are the dimmer switches of ~$40 halogen tochieres defected? it seems like everytime i fix a halogen tochiere that stops illuminating, the problem is the dimmer (i assume a variable resistor?) which costs ~$10 to replace.

i assume it's a dimmer problem, since after i r/r the dimmer specifiically, the halogen tochiere illuminates. i also test the circuit by introducing an ampmeter into the circuit at the bulb receptacles and lo and behold, no current when the lamp is plugged in and the switch is on.

has anybody also experienced this? does anybody know why this is? (why these variable resistors are so prone to blow?) i'm getting the feeling that though these torchieres are cheap upfront, the annoyance is not worth it in the end.

 

I've only had one light like that. It's dimmer switch started acting "funny" after a couple months of daily use. After that I just left it in the high position and plugged it into a switched wall outlet. I think the switch used is just a cheap P.O.S. The lamp, after 10+ years is still working fine. I just don't use that cheap dimmer switch.

F.Y.I.: Halogen lights like to be run at full power. The high heat generated helps the metals inside the bulb recombine properly. You can use the dimmer setting but the bulb will have a shorter life. If you like to use the dimmer, turn the light up to high occasionally so it can get good and hot.