Dimmer Switch Replacement

Davina_Hart

Hi,

I am looking for a bit of advice here. 

We have a dimmer switch in our kitchen that needs replacing. It controls 6 spot lights in the area. The current make is from British General GBSD400 Nexus Grid 400w 2 way brushed steel push dimmer switch. This was installed in 2018. We have been looking for a replacement online and can see this particular model has been discontinued. 

The current model from BG is RBSDTR-01 Nexus Grid 200w 2 way. This is 200w as compared to existing 400w.

Are we okay to install this one? If not, what are my options?


Thanks

Alderbank

Not enough information to advise.

What kind of bulbs are those 6 spotlights? GU10, R50, MR16, something else?
Are they halogens or LED?
What wattage are they?

For example, if they are 50w halogens then a 200w dimmer would not be suitable. Also, LEDs need a fundamentally different kind of dimmer than halogens. 

ThisIsWeird

Are these spots halogen? And 50W each? If so, then 200W won't cut it.
Options, I guess, are to find another 300W+ dimmer, or swap the halogens for dimmable LEDs. 

Or, if these 'grid' modules are the same? 

Edit: https://www.enfieldelectrical.co.uk/products/bg-grid-dimmer-module-white-400w

Davina_Hart

Alderbank said:

Not enough information to advise.

What kind of bulbs are those 6 spotlights? GU10, R50, MR16, something else?
Are they halogens or LED?
What wattage are they?

For example, if they are 50w halogens then a 200w dimmer would not be suitable. Also, LEDs need a fundamentally different kind of dimmer than halogens. 

Thanks for taking time to respond. 

We've checked one of the light. The manufacturer is Green Lighting Limited with part number CH7W. It states on the light its LED. I have checked further on manufacturer website and found these are 8W LED bulbs.  (https://greenlighting.co.uk/product/8w-d-lux-led-downlight) 

I guess we should be okay with BG 200W replacement dimmer switch module?

chrisw

The BG 200w replacement should be fine for the LEDs and capacity rating. My only slight reservation is that it states minimum load 60W, whereas you have about 48W. I would have thought that was near enough, but it might be worth checking you can return it if there are any strange effects.

Davina_Hart

Thanks Chrisw

Where do you find the information on minimum load of 60W?

I will pick one later today and see if there are issues. 

TELLIT01

Where are you planning to pick one up from?  If you can find a local electrical wholesaler they should be able to advise on suitability.

Davina_Hart

I have spoken to TLC. They have in stock for collection. I will ask them about it. 

chrisw

Davina_Hart said:

Thanks Chrisw

Where do you find the information on minimum load of 60W?

I will pick one later today and see if there are issues. 

It was on a suppliers website. However, BG state 5-100W for dimmable LED in their specs so it should be fine.

Northern_Wanderer

I will probably get my head bitten off here ... but if you need to ask such a question, wouldn't you better off to get an electrician?

MysteryMe

Because it's an internet forum specifically set up for people to ask for money saving advice, There may be people on here who had the same problem as the OP and who can post how they resolved it.

There are posters on here who are electricians who provide advice freely as well as many very experienced DIYers. They are completely impartial, they have nothing to gain personally.  If it is something that only a visit from a electrician will resolve they will say so.

If everyone was to respond, wouldn't you be better of getting an......... electrician, plumber, builder, solicitor, brain surgeon, there would be little point in having the forum.