Dimmer switch very hot??

[Screwed]

Hi,

In our lounge we have a dimmer switch to control the main lights - a seven arm 40w chandelier thingy! The dimmer switch has a tendancy to get rather hot, also, if you have the lights dimmed too low they flicker on and off. Any idea on how to cure this, I'm guessing I need to change the switch for a more heavy duty one (if such exists??).

Many thanks,

Screwed!!

 

[jj4091]

If your dimmer unit is an old one it is probably only rated at 250watts & your fitting is drawing 280watts.Suggest you upgrade to a 400w dimmer

 

[RF Lighting]

Also the dimmer should be derated if you are dimming candle lamps

 

[Screwed]

Ok thanks for the help!! Can you buy de-rated dimmers as a unit or is it an addition to the circuit?? Will B&Q have them?

Thanks again!

 

[breezer]

de rating example

super duper dimmer rated at 600w for normal lamps

you de rate it to 300 watts as you are using halogens

but 6 months later you chnage halogens to fitting with 500w of lights dimmer will be fine

does this help?

 

[Steve]

I get my de-raters from B&Q. Any advance on B&Q?

 

[2scoops0406]

tlc direct. Cheaper.