Dimmer Switch not working
#1
09-11-08, 06:15 PM
Dimmer Switch not working
It worked fine until today when a electrician changed out two Halo can lights over a counter with two mini-pendant lights we bought from Lowe's. On-Off is fine, but no dimmer feature.
He did not fool with the switch at any time and was stumped as to why it would not work.
Any ideas, please ?
He did not fool with the switch at any time and was stumped as to why it would not work.
Any ideas, please ?
#5
09-12-08, 07:50 PM
Are you sure that there isn't a transformer hiding in the canopy or the fixture itself.
There is a possibility that the dimmer is not compatible, especially if you have an electronic ballast/transformer.
There is a possibility that the dimmer is not compatible, especially if you have an electronic ballast/transformer.
#6
09-12-08, 09:13 PM
dezwit:
Pretty sure no transf. or ballast. I have a ass'y instruction sheet showing all the parts.
Besides black & white wires there is a grounding wire. Do you think if it is not properly connected, that would cause the problem?
Pretty sure no transf. or ballast. I have a ass'y instruction sheet showing all the parts.
Besides black & white wires there is a grounding wire. Do you think if it is not properly connected, that would cause the problem?
#7
09-16-08, 01:44 PM
Surely I could not have stumped you knowledgeable folks out there.
It should be obvious my electrical knowledge would fit in a gnat's watch pocket.
Beer 4U2
It should be obvious my electrical knowledge would fit in a gnat's watch pocket.
Beer 4U2
#8
09-16-08, 02:08 PM
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A dimmer that still turns on and off but will no longer dim is a sure sign of a fried dimmer. You need a new dimmer.
Dimmers typically get fried when a high current passes through them, even for a very brief time. This often happens when somebody miswires a short circuit, and then corrects it, or when somebody accidentally creates a short circuit by touching two things together that should not be touching. But this can also happen with something as simple as a light bulb burning out--sometimes, but not often, a bulb burns out with a current spike high enough to fry a dimmer.
It is possible, and perhaps probable, that the electrician caused this problem. But you'd be hard pressed to prove it. You might at least ask the electrician about it. If he's interested enough in your satisfaction, he might replace the dimmer on his own dime.
Dimmers typically get fried when a high current passes through them, even for a very brief time. This often happens when somebody miswires a short circuit, and then corrects it, or when somebody accidentally creates a short circuit by touching two things together that should not be touching. But this can also happen with something as simple as a light bulb burning out--sometimes, but not often, a bulb burns out with a current spike high enough to fry a dimmer.
It is possible, and perhaps probable, that the electrician caused this problem. But you'd be hard pressed to prove it. You might at least ask the electrician about it. If he's interested enough in your satisfaction, he might replace the dimmer on his own dime.
#9
09-16-08, 08:41 PM
Duh...............
pcboss hit it with the first reply. It did not register that when testing, the light went on and then off. The electrician found that the ceramic holder wire crimp did not hold and wires had touched.
He got me a new holder/base at no cost to me and rewired the light.
Thanks to you both.
pcboss hit it with the first reply. It did not register that when testing, the light went on and then off. The electrician found that the ceramic holder wire crimp did not hold and wires had touched.
He got me a new holder/base at no cost to me and rewired the light.
Thanks to you both.
