I have a low voltage recessed light with a magnetic transformer and low voltage undercabinet lighting with electronic transformers connected to the same switch.
What type of dimmer will work in this situation?

shortcircuit

HI, WELL YOU CAN USE ANY KIND OF 120 VOLTS DIMMER THAT IS NOT JUST FOR INCANDESCENT , YOU NEED A DIMMER READY TO BE USED WITH INDUCTIVE LOADS, THE DIMMER SAYS IN THE BOX IF IS READY TO BE USED WITH INDUCTIVE LOADS OR WITH TRANSFORMERS OR IF IT SAYS JUST RESISTANCE LOADS ( INCANDESCENTS ) JUT CHECK IF IT SAYS YOU CAN USE WITH TRANSFORMERS ( A TRANSFORMER IS AN INDUCTIVE LOAD ) AND YOU ARE READY, BE AWARE THE DIMMER CONTROLS THE HIGH VOLTAGE ( 120 ) VOLTS OR PRIMARY OF THE TRANSFORMER , THE OUT OF THE TRANSFORMER IS ALWAYS CONNECTED STRAIGHT TO THE BULBS, NEVER THROUGH A DIMMER ( EXCEPT IN INDUSTRIAL OR ESPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR TELEVISION, THEATERS OR OTHERS )BUT NEVER FOR RESIDENTIAL ANY QUESTION JUST LET ME KNOW

LUIS SILVA SANTISTEBAN

(Company Name and Contact info removed)

[This message has been edited by Webmaster (edited 09-26-2004).]

Read the Instructions / Specifications which came with the Fixtures, as they typically will have information as to the type of Dimmers to use
(but not always... ...).

Normally, when Dimming something with an Electronic Ballasting / Power Supply device, the basic "Simple" Incandescent type Dimmers will work.
When it comes to Dimming a Low Voltage Lamp (such as an MR-16, 12 Volt), driven by an Isolated Transformer mounted on the Fixture, then the "Electronic" type Dimmers need to be used.

Consult the Manufacturer, or check out different Dimmers' Specifications, and apply as suggested.

Scott35

BTW, had to purchase a 600 Watt Dimmer, to be used with 277 VAC x 12 VAC Transformer driven MR-16 Lamps.
This one was made by Lutron, and cost around $120.00!

shortcircuit,

What's the outcome of this Dimmer situation?

Just very curious to how the scenario was/will be resolved.

Scott35

Hi Scott35...not sure which dimmer to use yet.This is something that I roughed in and haven't finished yet.
I thought there was dimmers for standard incandescent lights,dimmers for low voltage magnetic type transformers and dimmers for low voltage electronic type transformers,each specifically designed for its particular use.
I have one Halo H1499 recessed light(MR16 50watt bulb) with a magnetic trans and two Kichler under cabinet xenon(18 watt x 3) LV light strips with electronic transformers and I'm not sure which dimmer will work properly.

shortcircuit

El' Circuito De Shorto (shortcircuit),

For the Magnetic Transformer driven Lamps (used with the Halo Fixtures / MR16 Lamps), the "Electronic" type Dimmer is the Commonly used Animal.

For the Kichler LV Strips with the "Electronic Transformers", the "Standard Incandescent" type Dimmer is the Commonly used Animal.

Verify this per Manufacturer of Fixtures and / or Dimmers. They will be more accurate than what I am explaining - and may offer actual Part Numbers + Prices!


Scott35

BTW, Halo has Spec Sheets in .PDF which may be even more helpful.

I'd imagine that you'd just about be able to get away with using any sort of Trailing Edge Dimmer.
Just as long as the VA rating of the dimmer was above the collective VA rating of the W/W transformer and the Input VA rating of the Electronic transformer.
I'd also add a small safety margin to the final VA rating of the dimmer, as a precaution.

I made a phone call to Lutron technical assistance(800-523-9466) and they said...

I must use a "magnetic" type dimmer for dimming incandescent lighting with magnetic transformers.

I must use a "electronic" type dimmer for dimming incandescent lighting with solid state electronic transformers.

So since I wired both types of lighting to the same switch...there isn't a dimmer for this purpose.I'll have to cut in another switch to seperate the 2 loads.

shortcircuit