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Remember that dimmers are for incandescent lights only unless you invest BIG BUCKS on dimmable fluorescent lights and fluorescent dimmers. Make sure that the switch that you replace with the dimmer does not control a plug-in outlet unless it is a lamp. You could do harm to an appliance not designed for such use.

Otherwise,just add up the wattage of all the bulbs on the dimmer and buy one of the next size rating. So if you have two 60 watt bulbs, two 75 watt bulbs-- that's 270 watts total.Find a dimmer rated for 300 watts or more.

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Q: What wattage dimmer switch should you use?
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Continue Learning about Electrical Engineering

Can you use a fan control switch as a dimmer switch?

Probably not, since a volume control switch is designed for extremely low current measured in fractions of a watt, while a dimmer switch is typically capable of handling several hundred watts.


Is there a way to wire a 3 way household dimmer switch as a 2 way dimmer switch?

You need a three way switch to control lights from two locations. The name is misleading. Three way switch refers to the connection points on the switch. You can use a three way switch as a single switch as long as you place hot wire on the brass screw and the use any of the other screws for the return hot.


I am removing a dimmer switch to put in a regular switch but there are two incoming hot wires what do i do?

The regular switch just connects in the circuit the same way as the dimmer switch came out. If the dimmer switch had its own wires the only difference will be is you will have to supply your own wires from the new switch to the existing connection. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOBSAFELY AND COMPETENTLYREFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS. If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND always use a meter or voltage indicatorto insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.


Can you use a sodium lamp in a mercury ballast?

No you can't. You can use a metal halide lamp of the exact wattage of the original mercury lamp. You cannot vary on wattage at all.


Can you use a dimmer on diode Christmas lights?

Yes, just splice a potentiometer (dimmer knob) in series and it should work just fine. In fact they are a lot more energy efficient at just a little below max output, and look just as bright.

Related questions

Which dimmer switch to use with LED down lighters?

Look on the carton that the dimmer comes in. On the label there will be a list of lamp types that the dimmer can be used on along with the maximum wattage that the dimmer can control.


What if the wattage of the load is higher than the rating of the dimmer switch?

If the wattage load is higher that the rating of the dimmer switch then do not use the switch on that circuit. The manufacturer's components of the switch are only rated at a specific rating. Going higher than that rating will destroy the device and void any warranty that the switch might have. Always size the device to the load that you are wanting to control.


Can a single pole switch can be use as a dimmer?

No, a single pole switch is not designed to function as a dimmer. Dimmer switches are specifically designed to control the amount of electrical current flowing to a light fixture, allowing for adjustable brightness levels. Using a single pole switch as a dimmer may cause damage to the switch, light fixture, or both.


Why did your halogen lamp stop working when plugged into a dimmer switch on a cord?

It was not designed to be used with a dimmer switch. You must have a halogen designed for use with a dimmer or it will not work.


Can you use g9 bulb on a dimmer switch?

It is generally not recommended to use a G9 bulb on a dimmer switch unless the bulb is specifically marked as dimmable. Using a non-dimmable bulb on a dimmer switch can cause flickering, buzzing, and even damage to the bulb or the dimmer switch. Always check the bulb packaging to ensure it is compatible with dimmer switches before using them together.


Can you use a dimmer switch with tract lights?

Yes


Can you use an AC Dimmer Switch on a DC fan?

No, an AC dimmer switch is designed to work with AC-powered devices, not DC. DC fans require a different type of dimmer switch specifically rated for DC power. Using an AC dimmer switch on a DC fan can potentially damage the fan or the switch itself.


Can you use a dimmer switch with A19 incandescent bulbs?

Yes, you can use a dimmer switch with A19 incandescent bulbs. Make sure to check the compatibility of the dimmer switch with the specific type of bulb you have and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation.


Can energy save bulb be used with any dimmer?

Compact florescent do not dim. They are all or nothing. You can use them where you have a dimmer switch. They will come on from about half way to full on. Dimmer switches don't like them and the switch will burn out faster.


How do you detect a bad dimmer switch?

You can detect a bad dimmer switch by checking for flickering or flashing lights, overheating of the switch, buzzing or humming noises when the switch is in use, or if the lights don't respond consistently to the dimming adjustments. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace the dimmer switch.


What is the type of lamp uses with dimmer switch?

You cannot use most fluorescent lights with a dimmer. Just about any incandescent bulb WILL work with a dimmer. Occasionally, when a halogen bulb burns out, it will destroy a dimmer switch but halogen bulbs are considered incandescent and other than that little problem they work well with a dimmer.


What wattage does a 3-way light switch use in a single switch outlet?

A 3-way light switch itself does not consume any power as it is a mechanical device that controls the flow of electricity to the light fixture. The power consumed by the light fixture will depend on the bulbs used and their wattage.