Looking in B&Q I notice that the mains halogen lights say "dimmable" on the
box, whereas the ones using a transformer don't. Can I assume that dimming
is not possible with the lights that use a transformer.

Sorry if it's a daft question.

TIA.
--
Regards,

Troy the Black Lab.

"Troy" wrote in message
...
Looking in B&Q I notice that the mains halogen lights say "dimmable" on
the
box, whereas the ones using a transformer don't. Can I assume that dimming
is not possible with the lights that use a transformer.
Not a daft question! Some are dimmable, some aren't. If you need dimmable,
try www.tlc-direct.co.uk

Troy wrote:

Looking in B&Q I notice that the mains halogen lights say "dimmable" on the
box, whereas the ones using a transformer don't. Can I assume that dimming
is not possible with the lights that use a transformer.

No, you can dim low-voltage halogens, but you need either an
`electronic' transformer, or a great big beefy dimmer.

I have the cheaper B&Q dimmers (which are marked specifically *not* for
low voltage lighting) working just fine with Ring and Skot electronic
transformers.

Ben.

In article ,
Troy wrote:
Looking in B&Q I notice that the mains halogen lights say "dimmable" on
the box, whereas the ones using a transformer don't. Can I assume that
dimming is not possible with the lights that use a transformer.

You can dim lights fed from a transformer, but you need a suitable
dimmer. They're usually marked 'Low Voltage' or similar, and cost more
than normal dimmers. So nothing new there then.

--
*Learn from your parents' mistakes - use birth control

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

Dave Plowman wrote:

Looking in B&Q I notice that the mains halogen lights say "dimmable" on
the box, whereas the ones using a transformer don't. Can I assume that
dimming is not possible with the lights that use a transformer.

You can dim lights fed from a transformer, but you need a suitable
dimmer. They're usually marked 'Low Voltage' or similar, and cost more
than normal dimmers. So nothing new there then.

No, this is just an out-and-out con trick: provided you've got an
electronic (not a toroidal) transformer, ordinary dimmers work fine. Or
at least, mine do!

Ben.

In article ,
ben wrote:
No, this is just an out-and-out con trick: provided you've got an
electronic (not a toroidal) transformer, ordinary dimmers work fine. Or
at least, mine do!

I'm pretty sure not all electronic types can be dimmed, so best to check
first.

--
*The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

Troy wrote:

Looking in B&Q I notice that the mains halogen lights say "dimmable" on the
box, whereas the ones using a transformer don't. Can I assume that dimming
is not possible with the lights that use a transformer.



No.

Its a weird question.

Ther are LV systems that are 'dimmable' and there are dimmers that are
made for LV systems...and I have never had a clear snwer as to what
works with what.

I went the 'buy transformers that say dimmable' on them and use standard
dimmers. Works OK so far. So I had electronic transformers...

...whereas I believe uou can get dimmers to drive toroids as well, but
they are tweaked to handle the odd load.

SOME electronic transformers do NOT behave well under dimming. Usually
the cheapest nastiest that money can be wasted on.
In fact, exactly what you would expect B & Q to stock...

Go to a decent electrical supplier.




Sorry if it's a daft question.


Its a bloody DIFFICULT question to which no one has the complete answer.

I found ONE answer that worked for me. Newey and Eyre 'dimmable'
electronic transformer in one case, and a 'dimmable' electronic
transformer track system wired in parallel with it.




TIA.

Thanks to all for your help.

And I thought it was a simple question :-)
--
Regards,

Troy the Black Lab.