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Dimmer Switch

Posted by Ken Weston, on Sat 01 Nov 2014 01:44pm

I replaced an ordinary single way light switch with a dimmer switch for use with my new light in the lounge. This new light has 5 bulbs. When I switch on the light comes on ok but when I try to dim the 5 bulbs they flash on and off and on further dimming they go out altogether. Is my new light incompatible with my dimmer? Possibly too many bulbs ? If so, is it possible to obtain a suitable dimmer for 5 bulbs ? Many thanks Ken

Chris Brown

Sat 01 Nov 2014 06:32pm

Sounds like you have CFL (compact flourescent) bulbs in there. Bulbs need to be dimmer compatible. Dimmers usually rated at 250watts or 400watts. if you had 5 standard bulbs at 60watts this could potentially be too much (although 300watts very bright for one room)

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Russell Baron

Sat 01 Nov 2014 05:30pm

Hi Ken, The dimmer will have a load rating on ie 250w means it will only dim up to that total wattage of lamps. If you have say 5x 60w bulbs in your fitting it will not work Has the light fitting got LED or normal bulbs in? If it contains LED bulbs it will be the dimmer. There are 2 types of dimmer,trailing edge and leading edge Hope this helps Russ

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