Dimmer switch help please

[duvet77]

I've browsed the forums but can't quite find the help I require.

Basically I've replaced a very old rubbish plastic dimmer with a shiny new metal one. The old one had about 6 terminals in it just marked with numbers. It's just a one way switch (can you have 2 way dimmers?) so had a red and black wire connected.

My new dimmer has a L1, L2 and and terminal marked with a little symbol that I am assuming is common.

I've connected red to L1 and black to common. Is this the right way?

Anyway the light works when I turn it on.... sort of! It works undimmed, but when i try to dim it, it flickers and goes off, there is no steady gradient of 'dimness'!

My first question; have I wired it correctly?
Second question; could it be an issue of power? the switch is max load 400W but I've only got a 60w bulb. do i need a bigger bulb?

thanks guys.

ps, I'll feel rather stupid if its just the bulb!
pps, all earthing is present and correct to new metal switch.

 

[Steve]

What brand is the dimmer?

is there a minimum stated wattage on the dimmer? Might be best to use a 100w bulb if there is.

PS. its not a compact fluorescent energy saving lamp is it? These dont dim

 

[duvet77]

not sure of the brand, I'm at work at the moment so can't have a look until tonight.

not sure if there is a minimum wattage but I can look. It will be on the back of the dimmer right?

I'm not using a energy saving bulb, but i have just bought a 150w bulb to try when i get home. If there is no minimum wattage and the 150w bulb doesn't dim then that just leaves either a faulty switch or wiring right?

 

[Steve]

not sure of the brand, I'm at work at the moment so can't have a look until tonight.

not sure if there is a minimum wattage but I can look. It will be on the back of the dimmer right?

I'm not using a energy saving bulb, but i have just bought a 150w bulb to try when i get home. If there is no minimum wattage and the 150w bulb doesn't dim then that just leaves either a faulty switch or wiring right?

Yes. Read the instructions that came with the switch and double check you have done the connections correctly.

 

[duvet77]

Right, I tried a 150w bulb and got the same problem. So I took the switch off and looked on the back and it says '60-400w' so that rules out any sort of power issue.

Now, because the old dimmer i took off had different markings I don't know whether I've replaced the wires in the correct terminals (I put red in L1 and black in common).

Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong? I suppose it could it just be a faulty dimmer switch.

 

[RF Lighting]

It should be wired

Live to common (usually red wire)

Switched live to L1 (usually black wire (sometimes with red sleeving))

Try it this way round and let us know if this makes any difference

 

[duvet77]

thanks.
i'll give it a go and report back.

 

[duvet77]

tried that but with the same result. ie. light is either on, a bit flickery, or off.

maybe i'll just but a normal switch back on!

 

[Spark123]

It's beginning to sound like a faulty dimmer switch. I take it the light is a bog standard mains type?

 

[duvet77]

yep, nothing out of the ordinary as far as I can tell.

bog standard ceiling rose, bayonet fitting, bulb, one way switch. Nothing to it really so i don't know what the problem is. I might pick up a cheap plastic dimmer to see if i can get that to work, then I'll assume my current metal one is faulty.

 

[breezer]

when you say a bit flickery, do you mean that to get it to this state you have to turn (or slide) the actual dimmer knob?
and to have it on (no flicker) you turn the know all the way round?

if its yes the dimmer has had it

 

[duvet77]

its just like you describe it breezer.
looks like i'll have to buy myself a new dimmer switch.