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Replacing standard light switch with dimmer

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  • 11-02-2016 10:22pm
    #1
    BlibBlab
    Closed Accounts Posts: 145 ✭✭


    Hi,
    Just wondering if this is a straightforward swap?
    Thanks.


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    #2
    Steve
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 22,584 CMod ✭✭✭✭Steve


    It is, as long as you don't have LED lights.


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    #3
    dodzy
    Registered Users Posts: 9,933 ✭✭✭dodzy


    Steve wrote: »
    It is, as long as you don't have LED lights.
    But sure more are dimmable nowadays than not.


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    #4
    Speedwell
    Registered Users Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭Speedwell


    First electrical job I ever did, as a student renter of 19. Just make sure you turn off the power to the socket while you work, and test to make sure there is in fact no current to the outlet. I've seen some wiring jobs that would make you wonder why the place didn't burn down with the electrician still inside.


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    #5
    ted1
    Registered Users Posts: 23,359 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    dodzy wrote: »
    But sure more are dimmable nowadays than not.

    But they need to be trailing edge dinners for LED


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    #6
    BlibBlab
    Closed Accounts Posts: 145 ✭✭BlibBlab


    So do I need to buy special bulbs for the dimmer? Do the energy saver bulbs tend to buzz with dimmer switches?


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    #7
    Atlantic Dawn
    Registered Users Posts: 81,568 ✭✭✭✭Atlantic Dawn
    M


    BlibBlab wrote: »
    So do I need to buy special bulbs for the dimmer? Do the energy saver bulbs tend to buzz with dimmer switches?

    Energy saving CFL bulbs won't work with them, not sure if any do, I think possibly only the standard old style work with them.


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    #8
    Aint Eazy Being Cheezy
    Registered Users Posts: 4,630 ✭✭✭Aint Eazy Being Cheezy


    BlibBlab wrote: »
    Hi,
    Just wondering if this is a straightforward swap?
    Thanks.

    Probably not! If the original switch has been in place for decades the new screws probably won't pinch up, the original box could be 16mm, and nailed to the wall with a spitgun, so the bigger back on the dim switch won't fit in and you'll have to smash the back box out to replace it.

    Sounds cynical, but if there's one job I hate, it's fitting dimmer switches. Should take 5mins, almost always takes half an hour & a trip to the wholesalers :rolleyes:


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    #9
    ted1
    Registered Users Posts: 23,359 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    BlibBlab wrote: »
    So do I need to buy special bulbs for the dimmer? Do the energy saver bulbs tend to buzz with dimmer switches?

    Energy saver bulbs aren't really a thing, some bulbs have it written on them but they may still by just halogens or CFLs. Be sure to get LED, no they don't buzz. If your in Dublin IKEA have a great range or look up light rabbit or led vista both online shops


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    #10
    3Js
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭3Js


    Hi,

    Can I use one dimmer switch with 6 basic downlights in a room (like the ones Screwfix sell as a trade pack of 10 with bulbs included), do the bulbs need to be LED or can I use the older type 35 watt bulbs?


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    #11
    Lumen
    Registered Users Posts: 31,025 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    When I had my dimmed incandescent bulbs replaced with dimmed LEDs I found the LEDs were too bright on the lowest setting. This was particularly an issue in a hallway where I just wanted enough light not to fall on my arse at night time.

    So try and get the output right.


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