Table of Contents
How many watt dimmer switch do I need?
Generally speaking, you will be looking for either 600 watt max load or 1000 watt. When choosing dimmers for dimmable LEDs or CFLs, you should not load a dimmer higher than approximately 25% of the rated load for the dimmer.
What rating dimmer switch do I need?
Choose a dimmer with a wattage rating that meets or exceeds the total wattage of all the light bulbs the dimmer will control. For example, if the dimmer controls a fixture with ten 75-watt bulbs, you need a dimmer rated for 750 watts or higher.
Can you use a dimmer switch with halogen bulbs?
Mains halogen bulbs can be dimmed with any standard dimming system or dimmer switch. We recommended that the dimmer should have a 25% higher wattage rating than the fittings to allow for any increased load which can happen when the bulbs are coming to the end of their life.
How many bulbs can be on a dimmer switch?
Varilight recommend putting no more than 10 LED lamps on one dimmer module. You can put multiple lamps on one plate, so if you have a three gang dimmer plate you can put thirty LED lamps on the plate in total (10 on each module).
How do I calculate dimmer wattage?
Common dimmer wattage ratings are 150 watts, 300 watts, 600 watts and 1000 watts….Wattage rating is usually on a sticker on the light fixture.
- Multiply the number of fixtures by the wattage rating of each fixture.
- Multiply the result by 125 % (continuous load).
- Round up to the next dimmer wattage rating.
What’s the difference between 250W and 400W dimmer switch?
Thanks. Hi difference is max lamp loads, go for lowest that will be more than you need! ie if dimming 1 X 100w lamp then get a 250W dimmer as thats the smallest made, if say 3x 100W lamps you need next size up, ie 400W sw.
Do you need a special dimmer for halogen lights?
All halogen bulbs can be dimmed, and finding a dimmer for halogen bulbs should be easy. Most dimmers are compatible with halogen bulbs. As long as the light and the dimmer are compatible, the bulb will be able to dim to most frequencies — but at the cost of a shorter life.
How can I tell what type of dimmer switch I have?
Determine the number of switches that control the light group. If only one switch controls the light, purchase a single-pole dimmer. If two switches control a single light or a group of lights, you will need a 3-way dimmer. Then look at the bulb type you are going to be using and pick the right type of dimmer.
Can you overload a dimmer switch?
new jersey — Did you know that you can accidentally overload a dimmer switch? If you do, it can become hot to the touch – sometimes extremely hot – to the point where it can become a fire hazard. Here’s how to avoid this happening using only some simple math. The majority of dimmer switches are rated for 600 watts.
What happens if you overload a dimmer switch?
new jersey — Did you know that you can accidentally overload a dimmer switch? If you do, it can become hot to the touch – sometimes extremely hot – to the point where it can become a fire hazard. If the total wattage of the bulbs being dimmed exceeds 600 watts, however, that’s when the switch will begin to overheat.
What are three types of dimmers?
Different Types of Dimmers
- Incandescent/Halogen. These types of bulbs require resistive dimmers due to the filaments inside of them.
- Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) Transformers that reduce higher voltages to less than 30 volts are called low-voltage transformers.
- Fluorescent.
- Light Emitting Diode (LED)
What is an intelligent dimmer switch?
iQ Intelligent Remote/Touch Dimmer Switches incorporate the following advanced features Suitable for dimming Low Voltage Halogen lamps via good quality, fully dimmable electronic transformers. Soft Start, which gradually increases the light output from the load over 1 to 3 seconds after switch on.
What kind of dimmer do I need for a halogen light?
Typically, incandescent and halogen bulbs work well with most dimmer switches, but it’s best to choose either halogen dimmers or incandescent dimmers according to the bulbs you’re using. Dimmer switches are not compatible with all fluorescent lights, so be sure to always double check the dimmer switch is rated for the specific bulb you choose.
What’s the maximum wattage of a dimmer bulb?
Each dimmer package will tell you what the maximum watt capacity is for that particular dimmer. For example, it may say 300W LED and 600W Incandescent. A dimmer like this can handle (40) 7 Watt LED bulbs and just (10) 60 watt incandescent bulbs.
Can a dimmer switch work with an incandescent light bulb?
Any dimmer switch is compatible with incandescent or halogen light bulbs as the following conditions are met: The dimmer switch is rated for the same voltage as the lighting application. The total wattage of all lamps is less than or equal to the maximum wattage rating on the dimmer switch.
What kind of dimmer bulbs can I use with a CFL switch?
LED bulbs are also compatible with smart dimmer switches. While LED will work with CFL switches, CFL dimmers are still recommended for these bulbs. Typically, incandescent and halogen bulbs work well with most dimmer switches, but it’s best to choose either halogen dimmers or incandescent dimmers according to the bulbs you’re using.