Bought a single dimmer for the low voltage halogen light in the living room but it gave off a loud buzzing noise when I'd wired it all up - it this a common feature of dimmers and halogen lights, or is it something I've done wrong? :confused:

It looked pretty stright forward, and I wired it up in exactly the same way as the existing switch

Either way, wasn't happy with it so took the dimmer switch back to Homebase for a refund. Any advice?

Cheers :)

Dimmers don't work with low voltage halogen because of the transformers or floresent lights, you could change for 240v

I *think* you can by trannies for low voltage that are suitable for dimmer switches. Try an electrical wholsaler, most do cash sales.

One of the probs with halogens is that they prefer to be Over-volted, rather than under-volted.
Dimmer switches cause under-volting, which can quickly lead to blueing of the bulb, and premature bulb failure.

Alcazar

It also leads to faults within the transformers, especially the cheaper DIY superstore ones.

Ok thanks for the info guys :)

Does that mean I can't dim these type of lights, or that I simply need a decent dimmer switch from an electrical wholesaler?

Cheers

It's not the switch that's the problem, it's the transformer as stated above. You need to get a dimmable transformer and check that your bulbs are happy to have less than the rated voltage shoved through 'em.

Have had no problems with dimming low voltage, make sure you get the correct type of dimmer switch, it's different from a 240V type dimmer. I use a version made by MK (about £60 IIRC) that has a soft start facility which not only looks cool but helps increase bulb life. There is a slight buzz from it when the lights are fully dimmed, you need to get really close to hear it though. I have not had one bulb go in 5 years and none have turned blue.

Also ensure your transformers are dimmable, the wound type i.e non electronic will buzz more when dimmed. These should be avoided if you are fitting a lot of them in the same room.

Allan

Use a Lutron dimmer then you wont have any problems at all. You still have to use a suitable transformer though.