I have a 12 volt light that I want to dim using a wall dimmer switch. 110 Dimmer -> 110 Outlet -> AC/DC Converter -> 12 volt Light.
2007-02-26 05:12:44 · 3 answers · asked by John 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I found a "dimmable" transformer...
http://www.noralighting.com/cgi-bin/displayproduct.pl?file=accent-decolumeaccessories&index=NET-075
2007-02-26 07:37:40 · update #1
Sounds like it will work. I see what you are saying though. Why not give it a try. Set everything up in your garage on the floor and give it a shot. Set it up and take DC voltage readings. Set the dimmer all the way high and see if you have 12vdc at the light and than bring it down to the off position and see if it doesn't go to 0vdc. Make sure that all of your current rating are correct though you don't want to start burning things up.
2007-02-26 05:29:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see any problem with the configuration you have.
Dimmer switches generally do pulse width modulation , so effectively you supply a reduced magnitude AC to your AC-DC converter, where it gets rectified and supplied to the bulb. There may be more harmonics with this but , I don't think you will have problems when connecting a light bulb. You should see dimming.
2007-02-26 13:46:07 · answer #2 · answered by stauon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't recommend using that setup. Light bulb dimmers shouldn't be used for anything but light bulbs. For example, if you use a light bulb dimmer on a ceiling fan motor, you could easily damage the motor, dimmer, or both. (Ceiling fan "dimmers" are specially designed motor speed controllers made for that purpose.)
If the AC/DC converter is designed to run off of 120V, then use an outlet that isn't connected to a dimmer.
My recommendation is to buy a 120V bulb that has the size, shape, and wattage you are looking for. That way you can run it directly off the dimmer.
2007-02-26 14:14:13 · answer #3 · answered by vrrJT3 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋