OK to user a dimmer with ceiling light?

FreeCashBack.co.uk · 06-18-2005, 06:53 AM

I have a big ceiling light, with 30 small 10W 12V G4 bulbs. I haven't had it installed yet, but wanted to ask if it would be safe to use a dimmer switch with it (30 bulbs might be too strong otherwise). I don't want to damage the transformer as the light was very expensive.

It has a very heavy transformer. It is round and has a diameter of about 20 cm. Is that likely to be a "wire-wound" transformer?

I bought a 400W dimmer, but it says not to use with a wire-wound transformer.

I have rang several qualified electricians and they all give me completely contradictory advice. Some say it is dangerous to use a dimmer with such a light while others say it is perfectly safe and won't damage the light as long as I use a dimmer with more than 300W.

Thanks a million

jbfan · 06-18-2005, 01:34 PM

I can't answer for you guys in the uk, But I would never put a dimmer on the input side of a low voltage transformer. I have seen them on the secondary side only.

Teetorbilt · 06-19-2005, 10:16 PM

Like jb said. Once you are down to 12V, you can do most anything provided you are using incandesent bulbs. Check out marine suppliers, they should have everything that you need.