New Dimmer Switch No Worky

[Jason Friendly]

I began installing a new under-cabinet Xenon light this evening. When I went to install my dimmer switch it did not work, the cabinet light did not come on.

I cut a hole for the dimmer switch to control the cabinet light next to an existing kitchen outltet, similar to what's pictured at this web site:

I tied in to the power of the outlet and ran wiring to the new outlet box, then from the box up through the wall to the underneath side of the cabinet.

The dimmer switch has 2 black wires, 1 red and one ground. Since I'm only using it to control one light I followed the diagram that came with the dimmer. It says to connect the red wire to the black (in wall) wire going to the light fixture. Connect one black wire to the "hot" wire coming from the power source. Cap the unused black wire. And the green wire to ground.

I've done all that and checked and re-checked my connections but still no power. If I bypass the dimmer switch and just hard wire the fixture directly it works perfectly.

Also, there is a green LED on the dimmer switch which is on when the switch is off, and that is does work, it does go on and off when you toggle the switch. The dimmer has a on/off button at the bottom and a slider above that. Is it possible that I have a bad dimmer? I'm not an electrical expert so I could be missing something. I'm going to the store where I bought the dimmer tomorrow to resolve the problem, any suggestions on this would be appreciated though, and might save me a trip.

(The brand is Leviton Illumatech,"Decora colletion", 600W incandescent.)

[Joseph Meehan]

I am suspecting that Xenon light as a transformer in the circuit somewhere and the dimmer is not compatible.

[m Ransley]

Try the dimmer on a different light to see if it s OK, not defective . Ive used them with low voltage fine. Or maybe your wall wiring is off. Ck power with a tester. Or as Joe said.

[Jason Friendly]

It does have a 12v transformer in the light but this is the dimmer that the sales guy handed me and said would work. (got it from a electric specialty shop).

I tried the dimmer on an incandescent wall light and still didn't work. I'm headed back to the store now - after I hold my nose and vote for somebody.

Thanks for the responses.

[m Ransley]

Hooking up a dimmer to a hot circuit can blow it, be sure your wiring is showing the correct hot and neutral before reinstaling a new one.

[Jason Friendly]

It turned out to be a bad dimmer. I took it back to the store and had them test it, and the replacement they gave me before I left. It was annoying to have to make two trips but I'm glad it wasn't me after all :) Thanks for the suggestions.