LED Dimmer - depth

Sep 10, 2020 Last reply: 5 years ago 19 Replies

I want to replace a (incandescent) dimmer with a LED compatible dimmer.



I thought - I will swap it with one I hardly use as a interim. I found the module was too deep and to make matters worse the wires needed to enter from the back - hence adding to the module depth. It is ok in the dry lining box - but won't fit in the shallow box.



Any ideas on a brand to try? I really want just the module to fit into a brass faceplate.


Two easy options:

  1. make or buy a spacer, like this:
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    chop out the back box and fit a deeper one

You can get spacers that fit behind the switch and give you an extra

10mm of depth.

There is only one brand I will recommend.

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ARW snipped-for-privacy@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in news:51x6H.1813576$1Eh.351853 @fx46.ams4:

I have used them before on incandescents.

It slightly bothers me that I will change my dimmers - then die - and the now occupant will put in Incandescent lamps and curse me!!!!

They'll put in smart bulbs instead.

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Paul

I'd say a dimmer which fits in a plaster depth box the exception rather than the rule?

"Dave Plowman (News)" snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk:

Thanks - That is how it is looking. The existing dimmer module is against the back - but the chunky brass faceplate is recessed.

+1 - the only ones I use as well.

Its ok, LED dimmers will dim incandescents as well - its just that "normal" dimmers are not as good with LEDs - hence the LED in its title.

V-Pro work with incandescent too. Or rather the ones I have do.

+1, though 'not as good' means kills some LED lamps & doesn't dim many properly.

NT

There's more than one kind of dimmer. This article describes the most common type (triac based one).

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It's a kind of electrical partnership.

Paul

Not had one kill an LED, but older ones simply don't dim them at all.

It is likely worth checking, though. Was surprised to find the dimmers I installed in the early 90s - MK grid type - do dim LEDs OK.

Maybe you did not buy cheap lamps:-)

We got a workaround at one pub that went LED - the varilight only works up to a maximum of 30 LED lamps per dimmer - by sticking an incandescent in with the LEDs and well exceeded 30 LED lamps (AKA bulbs to my friend TMH)

CR ballasted LEDs strongly object to old leading edge dimmers.

NT

I have never had one killed by a dimmer - although most of mine are fairly decent varilight ones.

As long as the LED lamp is actually a dimmable one designed for normal lamp fittings, then it should work to some extent on most dimmers. They usually work better (i.e. much wider dimming range, no flicker etc) on LED dimmers.

I have found a number of cases where one gls or halogen in the mix can make everything else play nicer with a dimmer - especially those that have a high minimum wattage.

Most LED lamps are not CR ballasted. Any that are die quickly on leading edge dimmers, the R overheats grossly. The same charge goes through per half cycle, but since a lot of it goes through in a rapid pulse, the R's V drop is many times higher & P likewise. I suspect that's why CR ballasts aren't more popular.

NT

I've not tried to dim a LED which said it wasn't dimmable. But of those I've tried which are, on an 'old' dimmer usually don't dim at all. Just go out as the dimmer goes to max.

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