light switch wattage

lottylouj

hi, i want to change my plastic white light switches to something nicer looking. ive been looking around and light switches seem to be different wattages, how do i find out which one is right to use?

for example i have a light fitting with 12 halogen bulbs each 12 watts, ideally id like a dimmer switch for this but what wattage?

i dont know a lot about electrics and will be getting someone to fit them for me, but i want to make sure i have the right switches.

thank you

totalsolutions

A light switch is a switch, no wattage involved. A light dimmer is different. 12 bulbs at 12 watts each is 144watts (12x12=144). A dimmer of 144 watts or greater would be what you are asking, I think. If these are 240v mains than that's ok. IF they are 12v (on a transformer) then you need special dimmer controller. Easy to fit, two screws with the power off, of course.

lottylouj

thank you.
ok, next question, whats with amps and volts? and also for electric sockets, sorry to be a pain, i just want to make sure i dont get it wrong

ormus

ohms law.
well worth learning.

totalsolutions

Think Volts as the "Pushing Force" that's all just the "push"
So 1v has little push and does not travel well over long distance or can punch through to energise motors and electrical devices.

Current. There can be no current without voltage. Current is the "work done" and can be measured in watts (Power), using voltage(v) and current (I) Power = VxI