Rako lighting system - choice of dimmers?

[Tim54]

Hi,

Am thinking about installing a Rako lighting system in my house. I have a problem deciding which dimmer to use for the ceiling lights on the ground floor. Ideally would use the Rako pill in the light switch back box. BUt is it right that the pill does not work with energy saving bulbs (even dimmerable ones like Megaman)?

If that is the case, then other option is to wire in-line dimmer into circuit in ceiling void. Problem here is that dimmer is about 5cmx3cm. Is there any way a hole big enough to access ceiling void and insert dimmer can be made but still covered over by a standard ceiling light fitting? Unfortunately I cannot get access to ceiling void from above.

Would be very grateful for any suggestions. Cheers.
TIm.

[aberdeenpaul]

rako do a dimmer for megaman CFL

Rako RDL500 CFL - Megaman CFL In Ceiling Light Dimmer - Rako Wireless Lighting Controls | uk online shop


Size (H, W, D) mm 160 x 36 x 50

the size is as above should fit within your hole size

[Tim54]

Thanks AP. I had seen that dimmer. Question is whether I can make hole big enough for it in ceiling which would be covered up by standard light fitting. Want to avoid having to replaster after dimmer has been installed.

[DaveChester]

You should be able to fit a Rako through the ceiling rose. If it wont go and you are worried about making the whole bigger you could always remove the board from the casing and fit that through.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by DaveChester

You should be able to fit a Rako through the ceiling rose. If it wont go and you are worried about making the whole bigger you could always remove the board from the casing and fit that through.

Having exposed live connections in the ceiling is both dangerous and potentially lethal. The Pill Dimmer needs a minimum load to operate how many bulbs are you controlling?

[Tim54]

It would be for approximately 6 bulbs. Do not want to use pill as this works only with very limited range of bulbs (and no energy efficient bulbs). Was hoping to be able to fit ceiling dimmer (e.g. RDL250C) through hole above ceiling rose.

[hornydragon]

The RDL are designed to fir through a downlight sized cutout, It should fit but you may need to adjust the fitting of the rose if there is hole for an RDL cut out.