www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi folks (it's been a while!!).

Just replacing a kitchen light with a new set (three spots in one fitting). The previous lights were halogen gu10 (my all time favourite bulb ) but I now need to add LED's instead. There is a 4 way grid module for the kitchen (including outdoor and WC) one of which is the dimmer.
Almost certain these are Varlight modules (purchased from Screwfix a few years ago).
It's probably going to be a case of replacing the old dimmer module with a LED dimmer (the LED's I have are dimmable btw) and by the sounds of it there are many variables in LED dimming which won't make it plain sailing (potential to not fully dim...even as little as 50%?). Not a huge issue: I'd take 50% dimming...just not over keen on them being so bright all the time (especially the cold light of 'warm' LED's).
I'm hoping the replacement dimmer module will fit in the grid otherwise I'm kind of buggered (that's only from something I read online and I don't think it will be an issue given the depth of the back box and the current dimmer module).

I'm adding LED's to rooms upstairs (which will need to be dimmed) again using a grid module system (the cables are already in place) so would be good to get a bit of experience and advice on the matter before I start buying dimmer modules and LED's that might not work as expected. Screwfix have the Varilight modules in (though next day) and my daughter's keen on her room being finished (lighting for a start!). The current Varilight grids have been running perfectly for the past few years btw.

Thanks very much.

Big question is if neutral at the switches? You can get electronic switches which don't need a neutral, but you can get lights with a shimmering effect, and that will flash when turned off, type of bulb matters, BA22d never had a problem with, very few problems with E14 multi bulb, GU10 slightly more of a problem, G9 have been horrors, had to add load capacitors to stop them flashing when off.

Most electronic switches (be it a dimmer or simple on/off with remote control) have a list of bulbs they will work with, if there is a neutral the list is a lot bigger than when there is no neutral.

Thanks ericmark. Yes - neutral in all grids (downstairs each room has own circuit i.e. one MCB per room) but upstairs just daisy chaining on like regular lighting loop. The GU10 are 4.5w (just basic LAP - again I've been using LAP for years in the halogen realm without any issues).
Sounds like a nightmare with those G9's though mate!!

Checked up on the LED grim dimmer modules at Screwfix (Varilight): non LED are £6 dimmable versions £26. Quite a hike.

I actually found some leftover halogen GU10's so was going to use them but thought I would just try the dimmer module that was already fitted in the grid (for the halogens). This actually works to about 50% of the full light on these new LED lamps (4.5w)...which, given it's a kitchen and there's other lighting in there, is more than sufficient.
Once I need to replace spots elsewhere (living room) I'll loom at getting the correct LED dimmable grid modules.