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Up To Half Price On Lightwave ProductsWestminster Antique Brass Touch Dimmer
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Please note ‐ These sockets and switches are individually handcrafted including the finish which means the expected delivery time is 20 to 30 working days. This can be subject to change and is not guaranteed.
What is a Touch Dimmer?
Our Touch Dimmer ranges operate by simply touching the faceplate as opposed to pressing or turning the knob of a conventional dimmer switch. This has the advantage of being easier to use if you have problems with gripping a normal dimmer through arthritis or disability etc.
Touch dimmers can control LED, mains voltage halogen lamps and incadescent lights unless otherwise stated. All dimmers are rated by wattage and touch dimmers are no exception. The rating for LED lights will be less than halogen or incandescent and importantly the dimmers also have a minimum load requirement, for example 5W for a LED touch dimmer.
These wattages must always be adhered to and in the case of halogen lamps and capsules must be over-rated by at least 30%. GU10, G9 and GZ10 halogen lamps and capsules tend to arc in the latter part of their life. This is not dangerous in any way and is a characteristic of halogen lamps. This arcing creates an additional load on the dimmer and can overload the module resulting in excess heat and premature failure. The first indication of this happening is an increase in noise, often heard as a buzz from the dimmer switch.
All quality branded halogen capsules incorporate a fused link to protect the circuit in case of a short within the lamp due to this deterioation. Non-branded cheap generic halogen lamps do not have this function and should be avoided.
When using for LED dimmers please make sure the LED lights you are using are able to be dimmed. Many LEDs cannot so double check. There is more information on this if you look at LED dimmers.
Never mix lighting types through the same dimmer on the same circuit. For example if you have 3 halogen bulbs and 3 LED bulbs fitted in the same room on the same switch you cannot replace that switch with a dimmer unless you remove either the halogen lamps or the LEDs. If you were to fit a dimmer in these circumstances then damage to the dimmer, lamps or both will occur.
Never use a dimmer module that is not rated higher than the total load applied to it. Also they are only available for one way operation if used in conjunction with a light switch.
We recommend a minimum of 25mm deep wall boxes (unless otherwise stated) for mounting our standard style touch dimmer switches and 35mm deep wall boxes for shallow or flat plate ranges.
If you require any advice or assistance please call our sales team on 01926 289 289.
