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Dimmer Switch ?

  • 29-07-2011 7:24pm
    #1
    sohappy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 665 ✭✭✭


    I have to replace a double dimmer switch, (low voltage) one side runs 6 x 50w bulbs and the other runs 4x50w bulbs, I can only seem to get one that is rated 250w each side in the style i want, is the easiest option to replace the 6x 50w bulbs with 6 x 35w bulbs?


Comments

  • #2
    beanie10
    Closed Accounts Posts: 466 ✭✭beanie10


    Replacing the bulbs is one option. Can you remove the dimmer from the face plate, and replace with a 500w dimmer. They are held in by a lock nut, if you pull off the knob you will see the lock nut.


  • #3
    Energysavers.ie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 19 ✭Energysavers.ie


    Try a company called switch distribution in Tallaght they have 2 gang plate dimmers with 400 watt per switch (good idea to allow a 25% derating factor per plate) that's 600 watts so your covered. They have them in brass, chrome etc. See www.switch.ie


  • #4
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,602 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    beanie10 wrote: »
    Can you remove the dimmer from the face plate, and replace with a 500w dimmer. They are held in by a lock nut, if you pull off the knob you will see the lock nut.
    Be careful, this can cause overheating!

    I have seen where people have converted a 3 x 250VA dimmer switch to a 3 x 500VA dimmer switch this way and one of the modules melted. They need a certain amount of space for cooling.

    As far as I remember instructions with MK dimmer modules for grid switches explain how many can be installed in a grid for this reason.


  • #5
    sohappy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 665 ✭✭✭sohappy


    Thanks all


  • #6
    beanie10
    Closed Accounts Posts: 466 ✭✭beanie10


    2011 wrote: »
    Be careful, this can cause overheating!

    I have seen where people have converted a 3 x 250VA dimmer switch to a 3 x 500VA dimmer switch this way and one of the modules melted. They need a certain amount of space for cooling.

    As far as I remember instructions with MK dimmer modules for grid switches explain how many can be installed in a grid for this reason.
    Probably the middle module melted, do you know if it was a single box size switch or a double box size switch? I have seen a 3gang dimmer switch in a single box size which i wouldnt be keen on. Anyways the op could keep a 250 watt dimmer for the 4x50w and put a 400w or 500w dimmer for 6x50w, cant see any danger in that.


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