I’m putting some low voltage lights and the instructions say I can use a dimmer switch but it doesn’t say whether the dimmer should be before the transformer or between the transformer and the lights. Anyone know?
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after
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Oops, we're posting at the same time. Electronic or magnetic, eh? I'll have to look into that. This is for my own home but there's an electrician at work. Maybe he'll take on a small sidejob.
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FT Job Wanted: Chicago, north side/North Shore burbs. http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=70809.1
Edited 3/20/2006 11:04 pm by Ted W.
Strangely enough if I remember right I was specing out a similar system and I think it said before. I cant remember for sure because we ended up going with line voltage lights.
Depends on whether it's a magnetic or electronic "transformer". Consult the manufacturer of the system. Some require their own special dimmer.
DG/Builder
If you're talking about a standard electronic dimmer, it's got to come "before". It's designed to run off of 120V, not 12V. Of course, the transformer must be rated "dimmable".
happy?
I second: it comes before with typical transformers. It may be different if you have a really high dollar transformer. Use a good dimmer switch, like a lutron. I did both and there is still some hum when the lights are dimmed, so I usually keep my low voltage lights at full brightness.
zak
They're Halo brand lights if that makes a difference. I don't have the transformer yet but I'm assuming it's nothing out of the ordinary. On the package it states that they may be used "With a standard wall dimmer". Then on the instuctions they "suggest a better quality dimmer, preferable one rated for this type of use". But that's all they tell me. I hope to get the transformer tomorrow (UPS delivery) and will know what I'm dealing with.-----------------------------------------------------------
FT Job Wanted: Chicago, north side/North Shore burbs. http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=70809.1
That would indicate before the transformer.Most dimmers are designed to work on 120 and if you installed then the calibration would be off. They would probably have a large dead zone before they started working because of the minium level that the electronics need to trigger.There are two types of transformers. Conventional mangetic and switching power supplies (so called "electronic transformers"). Now some of the dimmer people make special ones for use with magnetic transformers and different ones for use with electronic transformers.But often the standard ones will work. If they don't you will see irregular dimming or flickering. That is probably what they are getting to on the instructions.