ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Tripping breaker

I don't think you can dim a transformer.

You can dim a transformer, but many dimmers don't like it.. There exist solid state dimmers that are designed to dim transformers, or you could always use a autotransformer.

I've actually used a SCR dimmer to drive an autotransformer, which was used to buck a series string of (9) 12v lamps that were used as footlights on stage for an opera production.
I did have to put an incandecent lamp (ghost load) in parallel with the autotransformer in order to stop the breaker on the SCR dimmer from tripping, but once I did, it worked just fine.

Some types of dimmers are hostile to transformers.. I've seen rainlights (6v PAR36 pinspots) burn up when connected to a dimmer.

Sure you can run a dimmer on the primary of a transformer.
You just have to make sure that the dimmer can handle the in-rush current from the transformer.

Manufacturers will usually gladly tell you if you can run transformers on their dimmers, since not all of them can. This means if theirs does you'll probably buy their product instead of someone elses. We had one manufacturer certify that their dimmer would dim a certain brand and model when we asked them and provided a sample... all for free... Well, we did buy over $6M in dimmers from them for the project...
You can usually get a written "yes" or "no" out of them though.

Well I returned to the library today and thanks to the responses I got the problem is solved!

I first tried to get my hands on the "high inrush" breaker that Mike had suggested. It would have taken at least a week to get it, so I decided to try the dimmer route.

I replaced the switches with 2 Lightolier Onset dimmers. Like the Maestro dimmers, they fade on and off. The breaker will not trip now.

Thanks again for helping me out, I owe each of you a beer!

Chimay.... Red, Blue, or Blonde