Simple Low Voltage Q for a Noob

[eastman3000]

Hi Chaps

Basically in my living room I have light fittings with 12 small halogen bulbs which i believe run off a 12v transformer. 20w each.

They are wired as normal to a 240v curcuit with a standard switch. Can I buy a dimmer switch to suit these? I believe even something like a Lutron dimmer wont work? Please help us out on this one!

[hornydragon]

It all depends on the transformer some are dimmable some arent some can be replaced some can't

[eastman3000]

Dont think the transformer says dimmable (inside the fitting) but it looks decent enough. Would you be abvle to tell by the specs or make?

[neilball]

Is this a single fitting i.e. ceiling fitting where the transformer is within the base (the bit that fixes it to the ceiling)? If so the majority seem to use non-dimmable fittings. This means you either forget dimming control or if you are competent then you could open up the fitting and replace the transformer with a dimmable replacement. In many cases the transformer has screw terminals or wires to connector blocks so providing the base can be opened easily and the new transformer is physically the same size and rating as the original unit it can be a fairly simple modification. That said only do this if you are competent working with electrics as poor connections can make the connectors overheat or arc creating a potential fire risk.

[silver12]

Is it a toroidal transformer?

[eastman3000]

Thanks for ure comments so far.

yep its a tordial transofrmer - i remember when fitting it.

[silver12]

You'll really struggle finding a dimmable toroidal transformer. Rather than dim it, you could just fit 10W lamps instead?