dimmer switches?

Question

Hi
Is it safe to use a "dimmer switch" to control a ceiling lamp with six forty watt bulbs.?

Answer 1

Ah well Crafty, I'm going to assume you are in the uk, :-) The most common dimmer switches are rated at 250 watt or 400 watt. Your six x forty watt bulbs (240 watt) will come pretty close to the limit of the 250 watt switch, and whilst strictly speaking you are within the limit, I would plump for a 400 watt rated dimmer switch.

Answer 2

400 Watt Dimmer Switch

Answer 3

Yes it is OK. Most dimmer switches are rated for 600 watts. You have to read what it says on the switch but your light is only at 240 watts, so you should be OK. Now some other things to consider is what kind of switch are you replacing? Is it a single pole switch or a three way, meaning how many other (if any) switches control the same light? If it is only controlled from one location than you should purchase one that says single pole on the box or package. if your light is controled from multiple locations than you will need one that is for a three way switch. Some other things to keep in mind is you cannot dim compact flouressant bulbs, just in case those are what you have in there now. And also keep in mind that it is normal for the dimmer to get a little warm. Another thing to consider is that when you go to install the dimmer and it doesnt fit to easily thats ok alot of dimmers have preforated fins on the sides that are designed to break off to accomodate the switch box if there is more that one switch in the box. But keep in mind that for each side that you break off in many cases you are derating the maximum wattage allowed by that dimmer. Meaning that if the dimmer is rated for 600 watts and you break off one side than if is only good for a max of 500 watts and if you break off two sides than in most cases it would only allow you 450 watts. and the closer your lamp wattage is to the dimmer rating than the warmer it will feel. The fins as we call them are designed to act as heat sinks(something that dissapates heat) Im sorry if this seems like to much info i like to practice my typing. I am also assuming that you are in the US and your voltage is 120. Im not sure what the other guy was trying to tell you about 240 for.

Answer 4

Hi

You've a total of 240watts being drawn. Most standard dimmers will have a rating of around 230 - 250 watts which should be displayed on the packaging. Go to 'directlight.co.uk' they do a whole range of dimmers up to 800 watts. Be safe! go for a higher rating than you need.

Rgds

P

Answer 5

Yes, 6x40=240w At a nominal household voltage of say 240v, one amp will flow. Most standard British dimmer switches are much more highly rated than this. You should be able to read the maximum capacity of the dimmer switch. This should be written on the back. If you see for example 1000w that relates to 4.16amps. This will normally refer to the resistive load capacity of the switch (ie) such as filament lamps. Its a different story with fluorescent lamps. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Yes it is. I use dimmers in every room (bathrooms included) of my house. They handle everything from a single spot to multiple light chandeliers. We love the mood they create, but also they increase the longevity of the bulbs. In 10 years I just finally had to replace one bulb in a 10 bulb chandelier.

Answer 7

The only bulbs they wont work with effectively are low wattage energy saving bulbs.

Answer 8

yes OK but a better use for them is as a torture device ...wire up the victims toes to the mains and increase and decrease the voltage its a good laugh listening to the shreeks

Answer 9

yes, but don't connect a ceiling fan through one..

Answer 10

yes