I am deserving of a medal (maybe)

[whisky-dave]

And your're fully out of it.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

It is possible to protect things like triacs against a short circuit, but the cost of doing so (and the extra space needed) makes it impractible for a domestic dimmer. But then so would an internal fuse - for those who can't open it up to replace such things. If someone doesn't know how to source a replacement triac, they're unlikely to know where to buy a specialist fuse either. And being rich, like you, would just have a new dimmer fitted by their 'man'.

[whisky-dave]

Yes I know.

What are you talking about ir what have you been snorting ?

[Dave Plowman (News)]

No you didn't.

Forgot you couldn't understand English.

[whisky-dave]

I do, I understand miniturisation and why almost all dimmers have been potted or enclosed for the past 5 years if not 10 at least. While you think we're living in the 80s.

Memeory failing at yuor age is it, maybe yuo forgot dimemrs of teh 70s might be worth repairing but moderns aren;t and can;t.

Or tell me where I can source a triac for these dimmers, just the first one will do, the V dim. You've claimed you can repair them.

by paying 30 bob for a 10 bob triac.

I'm betting you can;t.

And as for the specialised fuse, yes I know where to get them both RS and rapid do them our standard suppliers.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Or write it, come to that.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Go on then. Give me the make and model of current dimmer which is potted.

[whisky-dave]

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Nice pics and spec - but unless I'm missing something to I have to take your word as to the construction?

Here is an actual pic of the internals of a current dimmer. Made by BG, so fairly typical of many.

[whisky-dave]

or find another.

doesn't say it's a dimmer it could be a motor speed controller with a headsink like that.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

It is a new BG 400w dimmer - complies to BS EN 60669-1 That you'll find in the sheds, etc. Suitable for all domestic lighting types - including transformer fed LV lighting that your Amazon special can't handle.

All dimmers I've ever seen have a heatsink. Like that. I take it you've never actually looked at one? No surprise you don't know how to repair one, then.

[whisky-dave]

I don't have transformer fed LV lighting so why would I need it.

Mine didn;t don;t forget that. It was encased. The one I showed yuo was a replacement I brought. The previous one that stoped working was brass effect brought from B&Q around

2006, which I broguh when I replaced the old fluorescent tube with a 4 way halagon light. I no longer have the brass dimmer or the fluorescent tube. B&Q haven't got the dimmer on their site. Although a similar one is in their store.