Which wattage 2gang dimmer should I go for ?

[joeberg]

Hi
I've just moved into a flat where I was horrified to find everything is wired into a single 30 amp ring. There are wires and switches everywhere that are not connected to anything. I have replaced the lighting in the kitchen/dinerwith downlights using GU10 bulbs. The Kitchen area has 5 lights all 40 watt bulbs. The Dining area has 6 bulbs. There are 2 single wall switches both of which have a dead cable attached. I would like to fit a 2 switch dimmer to tidy things up. I was looking at prices in the Toolstation catalogue and am a bit confused as the 400 watt switches are cheaper than the 250 switches in diffrent finishes. I would have thought I need the 400 switch, can someone confirm this ? or am I being thick ?

Cheers
Joe

 

[ELZ4742]

add up the wattages of the circuit you want to dim then choose the appropriate dimmer to suit.
there has beeen some debate about doubling the halogen wattage before choosing a dimmer for these.

 

[joeberg]

Thanks ELZ

So I'm not being thick. I wonder why 250 watt switches are so much more than 400....

 

[ELZ4742]

it isnt usually the case.. the finish does play a part. link?

 

[joeberg]

www.toolstation.com/shop/Electrical/Brass+Wiring+Accessories/d190/sd2632

Its the same for singles and all the finishes.

Cheers

joe

 

[ELZ4742]

i think you may be slightly mistaken. the 1 gang 400w is cheaper than the 2 gang 250w........

 

[joeberg]

Sorry eyesight is getting worse. If I have 6 lights on one line totalling 240 watt and 5 on another totalling 200. I need a 2 gang 1 way switch 250 Watt ?

Joe

 

[ELZ4742]

are they gu10?

 

[joeberg]

yes

 

[ELZ4742]

wont be 40watt then... 20w - 35w - 50w.

i would suggest going for a 2 x 400w dimmer to be safe

 

[joeberg]

Says 40 watt on box energy saving ones ( also toolstation ) If I have the 2 lines dont I need a 2 gang 1 way ? which they dont seem to do in a 400 watt

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I have replaced the lighting in the kitchen/dinerwith downlights using GU10 bulbs. The Kitchen area has 5 lights all 40 watt bulbs. The Dining area has 6 bulbs.

"Energy saving"?

How can you reconcile the concept of "energy saving" with using 440W to light a kitchen/diner? That's a barking mad lighting design - you decided to light your room with lights which are specifically designed to not light rooms.

When you applied for Building Regulations approval, what did you say would be the ways you'd ensure that your work complied with Parts B, C, E, L & P?

 

[ELZ4742]

"energy saving" what? unless my eyes are playing tricks..

 

[joeberg]

Sorry Ban all Sheds Not quite sure what you mean. The area is 30ft by 16ft and the lighting is fine except in the evening I would prefer the lights in the living area to be a little more ambient. As for building regs I didn't know you had to apply for anything to change a few lights

 

[joeberg]

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Lighting/240V+Halogen+Lamps/d220/sd3279

28 and 40's