Having an absolute mare with dimmers

[DaveS79]

Hi All

As title states I'm having an absolute mare with some knightsbridge dimmers. Probably missing something stupid so come on here to have the piss took. I was there at end of day so time bit limited but changed dimmer for 2 seperate ones and although lights coming on just no dimming taking place. I checked if voltage range adjusting at dimmer and it isn't, surely both of them not duds. Obviously got perm and switch line right otherwise it wouldn't turn on. Plenty of cables looped in at back box with no colour markings and same at light fitting. Think I need to get long lead out to prove what's what but at stage bit baffled what could be causing this.

Cheers

 

[Murdoch]

If the lamps are LED are they dimmable ?

 

[DaveS79]

If the lamps are LED are they dimmable ?

Yeah definitely Murdoch, tried them out on same set of lights in different area of apartment. I just can't get my head around why voltage not adjusting at the actual switches

 

[Murdoch]

Yeah definitely Murdoch, tried them out on same set of lights in different area of apartment. I just can't get my head around why voltage not adjusting at the actual switches

well , can you change the dimmer modules ? 
 

I find Hamilton LED dimmers reliable

 

[DaveS79]

well , can you change the dimmer modules ? 
 

I find Hamilton LED dimmers reliable

Thanks mate. I'm not sure if can change the modules will look into it as customer wants to keep all fixtures the same finish.

 

[Bruspark]

Forget reading the voltage as it won’t vary much on a normal meter until you are reaching absolute minimum (as the wave shape changes first rather than the peak voltage)

Make sure the lamps are actually dimmable and make sure the dimmer is specifically intended for LED lamps.   Both are needed to dim and work acceptably 
 

If that’s all good then I’ve found V-pro dimmers are excellent for dimming the occasional case of very difficult lamps but take almost a second to switch on which isn’t popular in bathrooms etc..  
As Murdoch says I’ve also found Hamilton LED dimmers are the best compromise between wide lamp compatibility and a fast switch on. And they fit the holes in standard dimmer plates too .. 

 

[DaveS79]

Forget reading the voltage as it won’t vary much on a normal meter until you are reaching absolute minimum (as the wave shape changes first rather than the peak voltage)

Make sure the lamps are actually dimmable and make sure the dimmer is specifically intended for LED lamps.   Both are needed to dim and work acceptably 
 

If that’s all good then I’ve found V-pro dimmers are excellent for dimming the occasional case of very difficult lamps but take almost a second to switch on which isn’t popular in bathrooms etc..  
As Murdoch says I’ve also found Hamilton LED dimmers are the best compromise between wide lamp compatibility and a fast switch on. And they fit the holes in standard dimmer plates too .. 

Thanks Bruspark. The knightsbridge ones are generally ok and they are definately dimmable gu5.3's. The same but 3 gang dimmer works on the same set of lights in different area. But fact have tried two on this set and not dimming has me stumped. I think it could possibly be something with wiring as nothing marked up and had little time they but can't think how a wiring problem would cause that definately had Sl and L right and obviously N as wouldn't come on otherwise

 

[NozSpark]

Im sorry, but my opinion of Knightsbridge is far from good.... so much so that I will never buy any of their ****e again

 

[DaveS79]

Im sorry, but my opinion of Knightsbridge is far from good.... so much so that I will never buy any of their ****e again

I think you might be right Noz don't think I'll ever use them again

 

[Murdoch]

I think you might be right Noz don't think I'll ever use them again

Have you tried a Hamilton module?

I always carry one in my van stock!

 

[DaveS79]

Have you tried a Hamilton module?

I always carry one in my van stock!

No I haven't had a chance to grab one yet, will try to, back there next week

 

[DaveS79]

To confirm, I managed to get back there today. Will never ever ever use Knightsbrige dimmers again, had one working fine. One worked a while and 2 of them failing to dim whatsoever. It was low voltage LED's they clearly struggled with these. Ended up swapping them for cheap Screwfix specials LAP which had on van and they worked fine.