Installing a light dimmer switch...

Zenbaas

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Hi guys

So I want to put one of these in my lounge for the lights and was wondering if there was anything specific I should be looking out for the or can I just connect it up...?
 
One thing to know is that you cant use a dim switch with new energy efficient globes (Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) Not sure about LEDs and dimmer switches
 
If you are using energy safer lights then I think you have to buy ones which are explicitly marked "dimmer".
 
Remember the following

3. Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with a dimmer switch?

To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). GE makes a dimming compact fluorescent light bulb (called the GE Longlife Plus Soft White Energy Saving Bulb) that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life. (Using a regular compact fluorescent bulb with a dimmer will also nullify the bulb's warranty.)
 
Thanks guys. Ja I had no idea about the energy saving gloves. Will have a look at the shops to see for the dimmer bulbs as well...
 
Other than the energy saving aspect dimmers are really easy to install...

I've done 2 of them in my house, one in the diningroom and one in the lounge.
 
Other than the energy saving aspect dimmers are really easy to install...

I've done 2 of them in my house, one in the diningroom and one in the lounge.

So you just replaced your bulb and installed the switch...?
 
So you just replaced your bulb and installed the switch...?

Replaced all the lights (they were normal ceiling hanging lights) with downlighters and then just put the dimmer switch into the wall... easy as pie...
 
Pretty much just the issues with fluorescents and LED's.
Otherwise you'll need to get the dimming module and the actual switch. Hook up normal wires that would go into a switch to the bigger wires coming out of the dimming module and then the smaller wires go to the dimming switch.
 
I'm using any of the energy efficient bulbs with dimmers and haven't experienced significantly shorter lives. One would go every 3 - 6 months, but on average would last 3 -4 years per bulb.
 
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Installing a light dimmer switch...

WTF?

Apart from that, they're as easy as installing a normal switch. The circuitry in the switch takes care of the dimming so there is really nothing else for you to take care of...
 
So you just replaced your bulb and installed the switch...?

I replaced the switch and ran it with the old non-energy saving bulbs until they blew and now I buy whatever energy saving ones I can find. Mostly Phillips (Woolies) or Osram. Two of the dimmers are in the kids' room and I dim and brighten them a few times a night (not sleeping through yet!).
 
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WTF?

Apart from that, they're as easy as installing a normal switch. The circuitry in the switch takes care of the dimming so there is really nothing else for you to take care of...

Don't get your panties in a twist :D :p

It's for my Home theater room so asking DIY advice here seemed as good a place as any. Ok went and bought one so I hope installing it is easy enough. The room actually has three separate switches for the different lights so I'm only dimming one.
 
So I've opened everything up and had a look but I'm still not 100% sure so I though I'll post some pics and ask instead. This is how the current wiring looks: (There is another yellow wire in the back that isn't currently connected to anything-The three swicthes each control one light [two lights inside and one outside)

Wiring2.jpg



And this is how the Dimming switch looks from the back:


Wiring1.jpg


So which is the best way to connect everything up...? :/
 
Anyone know of any switches with RF / IR?

Would love to control the lights with my Harmony?
 
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