Dimmer Switch Keeps Failing

[kita1]

Normal consumer unit with 5 Amp rewirable fuse for lighting circuit. Living room lighting 5 x 60W candle lamps. 400W Dimmer Switch stops dimming within a year, just remains on full bright. Tried two so far.................

Recently purchased (but not fitted yet) 1000W Dimmer Switch. Will this solve the problem?

Cannot find any rating in between.

[Old_Geezer]

I'd suggest taking it back under guarantee. Must be 12 month one at least, surely ?

Makes me wonder if something is putting spikes on your mains supply, which is blowing something in the switch ?

[Hymie]

Although the notional total load of the 5 bulbs is 300W, the low resistance of each incandescent bulb (at low filament temperature) is causing a current draw greater than that which would be drawn by a single 300W bulb (for the same overall brightness). This would be particularly so at very low light output levels.

A 1,000W dimmer should be adequately rated for this additional current.

It would do no harm to fit one of these (between Live and Neutral), to minimise mains spikes entering the unit.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/transient-suppressor-mov-499#specification

[The Builder]

Hymie. It beats me why manufacturers don't fit such a capacitor as part of the finished product....... considering a three-gang dimmer can cost around £20.

[Hymie]

Because they want to sell you another dimmer (or whatever).

[The Builder]

Hymie... I've answered your bathroom/kitchen question again......... I had messed it up :o(

[Hymie]

When you purchase an expensive mains supression extension lead, the above Maplin component is the type of protection provided.

I have modified a number of direct plug-in neon nightlights with such a component - fitted Live to Neutral, and have them permanently plugged in throughout my property.

It is not advisable to connect this type of component between Earth and Live or Neutral.

[kita1]

Thanks for the info. Hymie, Maplins have 2 different ratings of transient suppressors, one at 600W another at 1500W.

I intend to fit a Dimmer Switch at 1000W, so which Transient Suppressor do I fit with it, presumably the 1500W?

[Hymie]

After looking at the Maplin website, it appears that you are looking at suppressor diodes, placing one of these across the mains will blow a fuse.

This is what you need from Maplin:-

http://www.maplin.co.uk/transient-suppressor-mov-499#overview

Just connect it across the incoming Live & Neutral terminals of the dimmer switch, to give maximum protection – you may need to sleeve the component legs if the Live & Neutral terminals are spaced apart.