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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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#1
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Dimmer switch wattage
I've just replaced a light fitting that now has seven 60w bulbs in rather
than the one 100w - my dimmer switch is rated 250w - I assume as the lights are presumably wired in parallel this is ok - or should I look for a higher loaded dimmer switch? FWIW it works fine making no noise to suggest it's overloaded. TIA Buzby |
#2
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Dimmer switch wattage
Buzby wrote:
I've just replaced a light fitting that now has seven 60w bulbs in rather than the one 100w - my dimmer switch is rated 250w Err, 7 x 60w = 420w, so it *is* overloaded it works fine making no noise to suggest it's overloaded. wait for the noise of the fire service's sirens ... |
#3
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Dimmer switch wattage
Andy Burns wrote:
Buzby wrote: I've just replaced a light fitting that now has seven 60w bulbs in rather than the one 100w - my dimmer switch is rated 250w Err, 7 x 60w = 420w, so it *is* overloaded it works fine making no noise to suggest it's overloaded. wait for the noise of the fire service's sirens ... 420w, he must have a big house! Either that or its one of those strange people that dim their 420w to give out the light of 100w instead of replacing the 60s with 25s. If you dim bulbs they still consume most of their power rating, so using a dimmer with this will cost you silly money, plus heat your house up all summer. As an example, a 500w bulb dimmed to the output of a 40watter eats 300w. If you had 100w there before, you're unlikely to need more than 250w. NT |
#4
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Dimmer switch wattage
On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 09:04:24 +0100, Buzby wrote:
I've just replaced a light fitting that now has seven 60w bulbs in rather than the one 100w - my dimmer switch is rated 250w - I assume as the lights are presumably wired in parallel this is ok Simple maths. What is the total load now? 7 * 60 = 420W Is this total load greater than the rating of your dimmer switch (250W), yes, therfore it is is overloaded. It may well work but will get hotter than designed and either fail early, become a fire hazard, so hot as to burn someone who touches it or all three. -- Cheers Dave. pam is missing e-mail |
#5
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Dimmer switch wattage
"Dave Liquorice" wrote in message ll.com... On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 09:04:24 +0100, Buzby wrote: I've just replaced a light fitting that now has seven 60w bulbs in rather than the one 100w - my dimmer switch is rated 250w - I assume as the lights are presumably wired in parallel this is ok Simple maths. What is the total load now? 7 * 60 = 420W Is this total load greater than the rating of your dimmer switch (250W), yes, therfore it is is overloaded. It may well work but will get hotter than designed and either fail early, become a fire hazard, so hot as to burn someone who touches it or all three. Thanks for that. Having actually looked at the bulbs, as opposed to being told what they are by SWMBO, they are in fact 25W. On the upside I've learned something new today. Cheers Buzby |
#6
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Dimmer switch wattage
Buzby wrote:
Having actually looked at the bulbs, as opposed to being told what they are by SWMBO, they are in fact 25W. Ok, so 175W won't overload your dimmer, but others have pointed out if you run them dimmed, you'll likely still be paying more than for having a single larger bulb at full brightness. That said, the only room of the house where I don't have CFL lamps is the lounge where I have a dimmer+filament, the only place I find I need it adjustable ... |
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