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What type of dimmer switch do I need

  • 01-09-2020 06:52AM
    #1
    tombrown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 481 ✭✭


    I have a 2 gang dimmer switch in my hall.



    One of them controls the hall light - a central chandelier type light with 10 Halogen G9 28W bulbs; it is the only switch for that light


    The other controls the stair & landing lights, which are 5 recessed spots, with the old GU10 (50W) bulbs. For these lights there are two other switches upstairs (so 3 in total).


    I think I have, by now, bought up Ireland's supply of the old 50W GU10 bulbs, so I need to switch to LEDs, which means I will need to change out the dimmer switches, I believe. I am 95% sure that the dimmer switch installed was not for dimmable LEDs.


    So other than buy a 2 gang LED Dimmer switch, what are the other things I need to consider (1-way, 2-way, power ratings?).


    While I am OK to swap out all the GU10 bulbs for LEDs, ideally, I would prefer to keep the 10 Halogen G9 bulbs in the chandelier, as they seem to last forever; if I have to swap them out for LEDs I can, but prefer not to if possible


Comments

  • #2
    aido79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭aido79


    tombrown wrote: »
    I have a 2 gang dimmer switch in my hall.



    One of them controls the hall light - a central chandelier type light with 10 Halogen G9 28W bulbs; it is the only switch for that light


    The other controls the stair & landing lights, which are 5 recessed spots, with the old GU10 (50W) bulbs. For these lights there are two other switches upstairs (so 3 in total).


    I think I have, by now, bought up Ireland's supply of the old 50W GU10 bulbs, so I need to switch to LEDs, which means I will need to change out the dimmer switches, I believe. I am 95% sure that the dimmer switch installed was not for dimmable LEDs.


    So other than buy a 2 gang LED Dimmer switch, what are the other things I need to consider (1-way, 2-way, power ratings?).


    While I am OK to swap out all the GU10 bulbs for LEDs, ideally, I would prefer to keep the 10 Halogen G9 bulbs in the chandelier, as they seem to last forever; if I have to swap them out for LEDs I can, but prefer not to if possible

    You will most likely need to get a trailing edge dimmer but some LEDs will work with a triac or leading edge dimmer. Either will work with the halogens but you just need to decide what LEDs you are going to use and get a dimmer to suit them.
    You can only put one dimmer on a 2 way circuit so need to worry about that. LEDs use very little power so your only concern in regards to power ratings will be the halogens.


  • #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    aido79 wrote: »
    You can only put one dimmer on a 2 way circuit so need to worry about that.

    I have 2 way dimmers from varilight!


  • #4
    tombrown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 481 ✭✭tombrown


    aido79 wrote: »
    You will most likely need to get a trailing edge dimmer but some LEDs will work with a triac or leading edge dimmer. Either will work with the halogens but you just need to decide what LEDs you are going to use and get a dimmer to suit them.
    You can only put one dimmer on a 2 way circuit so need to worry about that. LEDs use very little power so your only concern in regards to power ratings will be the halogens.

    Thanks

    So should I get 2 gang 2-way ?


  • #5
    aido79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭aido79


    BrownFinger wrote: »
    I have 2 way dimmers from varilight!

    Have you got 2 of on a 2 way circuit?


  • #6
    aido79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭aido79


    tombrown wrote: »
    Thanks

    So should I get 2 gang 2-way ?

    Yes. Most switches are 2 way by default.


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  • #7
    alan4cult
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,583 ✭✭✭alan4cult


    You can also get a grid switch if you want to have dimmers of different ratings on the plate to meet the halogen demand.

    Grid switches a bit uglier but by no means a no go.


  • #8
    tombrown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 481 ✭✭tombrown


    Thanks for all the input

    Forgive the dumb question, but -

    If I get a dimmer rated for more than 280W (to accommodate the halogens) is there any disadvantage for the LEDs on the other switch (or even when I eventually replace the halogens with LEDs)? Will the lowest dim setting be brighter than it would be with a lower rated dimmer?


  • #9
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    aido79 wrote: »
    Yes. Most switches are 2 way by default.

    Yes I've 2 on a two way .
    The are digital.
    A master and a slave setup.
    Both can control independently of the others setting.


  • #10
    alan4cult
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,583 ✭✭✭alan4cult


    tombrown wrote: »
    Thanks for all the input

    Forgive the dumb question, but -

    If I get a dimmer rated for more than 280W (to accommodate the halogens) is there any disadvantage for the LEDs on the other switch (or even when I eventually replace the halogens with LEDs)? Will the lowest dim setting be brighter than it would be with a lower rated dimmer?

    Not sure, but a grid switch solves this problem. You can have two different rated dimmers on the same switch.


  • #11
    tombrown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 481 ✭✭tombrown


    Thanks - I'd prefer not to have to o with a grid switch if possible, but its an option to consider I am sure

    One other dumb question - will the power ratign for a 2 gang dimmer be divided between the two circuits or is it full per circuti? i.e. for a 300W 2 gang dimmer can I run two sets of 300W lights or two sets of 150W?


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  • #12
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,717 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    BrownFinger wrote: »
    Yes I've 2 on a two way .
    The are digital.
    A master and a slave setup.
    Both can control independently of the others setting.

    Interesting, I was wondering how you did this.
    Do you have a link?


  • #13
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,717 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    tombrown wrote: »
    One other dumb question - will the power ratign for a 2 gang dimmer be divided between the two circuits or is it full per circuti? i.e. for a 300W 2 gang dimmer can I run two sets of 300W lights or two sets of 150W?

    The issue is heat. So I would expect that a given device (or module) or space can only handle up to a specific load regardless of how many circuits. So 300W is the sum total.


  • #14
    bobbyy gee
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭bobbyy gee


    you need a nuteral at switch and earth wire
    i would try original dimmers but they also make led dimmers


  • #15
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,863 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    2011 wrote: »
    Interesting, I was wondering how you did this.
    Do you have a link?

    Here is a link to the master units

    https://www.varilight.co.uk/configurator/product.php?code=JQI401

    They are available in 2 gang (what i have) and different finishes .
    They can also be switched via IR from your TV remote.
    Leading or trailing edge setting also.


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