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Ian Clarke
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable ? I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?

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IMM
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom


"Ian Clarke" wrote in message
...

If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable ?

I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?


There are remote control dimmers available using a plastic battery operated
TV like remote.


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The Natural Philosopher
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

Ian Clarke wrote:

If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable ? I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?



IMM has talked about remore control dimmers. Obviously read some
marketing bollox as usual - but modern practice is to have the light
switch outsdie the rooom anyway: This will be fine with halogens, tho
I'd strongly recommen an external dimmable transformer and bathroom
compliant LV halogens.

Funnily enough, you can modify a really beefy dimmer to work on 12V AC
like you get from a toroidal type LV transformer. A bit lossy, but it
works apparently. The Triac needs uprating for the larger currents, and
the resistor needs to come down in value, but the triac doesn't need to
be a 400V type anymore.

Such a beast would be reasonably safe in a bathroom.

  #4   Report Post  
Andrew May
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

"Ian Clarke" wrote in message ...
If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable ? I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?


My local electical supply shop (Cambridge Discount Electrical) sells
dimmable pull cords. I thought they were joking when they told me but
its true. Could try giving them a call on 01223 248240. They should at
least be able to tell you the make. They can be used with dimmable
transformers.

Andrew
  #5   Report Post  
IMM
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom


"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
...
Ian Clarke wrote:

If I install some recessed lighting is it
possible to make it dimmable ? I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a
bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about
etc. ?


IMM has talked about remore control dimmers.


He did.

Obviously read some
marketing bollox as usual -


He never.

Wrong as usual. I saw it on one of those house/DIY TV shows, a TV type
remote control. I thought, "now neat", lay in the batn and dim the lights.
Then I thought it will end up behind the sofa with other 15 remotes.

but modern practice is to have the light
switch outsdie the rooom anyway:


Go away? It isn't is it? I thought they had pull cords.



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  #6   Report Post  
IMM
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom


"Andrew May" wrote in message
om...
"Ian Clarke" wrote in message

...

If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable ?

I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?


My local electical supply shop (Cambridge Discount Electrical) sells
dimmable pull cords. I thought they were joking when they told me but
its true. Could try giving them a call on 01223 248240. They should at
least be able to tell you the make. They can be used with dimmable
transformers.


They are in that electrical catalogue, TNT or something.


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Richard Caley
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

In article , abuse-imm (a) writes:

a I saw [remote control dimmer] on one of those house/DIY TV shows, a
a TV type remote control. I thought, "now neat", lay in the batn and
a dim the lights. Then I thought it will end up behind the sofa with
a other 15 remotes.

The one I have (in the bedroom, have a platform bed and don't want to
climb down...) is programmable. So it runs off a normally unised
button on an existing remote. At least it's not one more to worry about.

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Carl
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

"IMM" wrote in message
...

"Andrew May" wrote in message
om...
"Ian Clarke" wrote in message

...

If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable

?
I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk

of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?


My local electical supply shop (Cambridge Discount Electrical) sells
dimmable pull cords. I thought they were joking when they told me but
its true. Could try giving them a call on 01223 248240. They should at
least be able to tell you the make. They can be used with dimmable
transformers.


They are in that electrical catalogue, TNT or something.

Have a look at www.dimpull.co.uk

I have one and it works fine on LV halogen in my bathroom.


  #9   Report Post  
Rick
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

On Tue, 29 Jul 2003 23:33:18 +0000 (UTC), "Ian Clarke"
wrote:

If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable ? I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?


TLC (I think) do a pull switch that's a dimmer as well.
Clever wot?

Rick

  #10   Report Post  
Owain
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

"IMM" wrote
| My local electical supply shop (Cambridge Discount Electrical) sells
| dimmable pull cords. I thought they were joking when they told me but
| its true. Could try giving them a call on 01223 248240. They should at
| least be able to tell you the make. They can be used with dimmable
| transformers.
| They are in that electrical catalogue, TNT or something.

TLC? TNT are the people who leave you a card saying "we tried several times
to deliver your parcel but you were not in" when they only rang the bell
once and ran away before you could get off the loo.

Pull cord dimmer
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLPCD51.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technica...er/Dimpull.htm

The product will operate in conjunction with GOOD QUALITY low voltage
transformers. The maximum load capacity of the Dimpull at 12 volts is 250W.
The minimum Load is 50W The maximum and minimum load of both the Dimpull and
the Transformer being used should be strictly observed. Where a Low Voltage
Transformer is used the LOAD cable should be connected to the SUPPLY - IN
terminal of the Transformer. Cable(s) from the 'LOAD - OUT' terminal of the
Transformer are then connected to the light fittings. All other instructions
set out above should also be observed. PLEASE NOTE: The use of inferior
quality transformers will cause the low voltage lamp(s) to 'Pulse' giving
unsatisfactory results.

Also says it is suitable for use with bathroom fans.

Owain







  #11   Report Post  
The Natural Philosopher
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

IMM wrote:

"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
...

Ian Clarke wrote:


If I install some recessed lighting is it
possible to make it dimmable ? I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a
bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about
etc. ?


IMM has talked about remore control dimmers.


He did.


Obviously read some
marketing bollox as usual -


He never.

Wrong as usual. I saw it on one of those house/DIY TV shows, a TV type
remote control. I thought, "now neat", lay in the batn and dim the lights.
Then I thought it will end up behind the sofa with other 15 remotes.



Ok, correction. WATCHED some marketing bollox




but modern practice is to have the light
switch outsdie the rooom anyway:


Go away? It isn't is it? I thought they had pull cords.



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  #12   Report Post  
The Natural Philosopher
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

IMM wrote:


but modern practice is to have the light
switch outsdie the rooom anyway:


Go away? It isn't is it? I thought they had pull cords.




Either neet regulations.



  #13   Report Post  
IMM
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom


"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ...
IMM wrote:

"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
...

Ian Clarke wrote:


If I install some recessed lighting is it
possible to make it dimmable ? I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a
bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about
etc. ?


IMM has talked about remore control dimmers.


He did.


Obviously read some
marketing bollox as usual -


He never.

Wrong as usual. I saw it on one of those house/DIY TV shows, a TV type
remote control. I thought, "now neat", lay in the batn and dim the

lights.
Then I thought it will end up behind the sofa with other 15 remotes.



Ok, correction. WATCHED some marketing bollox


No. It worked and I saw it. It wasn't an add, a TV housey/DIY prog. And
all said "wow, look at that".


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Chippy
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

"IMM" wrote in message ...
No. It worked and I saw it. It wasn't an add, a TV housey/DIY prog. And
all said "wow, look at that".


They are very good. I picked one up from Wilkinsons, for just under
£15.

Compatible with LV lighting, can use either a dedicated remote
(available seperately) or a TV or Video remote. Also features a
touch-control button on the wall-plate.

The only problem is that you need to re-program it after changing a
bulb, but it's a one minute job.

I really can't see the need to be disparaging about them - I find ours
very convenient, and consider it good value.
  #15   Report Post  
BigWallop
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom


"Ian Clarke" wrote in message
...
If I install some recessed lighting is it possible to make it dimmable ?

I'm
assuming a normal dimmer in a bathroom is a bad idea due to the risk of
electric shock with all the moisture about etc. ?



Have you tried one of these :

http://tinyurl.com/ikyd


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  #16   Report Post  
Andy Wade
 
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Default Halogen Lighting in Bathroom

"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ...

Funnily enough, you can modify a really beefy dimmer to work on 12V AC
like you get from a toroidal type LV transformer. A bit lossy, but it
works apparently. The Triac needs uprating for the larger currents, and
the resistor needs to come down in value, but the triac doesn't need to
be a 400V type anymore.


/s/modify/totally redesign, surely. The usual type of mains voltage dimmer
uses a diac in the triac triggering circuit, with a breakdown voltage of
30-40V. To make it work on 12V you'd need a totally different firing
circuit. And the voltage drop and power loss in the triac would not be
negligible. The idea is a complete non-starter (literally!) IMHO. Leave
the dimmer on the primary side of the transformer.

Normal (wall) lightswitches and dimmers can now be used in bathrooms
provided they are in zone 3 or beyond -- i.e. more than 0.6m (horizontally)
from the edge of the bath and/or shower tray.

--
Andy



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