Dimmer switch

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:36 pm

Is it possible that a dimmer switch will stop all of my upstairs lights from working.

The wife turned on the lights in the bedroom only to find that the fitting sparked and since then all the lights dont work. I have checked the fuses ( old type board) and checked the light fittings and switches for loose cables, all are ok.

The reason I ask about the dimmer switch is because it used to make the lights flicker unless turned up to full

Thanks for any help

Rich

markysparky · Post by **markysparky** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:03 pm

Either you had too much wattage going through the dimmer switch or too many transformers if they are recess spotlights?

Can you tell my how many watts of light the dimmer switch was taking?

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:12 pm

Sparky
The dimmer switch has been used on a cieling light with built in 3 speed fan, there are 3x 40watt bulbs. the light was fitted approx 5 years ago

Hope this is enough info

markysparky · Post by **markysparky** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:19 pm

Dimmer switches work by reducing the voltage to the lights to make them dimmer.

If the dimmer is reducing voltage to the fan as well as the lights! it would neither do the fan or dimmer any good

Was it?

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:21 pm

Sparky are you saying that the reason I have no lights is because the light / fan or dimmer is kn*****ed

markysparky · Post by **markysparky** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:28 pm

Has all the lights upstairs gone out or is it just the lights that the dimmer switch controls?

If it's just the lights on the dimmer then it's most likely the dimmer is burnt out because of the fan

If there are no loose connections and no fuses blown then it's unlikely it would be the light

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:35 pm

All the lights have gone. I have checked for loose connections but cant find any thing. I also think that the main feed is from another of the light fittings. if that makes sense

markysparky · Post by **markysparky** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:40 pm

Just reread the post.

You said the light fitting sparked and since then the lights didn't work!

Are you positive that all the connections are sound??

If so then it must be a blown fuse or loose wire in the fuse box.

When checking the old rewireable fuse it's best to give the fusewire a slight tug at one end to check for breaks. As not all fusewire breaks at the middle where you can see it.

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:47 pm

I have checked the fuse wire and even changed it to be sure. I will have to check the fuse box as this is the only thing I haven`t checked.
Is there anything else you think it might be

Thanks for your help, I will let you know how I get on with the fuse box

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:49 pm

What amperage is the fuse that you have checked ?

markysparky · Post by **markysparky** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:53 pm

Only other thing it could be is loose connections at the 1st light which comes from the fusebox.

Or there is a junction box in the ceiling which could have a loose connections.

Are you checking neutrals as well as lives??

And on another note the dimmer shouldn't flicker the lights. Either they have energy saving bulbs or the fan is on at the same time!!

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:55 pm

I think it was 5amp.
Come to think about it there only looks to be 1 fuse for the whole house, which i thought should be 2 seperate circuits and fuses

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:59 pm

Sparky

Yes I have checked the neutrals, as far as I can see there is no junction box.
The dimmer switch did the same when a standard light was fitted before the fan

markysparky · Post by **markysparky** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:00 pm

Rich Sum wrote:I think it was 5amp.
Come to think about it there only looks to be 1 fuse for the whole house, which i thought should be 2 seperate circuits and fuses

You can have about 1200 watts on a lighting circuit so as long as it doesn't exceed this and all the lights were not on at the same time. It's unlikely it was overload

Rich Sum · Post by **Rich Sum** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:05 pm

So that goes back to the loose cable senario then.