compact fluorescents- electrical questio
I have track lights working from a double switch with a dimmer. I want to switch to energy saving bulbs, but the dimmable compact fluorescents are $$$$. So I want to remove the dimmer from my switch — never use it anyway. Do I need a new switch or can I just remove the function from the existing?
Thanks, RMB
Replies
new switch
Welcome to BT rmb!
VERY much easier to just drop in a new switch.
Yes, you CAN remove the dimming function from the existing switch. It would probably take me at least a half hour to dis-assemble the switch and rewire the guts (bypass the triac,etc.)
only 5 minutes to replace the thing with a straight simple switch.
Figured as much, but in the effort to reuse/recycle, etc. thought I'd check otherwise. Never done this, but I bet I can find good explanation of what to do somewhere. Thanks. RMB
I bet I can find good explanation of what to do somewhere
Probably not, but if you find something, let us know, would be interesting to see?.
I recycle almost anything, everything, as cheap or cheaper than anybody, and I've never even considered bothering disabling the dimming features of a dimmer switch. (I have salvaged the parts out of them for other uses though<G>)
I wasn't clear enough in my last post. I will change to non dimmable switches and not try to fiddle with my dimmable ones. Learning how to install a switch is what I meant I'd find instructions for.
Go to the taunton.com home page.
I've never looked at the book, but there is a basic household primer on wiring that you may find helpful, by Rex ... dont recall last name.
Basically all you do is turn off the breaker to that circuit, remove cover plate, remove old dimmer switch, install new. Lots of diagrams on the web for that.
Good luck.
"Rex ... dont recall last name. "
Cauldwell:"Wiring a House". Probably much more info than you need but a good book to have around.PaulB