Can dimmer switches be used with halogen down lights?

Question

Can dimmer switches be used with halogen down lights?

Answer 1

Yes

Answer 2

The answer is YES, depending on how you have them set up and wether low voltage or line voltage You can dim the lamp side but cant dim the transformer. The transformer is a step down and operates on 110v AC. It steps down the voltage to 12 volts. Transformers won't work on dimmers. They do have special units you can dim transformers with but you have to purchase the whole thing as a unit and may have to change out the lights. It sounds like you already have them and want to dim them. Most dimmers sold at Home depot will dim lights not to exceed 600 watts. Check the wattage of each bulb. you can get dimmers at an electrical supply house for up to1000 watts. Any thing after this will cost big money and a lot of knowledge.

Answer 3

Yes, ... and No.
Yes: Dimmers will work with Halogen Lamps.
(They are, after all, incandescent.)
No: Halogen Lamps are designed to operate at
a certain high temperature.
Dimming the lamps will lower that temperature
and expose the lamp filaments to a process known
as 'notching` which will shorten the lamp life in
spite of the temp. being lowered.

Answer 4

Don't ask home Depot, they are there to sell, you can use dimmer for halogen lights.
If they are low voltage halogen (12volt) use a low voltage dimmer. I suggest Lutron for the quality.
If they are 120 volt halogen use incandescent dimmer

Answer 5

Short answer is yes. If they are 120 volt fixtures, use a dimmer in place of the switch. If they are 12 volt fixtures, use a dimmer in the low voltage wire.

Answer 6

I don't think so, ask at Home Depot

Answer 7

no,it cant