a standard socket pendant that would take a normal bayonet style bulb (240v, and low energy equivalent of the old 60w).
I realise there must be transformers in there somewhere, stepping down the voltage, and I assume these must be removed with the original fitting.

Am I ok to use this dimmer switch to control normal ceiling pendants?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You need to buy the dimmable version of lamp and check the output rating of the total load against the output rating of the dimmer, some dimmers may struggle with a very low load but the dimmers higher limit must be greater than the total lamp load on each switch.

 

[NickB_99]

Thanks, can follow what you mean with the rating of the dimmer etc.

Just not sure about this bit.

You need to buy the dimmable version of lamp

Was thinking of these
http://www.screwfix.com/p/p/81470?cm_mmc=AppMainCat117-_-Electrical-_-81470-_-6 inch Pendant Set
Are these suitable? If not, what do I need to look for?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

The lamp holder is okay, but not the best make, this brand often a bugger twisting the cover on/off. But it is the lamp (AKA bulbs, but that is a gardening term ) you fit into the pendant, that needs to specified as dimmable.
dimmable low energy bayonet lamps

 

[NickB_99]

Many thanks PBOD, I follow it now.

 

[NickB_99]

It makes more sense to add to my previous post, rather than start a new one.

The 3 down-lights in the middle picture at the top of the post, have now been pulled back to see what I'm dealing with.

The 3 pics below should help.

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• NickB_99
• 2 May 2014
• 1

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• NickB_99
• 2 May 2014
• 1

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• NickB_99
• 2 May 2014
• 1

The wires from the dimmer switch (the switched live and neutral?) are visible in the first pic coming in to the dimmable transformer. My understanding is that once the voltage is stepped down to the 12v, then the black cable (0.75mm2 CSA) provides the feed to the remaining 2 down lights.

I want to swap each one for a ceiling pendant and I'd like some advice on what the correct approach should be.

Is it as simple as to disconnect the transformer, and use the little junction blocks to connect the neutral and switched live into each ceiling rose, with the existing 0.75mm wiring?
Or is this completely wrong?

Thanks!