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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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Dimmers For Low Voltahe Halogens
Hi,
Was wondering if its possible to fit a dimmer to low voltage lights with a transformer. Was looking for a remote control one, but keep reading that its not possible to use one but have read a few post about them being used what's the correct procedure. Cheers Oli |
#2
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Dimmers For Low Voltahe Halogens
The Question Asker wrote:
Hi, Was wondering if its possible to fit a dimmer to low voltage lights with a transformer. Was looking for a remote control one, but keep reading that its not possible to use one but have read a few post about them being used what's the correct procedure. Cheers Oli AFAIK, Halogens with an electronic transformer (much lighter than iron cored one) can be used with a dimmer designed for use with such things. Those with ordinary iron cored heavy transformers cannot be used with dimmers due to their inductance upseting the triac control and possibly overheating the transformer arising from a DC component fed to the transformer. Bob |
#3
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Dimmers For Low Voltahe Halogens
"Bob Minchin" wrote in message ... The Question Asker wrote: Hi, Was wondering if its possible to fit a dimmer to low voltage lights with a transformer. Was looking for a remote control one, but keep reading that its not possible to use one but have read a few post about them being used what's the correct procedure. Cheers Oli AFAIK, Halogens with an electronic transformer (much lighter than iron cored one) can be used with a dimmer designed for use with such things. Those with ordinary iron cored heavy transformers cannot be used with dimmers due to their inductance upseting the triac control and possibly overheating the transformer arising from a DC component fed to the transformer. Bob My experience with these was that, although they dim ok, the use of a dimmer makes the transformer buzz unacceptably - even when the dimmer control is set to full power. It may depend on how much you pay - and these were relatively cheap ones from Screwfix - but they were claimed to be dimmable and compatible with the dimmers used. In the end, I did away with the dimmers and resorted to switching the lamps in banks. [I have 12 lamps in 3 groups of 4, with each each group having its own switch and transformer]. Roger |
#4
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Dimmers For Low Voltahe Halogens
"Bob Minchin" wrote in message ... The Question Asker wrote: Hi, Was wondering if its possible to fit a dimmer to low voltage lights with a transformer. AFAIK, Halogens with an electronic transformer (much lighter than iron cored one) can be used with a dimmer designed for use with such things. Those with ordinary iron cored heavy transformers cannot be used with dimmers due to their inductance upseting the triac control and possibly overheating the transformer arising from a DC component fed to the transformer. My experience has been the reverse of Bobs - I have been using low voltage Halogen lamps via standard transformers and a dimmer for the last ten years without any problems. I started with electronic transformers but they did not like dimming lights less than 50% before they cut out. They also didn't last long and I replaced them with standard transformers. Because the switch on current is higher with inductive loads, I took the precaution of halving the power rating of the dimmer. Read the manufactures spec carefully before you buy. Robin |
#5
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Dimmers For Low Voltahe Halogens
The Question Asker wrote:
Hi, Was wondering if its possible to fit a dimmer to low voltage lights with a transformer. Was looking for a remote control one, but keep reading that its not possible to use one but have read a few post about them being used what's the correct procedure. Cheers Oli Yews its possible, and I have done it. I used stansdard dimmers and electrionic transformers that were sold as 'dimmer capable' and indeed they are. I believe its also possible to get dinmers that will handle the load f a toroidla transformer as well. But no one seemd to give me a definite YES when I asked, so I didn't use toroids - which I prefer cos they buzz less, and are probably more simple and roubust creatures. |
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