2 way dimmers

[safedepth]

Hi all,

Do I need a particular type of dimmer switch in order to achieve 2 way dimming on mains voltage incandescent lighting? I would like to control from both ends of the room.

Many thanks.

Fitz.

View attachment 305

 

[sellers]

Just your typical 2way dimmer. With a 3core cable inbetween them. Depending on how many lights your controlling depends on the rating you need. For example. Say you have 6 x 50w lamps, your total wattage would be 300w. Your dimmer would then need to be rated at least 300w or 300VA as they mostly say (VA = VoltsxAmps which is watts)

 

[m4tty]

If your fitting a dimmer at each end of the room controlling the same lights im sure one needs to be the master and one switch needs to be the slave. Im sure someone who can explain it better will in a bit but im sure you cant just use 2 dimmer switches.

 

[sellers]

I was aware that it went off the one with the lower setting at the time. Allthough I may be wrong, only done a couple of 2way dimmers

 

[Tooold]

I usually fit a dummy push button on one end of the 2 way, seems to eliminate any and all problems later on.

 

[batty]

You can't dim both ends even the electronic ones can't I am sure.

Batty

 

[Tooold]

I think thats why I use a dummy module, my memory is awful!!

 

[wozz]

GET ultimate digital dimmers allow two way dimming, i second fixed some years ago im sure they were two wayed. but they are expensive, but sexy.

 

[safedepth]

Sorry it's late updating I was working late last night.Guiness Drink

Certainly the crabtree decorative 2 way dimmers I have tried didn't work. One dimmer one end and a standard 2 way switch the other was fine but with the second introduced replacing the switch they hissed a little before dying. These were half the price of the "intelligent" MK ones and I'm wondering if that is why the price difference. You do after all get what you pay for.

It does make some sense. If a light is dimmed from one controller how can a separate controller know what position the first's rheostat is in. Is this where the "intelligent" bit comes in. If it's digital, can it then detect the loading on the light and compensate accordingly?

Or am I talking through my back bottom?

Thanks for the help so far, hopefully someone will have experienced this recently and can shed some (2 way dimmable) light on it.

Sorry, crap joke.

 

[safedepth]

Further to my last I have just found this. I'll keep checking though.

Fitz

[http://www.mkelectric.co.uk/Documents/English/EN%20MK%20Technical%20Specifications/Wiring%20Devices/Chroma%20Plus/Dimmer%20Switches.pdf

 

[Dane]

Clicky

ure link wasnt working

 

[safedepth]

Sorry,

As you can see it is link to a page in the MK Catalogue. It refers to their intelligent dimmer switches and states that only one dimmer can be used in a 2 way switching cct.

I may try the grid switch route but since the back boxes are already in I need to check the faceplates will fit in a standard plasterboard back box. Any one have any ideas please?

Many thanks for inserting the link correctly for me. Incidentally, how do I insert a hyperlink. I used the insert link icon last time and it didn't work?

Fitz

 

[Tooold]

I use a dummy dimmer push button, you can change the knob so that it matchs but it doesnt dim just on and off. That way you can fit 2 and 3 gang dimmers and they match just that 1 is a dummy, readily available at w'salers in the south west. Will rty to find make

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

I have only ever used ONE actual Dimmer switch in a two-way switch....

because the Dimmer bit of it is actually connected to the "Common" part of the two-way switch.....

then the switch part selects which of the two switching paths are active...

but both come down through the same common path to the bulb!

and AFAIK cant put two dimmers in serires...

they don't like it!

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

and AFAIK cant put two dimmers in serires...

they don't like it!

Whilst spell checking my last post... the above bit came up as...

"cant put two "Bummers" in serires...

they don't like it!":O:O:|

I nearly fell of me chair laughing .....

and then thought Oh yes they do!

:^O :^O:^O:^O:^O

ROTFWLROTFWLROTFWL]

sorry!

:coat

 

[safedepth]

Thanks SL,

It seems my arse should have a sore throat after spouting all that "intelligent" dimmer rubbish. I will try to source the dummy push button dimmer TOOLD mentioned and go that route.

Fitz

 

[Apache]

My friend, what about these?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_All/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_5_Chrome/index.html

That would work!

The master dimmer switches are one way but can be used in conjunction with slave units in a multi-way circuit (including intermediate and 2 way)so that the lights can be dimmed from more than one location.

 

[safedepth]

Thanks Apache,

These look exactly like what I'm after with one possible caveat.

My set up is 2 way 2 gang. When I 1st fixed each end is set up with one master and one remote. I'll have to confirm these units can handle my set up.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

My friend, what about these?http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_All/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_5_Chrome/index.html

That would work!

That is one solution,

My earlier post was referring to the limitation of trying to series connect bog standard dimmers.

But TBH if someone is having a dimmer that can have a remote control pad...

IMHO why bother with another wall mounted switch?

Just carry the remote handset to the other and of the room? :|

 

[safedepth]

You're right of course and TBH the room in question is hardly of pacific proportions. I'm thinking a dimmer at one end and a pair of legs is the answer.

Many thanks for your help though. :Y