Can I Use A Dimmer With G4 bulbs?

bargainhunterkid

Hello! I've set my heart on some gorgeous (but sadly expensive) lights in John Lewis but they told me in store they can't be used with a dimmer switch? It's 'Mystique' and the bulbs are G4.

Found my second choice in next which has 'halogen' bulbs which can apparantely be used with a dimmer switch but you've got to buy a special halogen comptable one.

Just wanted to check before I forget the John Lewis that what they've told me is right or can you use a dimmer with any sort of lights?

Have currently got a dimmer switch for lounge and dining room but don't like our lights!!!

Help and thanks!!

zax47

G4 are 12V Halogen "capsule" bulbs and thus are driven by a 230V-12V transformer. The question really is "can the transformer be connected to a dimmer" and the answer is "not just any old transformer" - it has to specifically be a dimmable transformer. If it is supplied with the light fitting then it probably isn't, in my experience.

The other question relates to your existing dimmer - is it resistive, inductive or electronic? Not all dimmer types can operate with all dimmable transformers.