Why are some lights dimmable and others not?

[cocjh1]

Looking at buying some spotlights for the kitchen and want them to be dimmable. Notice that Homebase do a range that all use GU10 50W 240V Halogen bulbs and some of them state that they are dimmable and others don't. Question is, what makes the light fitting dimmable given the same bulb type?

Not stated as dimmable

6 light version of above but stated as dimmable

 

[EFLImpudence]

The first example is LED bulbs which do not dim.
If you can fit other 'bulbs' you may be able to have a dimmer.
The 50W max is confusing because the LEDs are way below this, e.g.3W.


GU10 refers to the fitting method.

 

[cocjh1]

As stated in the original post I would be fitting these with 50W 240V GU10 halogen bulbs as in the item description and not LED bulbs as in the picture. My question still stands, why are some fittings dimmable and others not given the same bulb type?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Homebase do a range that all use G10 50W 240V Halogen bulbs

They don't all use G10 50W 240V Halogen bulbs.

and some of them state that they are dimmable and others don't.

Because they don't all use G10 50W 240V Halogen bulbs.

Question is, what makes the light fitting dimmable given the same bulb type?

No light fittings are dimmable. It is the bulb which dims and so depends on the bulb.

 

[cocjh1]

For the third time I am looking at GU10 mains voltage fittings. It appears your third response has answered my question and the light should be dimmable. Can anyone else confirm please?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Confirm what?

That if a light does not take 230V GU10 halogen bulbs it might not be dimmable?

OK - I can confirm that.

 

[EFLImpudence]

GU10 refers to the actual pins by which the bulb fits to the holder.

It has nothing to do with how the bulb works.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I love the way it says The Ellipse Plate Spotlight will throw light into every corner of the room.


They really should add "... and nowhere else"

 

[EFLImpudence]

Good for keeping an eye on naughty kids.

 

[bernardgreen]

The first example is LED bulbs which do not dim..

LEDs can be dimmed. It is the cheap drivers ( the electronic "transformers" ) for them that cannot be dimmed.

In fact LEDs are the easiest to dim by simply varying the current through them.

 

[EFLImpudence]

The first example is LED bulbs which do not dim..

LEDs can be dimmed. It is the cheap drivers ( the electronic "transformers" ) for them that cannot be dimmed.

In fact LEDs are the easiest to dim by simply varying the current through them.

Thank you, I should have written -

The first example is LED bulbs with drivers which do not dim

but not because they are GU10.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Here's another one you can't dim but not because it has a GU10 base:

 

[cocjh1]

I'm confused. Maybe if I phrase my question differently:

Are all light fittings furnished with 50Watt 240Volt Halogen GU10 bulbs dimmable?

(I'm not interested in CFL, LED, Transformers, 12V lights etc...)

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Are all light fittings furnished with 50Watt 240Volt Halogen GU10 bulbs dimmable?

Yes - but a couple of points to note:

1) Make sure the dimmer is designed to dim that type of bulb, because they have a high switch on surge which can damage dimmers. These days most reputable makes are OK, but if the specs don't say so explicitly then use a dimmer rated at about twice the actual load of the bulbs.

2) Dimming halogen bulbs shortens their lives.

 

[kai]

Dimming successfully is down to pot luck, I'm afraid.
The art of safe and successful dimming is a voodoo art in itself, trial and error will be the best way to start.