Electricians: Track Light help!

[AndyMan 7]

I've got a mix of low-voltage and line-voltage track lighting. The low-voltage lights are plugged through an in-line transformer into a 120V track.

I want to put a dimmer on the system. The low voltage lights claim to need some kind of 'transformer' dimmer switch, of which I know nothing.

Since I've already got the low voltage bulbs on transformers, can I use a standard line-voltage dimmer on the whole system?

Thanks,

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[flyingferret 0]

No idea really.
But I can say that I put a low voltage transformor flourescent light in a lamp with a dimmer. KILLED it.

I guess it makes sense, because the transformer is designed to work on line voltage. You drop it....it goes badly.

--
All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI.

[Brains 2]

I would think that it depends on how it is wired. If the power goes to the light(through transformer) and then to the switch(dimmer) then yes, you need a low voltage dimmer switch. If the power goes to the switch first, no, a regular 120v switch would be fine. However, the first scenario is most likely.

P.S. I'm not an electrician but i did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.

[turtlespeed 226]

Quote

I've got a mix of low-voltage and line-voltage track lighting. The low-voltage lights are plugged through an in-line transformer into a 120V track.

I want to put a dimmer on the system. The low voltage lights claim to need some kind of 'transformer' dimmer switch, of which I know nothing.

Since I've already got the low voltage bulbs on transformers, can I use a standard line-voltage dimmer on the whole system?

Thanks,

_Am

No - best way - go to home depot - or lowes - they employ electricians in that department around my area - maybe they do yours too.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[AndyMan 7]

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No - best way - go to home depot - or lowes - they employ electricians in that department around my area - maybe they do yours too.

Heh... tried that already.

To clarify, what I want to do is have a 120V dimmer switch, feed a 120V track, from which hangs a mix of 120V lights and low-voltage lights. The low voltage lights plug into an in-line transformer, and the transformer hangs from the track.

All this works, except I have a normal switch instead of a dimmer.

I guess what I'm asking is, will changing the switch to a dimmer damage the transformers?

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[Brains 2]

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I guess what I'm asking is, will changing the switch to a dimmer damage the transformers?

I wouldnt think so. My only concern would be the voltage drop to the transformer. When you dim the lights i believe you are actually dropping voltage to the light. I don't know how much that would affect the transformers and the low voltage lights.

I'll shut up now and wait for an actual electrician to answer so i can learn something tool.

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.

[flyingferret 0]

I think this depends on the transformers. If they are solid state, I 'think' that it will, as they are designed for an specific input. But I could be way off base.

Any specs on the type of tranformer or light?

--
All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI.

[billvon 3,118]

>will changing the switch to a dimmer damage the transformers?

Yes! Without getting too technical, you can't safely phase-control transformers.

One way to solve the problem is to use a different kind of dimmer, like a variac. These will dim your lights and work fine with the low voltage transformer. They are big and ugly though.

Another way is to use a switchmode DC supply that works with a dimmer. I built one of these once but a) they only start working at 50% power levels and b) I don't know if anyone makes one.

A third way is to use a DC dimmer after the transformer; leave the transformer attached to 120VAC. These are readily available. You might need a bridge rectifier to make this work with a standard xformer.

[Slappie 9]

Is your name Steve? Steves with track lighting are always gay.

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Clairee Belcher: All gay men have track lightin'. And all gay men are named Mark, Rick, or Steve.

Steel Magnolias

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."

[AndyMan 7]

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Yes! Without getting too technical, you can't safely phase-control transformers.

Dang. Thought so...

You neglected the 4th option, bite the bullet and go entirely low or line voltage... That's probably the best choice. The Variac will clash with my stainless appliances.

Why can't they just make cool line-voltage heads?

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[mar_tin 0]

One way to solve the problem is to use a different kind of dimmer, like a variac. These will dim your lights and work fine with the low voltage transformer. They are big and ugly though.
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Sorry but... variacs are beautiful. But expensive. All that beautiful copper. Plus you can really crack somebody's head but good with a mere 1K.

[Slurp56 0]

Hey billvon,

Any thoughts on trying to tap the low voltage light circuit AFTER the transformer? This would require a little more electrical work and 2 dimmer switches. Also I would imagine the dimmer is a pot, could you use a lower resistance pot on the low voltage circuit to reduce the "blotchyness" of dimmer range?

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I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.