Wiring a dimmer switch - confused with existing wiring?

[Jammy78]

Hi,

I am tring to replace a 2 gang (is the a double switch that each button operates a different light) with a 2 Gang, 1 Way dimmer.

Now the problem is when I took out the existing switch the only coloured wires going to the switch were brown & dark brown.

Currently it is wired up like this:

Top
Brown going to L1
Brown going to COM
Brown going from L1 to COM

Bottom
Dark brown going to COM
Dark brown going to COM

Now on the new dimmer all it has is L & L1

So have do I wire up this new dimmer?

Thanks a lot!

 

[RF Lighting]

Hi you need to copy the wiring as below.


You also need to connect an earth to your new switch.


In the back box of the switch there are two wires in a connector block covered with green and yellow sleeving. Remove the connector block, and connect both wires to the earth terminal on the new switch.

(You do NOT need to alter how the blue (neutral) wires are currently connected)

 

[Jammy78]

Thanks a lot RF Lighting it works!

But when I switch them on I get a constant buzzing noise and one of the lights doesn't come on smoothly? Is it a faulty switch?

Cheers

 

[securespark]

Dimmer not compatible with lamp??

 

[Taylortwocities]

Or lamp too powerful for the 250watt dimmer you are installing.

TTC

 

[Jammy78]

Or lamp too powerful for the 250watt dimmer you are installing.

TTC

Thanks for the replies.

So do I try a more powerful dimmer or is it the lights....... decisions!

What is people best guess?

 

[Adam_151]

What lamp(s) are you controlling with the dimmer?

 

[Lectrician]

Too little wattage can make them flicker aswell.

 

[Jammy78]

What lamp(s) are you controlling with the dimmer?

I have these lights:

http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wc...=51272>C$cip=1500002506&categoryId=1500002506

Thanks!

 

[Steve]

what voltage are the lamps?

 

[Jammy78]

what voltage are the lamps?

I don't know.

I will pop down to homebase and findout.

 

[Steve]

Look at the lamps! It will either say on them, or on the fitting itself somewhere. You may have to remove the fitting from the ceiling.

 

[Jammy78]

I can't find where it says the voltage?

The dimmer I got 60-250W - is there many other versions?

 

[RF Lighting]

what voltage are the lamps?

It says in the link provided "Includes 10 x G4 bulbs max 10W."

G4 lamps are 12V capsule lamps

This is a 100w ELV TH load, so should be fine on a 60 - 250W dimmer, even after derating

 

[Taylortwocities]

Therefore sounds like the transformer used is not suitable for dimming. Hence the clanking.

TTC