I have a light with five seperate bulbs and is worked using a dim switch, but it flickers and sometimes wont come on full.Anyone know what is likely to be the cause as id like to fix it myself. Dont worry the power will be off when i am reparing it?
2006-09-16 08:06:13 · 15 answers · asked by zd_sr1 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
3 possible reasons. 1. the dimmer is faulty. 2. The lamps are not of a high enough wattage to allow the dimmer to work properly. 3. The lamps are of too high a wattage and are overloading the dimmer. Check the wattage rating of the dimmer switch against the wattage load that you are putting on. Some, but not all dimmers will not work below a 60 watt load.
2006-09-16 08:25:22 · answer #1 · answered by George v 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is a 600 watt dimmer ,make sure the total wattage of the bulbs does not exceed 600 watts. Having said this, the first thing to do is turn the power off for this circuit. Remove the dimmer. Put in a new regular switch. Turn the power back on.If this solves the problem, buy a new dimmer. If this doesn;t , turn power off again. Drop canopy on fixture and disconnect wires on fixture. Attach a pigtail tester ( just a socket with tails about $4). to incoming wires that fixture was hooked up to. Turn power back on. If pig tail works o.k. problem is with fixture.( sockets, internal splice on fixture). If pig tail flickers etc. problem is in wire between switch and fixture and should be checked by a professional. Good luck.
2006-09-16 11:55:02 · answer #2 · answered by steven a 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there is not a loose connection, and it sounds like there isn't, then the dimmer switch is on its way out. The track in the carbon pot. inside will have worn in places and this causes flicker. When you buy a replacement get a better quality one which should have a wirewound pot in it, it will last much longer. Also check the rating against your TOTAL lamp load, 5x 60 watts? maybe 5x 100 watts?? Most dimmers are rated 60-250 watts or 60-400 watts. The best make is MK , the extra cost is worth it, most models have a 'soft start' which extends lamp life, and also a auto cut off if overloaded.
2006-09-16 22:45:35 · answer #3 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably need to replace the switch - they don't last too long.
Being a bit of a newbie to fitting dimmer switches I learned something the easy way (thank God!)
If you are fitting a metal fronted dimmer switch you need to attach the earth wire to it. (There is a connector port on the back of the plate)
I replaced an old plastic light switch with a metal dimmer and whereas the earth wire wasn't connected in the old switch it was VERY important to earth the metal one!
Go carefully - you only get one chance to get it right!
If in serious doubt - call an electrician...whatever it costs it's cheaper than a funeral!
2006-09-16 08:23:34 · answer #4 · answered by franja 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You probably have too much current draw with all those bulbs for the dimmer. Replace with a simple switch and adjust the wattage of the bulbs for the light you want.
2006-09-16 11:37:05 · answer #5 · answered by fibreglasscar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's probably a loose connection, or the dimmer needs to be replaced - it may be overloaded by the five lamps. Remember that it is actually illegal to do your own work in some circumstances, and you should always have it tested by a qualified person.
2006-09-16 08:15:32 · answer #6 · answered by ALAN Q 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be faulty wiring, or not enough amps to make it pull the power to run five separate bulbs. Make sure the wall plate is not getting hot, because it can start a fire. Your best bet would be to contact an electrician.
2006-09-16 08:52:07 · answer #7 · answered by skyeblue 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OH YES.. the problem is that there is a short..Remove the light switch and recheck the connections to make sure that they are attached properly.. It sounds as if one of the wires is NOT connected properly
2006-09-16 09:41:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could be loose connection or the dimmer switch need replacement.
2006-09-16 08:25:29 · answer #9 · answered by cherox 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When it's flickering, have you tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code? Cu's I'm pretty sure the lamp is trying to tell you......
"I need an electrician."
2006-09-16 08:15:28 · answer #10 · answered by letem haveit 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋