Can I use dimmer switch with incandescent strip light

[Oiseau]

I have a 30 cm 40 watt incandescent strip light in the bathroom and would like to change the ordinary on / off switch for a dimmer. Is this possible ?

Hope I don't sound too dim for asking this question !

 

[malcolmsanford]

yes it is

 

[Darkwood]

This isnt such a dumb question in my books i dont ever recall been taught the answer but to satisfy your query Yes dimmer work well with filament based lighting as that was what there original purpose was many many years ago before dimmable electronic bulbs came out.

 

[Oiseau]

Thanks.

 

[Darkwood]

Soz malc wasn't aiming at contradicting your post as it wasn't there at time of writing my reply to OP

@Oiseau there is a thank option at the bottom of every post and a like tab .... use them rather than express a worded thanks as it adds to the tally of the person you wish to thanks..... try it on this one

 

[bigspark17]

yes.. the incandescent lamp is a resistive load so will work with a 40-250w dimmer,!

 

[needasparks]

If you only have a pullcord switch you can also replace to a dimming version to save putting a plate dimmer in.

Toolstation > Electrical > White Wiring Accessories > Dimmer Pull Cord Switch

 

[malcolmsanford]

Soz malc wasn't aiming at contradicting your post as it wasn't there at time of writing my reply to OP

@Oiseau there is a thank option at the bottom of every post and a like tab .... use them rather than express a worded thanks as it adds to the tally of the person you wish to thanks..... try it on this one

I was just about to go into the 3000 club and rip you a new one .....................

 

[malcolmsanford]

In less than 20 minutes we have confirmed that you can use one, and now sourced him one ..................wish our government worked as efficiently as our forum

 

[Darkwood]

Malc can i ask which of the 2 OP's qustions you were answering as i might have mistook your post .. re-reading the OP you have either given a sarcy' comment to his 2nd question or answered the first part of his post with a quick yes reply......which means my post may sound a little weird lol

 

[Darkwood]

I was just about to go into the 3000 club and rip you a new one .....................

LOL would have been interesting to see what ppl were saying but i thought it better to let you all know upfront of the flaw .....

 

[malcolmsanford]

Yes I have to admit it could be taken that the yes could refer to the question and it's nature

Sorry OP the yes was that the lamps are dimmable and it would be a NO it is not a dumb question ............sorry if I inferred that.

I was answering the question and the phone rang so why the answer was short.

 

[Oiseau]

Yes I have to admit it could be taken that the yes could refer to the question and it's nature

Sorry OP the yes was that the lamps are dimmable and it would be a NO it is not a dumb question ............sorry if I inferred that.

I was answering the question and the phone rang so why the answer was short.

Having worked in the building trade myself many years ago, I know that 'sarcy' remarks are never used !

 

[cogsey133]

Having worked in the building trade myself many years ago, I know that 'sarcy' remarks are never used !

Not by electricians anyway!

 

[Richard Burns]

I note that the toolstation dimmer is rated 50W-175W and may have problems running a 40W load, the dimmer should have a minimum load of 40W or less.

 

[Oiseau]

I note that the toolstation dimmer is rated 50W-175W and may have problems running a 40W load, the dimmer should have a minimum load of 40W or less.

Thanks for that Richard.

Does such a beast as a 40 W dimmer switch exist ?

A quick Google does not not show anything conclusive.

 

[cogsey133]

here is one i found if thats any help

electricalstock.com - online distributors of electrical supplies, accessories and components to the trade and D-I-Y consumers



click on above link and search for product number K1521 WHILV

 

[needasparks]

I would wonder why a 40w light would need dimming in the first place for a bathroom, in my head i was thinking multible fittings.
I guess there are many types about but that was the first i found.

 

[drew35]

Yes it is.

 

[Richard Burns]

having had a quick search I have not found any 40W pull cord dimmers but there are various makes of plate switch dimmer that can run at 40W. Depending on your type of lamp you could change it for a 60W lamp (so long as the fitting is not rated for max 40W) as the dimmer previously linked has a max brightness of 80%.

 

[cogsey133]

Apologies to the op by saying you had an ordinary on/ off switch i assumed it was a plate switch hence i posted the link i found. I also posted the link to demonstrate they can be found.

 

[Oiseau]

............ Depending on your type of lamp you could change it for a 60W lamp (so long as the fitting is not rated for max 40W) as the dimmer previously linked has a max brightness of 80%.

Thanks, that's an idea I hadn't thought of.