Slain wrote:
I bought this sconce light, which I am attaching to an outlet
controlled by a dimmer switch.

The electrical outlet gets the 110V as expected before attaching the
light.
After attaching the light, I put my multimeter probes into the socket
where the bulb should go and can see the 110 V. But when I put the
bulb in, it does not light up

I thought that the socket inside might be pushed all the way back and
hence bulb not making contact, but I don't think thats the case.
Interestingly, when I put in a fluorescent bulb instead, it just has a
small flicker going.

Any ideas ?

First idea is that the bulb might be burned out. Didja check that?

Next idea is that you may be using an "electronic meter" which is not
giving you a fair reading because it doesen't load the circuit enough or
it doesen't average average the dimmer voltage chopping the way an
analog meter will.

Pull the plug a little way out of the outlet and touch your meter probes
to the plug prongs while the light bulb is screwed in and the dimmer
switch is turned fukll on. If your meter doesent read line voltage then,
you may have a bad dimmer switch or a "loose disconnection" somewhere.

Next thought is that I'm suprised it's code compliant to use a dimmer
switch ahead of an outlet. Can someone knowledgeable clue me in about that?

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.98*10^14 fathoms per fortnight.