Bathroom Lighting Help!

[richjthorpe]

Hi all,

I have a Dimpull switch (A pull switch that dims too) in my bathroom linked to 5x35w low voltage downlighters which maxes out the Dimpull load of 175w.

I've also bought a Mirror Demister which runs at 105w which I'm supposed to link to the lighting circuit. I can't do this as the Dimpull is at its limit.

Are there any other ways to have the Mirror Demister activate when the lights come on but on another power circuit? I've thought of relays but I don't know where to start looking.

Thanks,

Richie.

[Steve1951]

Hi
Yes a relay would probably be the way to go.

BUT

You are not supposed to do ANYTHING elctrical in a bathroom unless you are Part P qualified.

Steve

[s_tether]

I had one of these fitted, works really well !

http://www.sensor.co.uk/BathroomSwitch.htm


Si

[Steve1951]

Hi Again

I didnt gve your question enough thought.

Relays arent the way to go as they would be looking for a full supply to hold them in not your dimmed supply.

You need to get into the switched live supply before it enters the electronics of the dimmer.
That is an option you get on some high end equipment.
Not light pulls though to the best of my knowledge.

Even if you could find a higher rated dimmer I wouldnt recommend supplying a heated device via it.

So
1)Replace your dimmer with an ordinary pull cord.

2)Put your mirror on a timer controlled spur so that its on when you are in.My towel rail is done like that.

I suggest Number 1

[Steve1951]

Hi For The Last Time
I have just looked at the site that the other guy suggested.
There is an option on there that I had never heard of but would sort your problem.

You would need to do away with your pull swtich and use an ordinary one.

Use their micro dim in circuit which will give you your dimming back,but then you can tap in your switch line for the mirror BEFORE the dimmed supply.

Have a look..........but its going to cost about £40.

Looks really clever but have no experience of it.

Steve

[richjthorpe]

Hi Steve and Si,

Thanks for the help.

Steve, I've got a friend who is Plan P certified and is also testing the new consumer unit......doing everything by the book!

So, if I get the microdim and a standard pull switch, I can tap in to the switch line before the microdim and link the demister here? Will a standard pull cord switch have a high enough rating?

Thanks,

Richie.

[Steve1951]

I would say yes to both questions.

However dont forget I have absolutely no experience of the micro-dim,but going by their wiring diagam it will work.

I would give them a ring if I were you.

Regards

Steve

[richjthorpe]

Steve, you've been a great help. thankyou very much,

Richie.

[garyb9900]

Why not put the mirror heater on a PIR so that its only working when you are in the room? Works great on mine as the de-mister is on the same circuit as a couple of Ikea LED strips which act as a mirror light, but only when you are in the room. Saves fumbling for a light switch of any kind when you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

[richjthorpe]

Now there's an idea! I'm guessing the fan could be linked up to the same circuit in order to activate it too.

Where would I get a PIR for a bathroom?

Richie.