View Full Version : Why can't this fixture be dimmed?
ducsauce
Feb 2, 2009, 03:36 PM
A coworker of mine was telling me about a cheap (about $10) light fixture that he purchased. He was telling me how the packaging told him that this light could not be dimmed. He disregarded that statement and tried to dim it anyway and it would not dim. How come this "common" light fixture which uses regular everyday incandescent bulbs can not be dimmed? It has the same wiring as any other fixture would. If he explained it to me correctly, I don't see what would make this fixture "un" dimmable?
EPMiller
Feb 2, 2009, 04:25 PM
If it had any kind of solid state electronic switching power supply, it doesn't dim, it just draws lots more current when it is available from the part of the waveform the dimmer lets through. Don't have time to explain now.
EPM
ceilingfanrepair
Feb 2, 2009, 05:08 PM
Link or picture of the fixture?
ducsauce
Feb 2, 2009, 06:42 PM
If it had any kind of solid state electronic switching power supply, it doesn't dim, it just draws lots more current when it is available from the part of the waveform the dimmer lets through. Don't have time to explain now.
EPM
No need to explain... I still have some recollection of my electronics classes in college and high school. ;)
ceilingfanrepair: I don't have a link or a pic but I will find out tomorrow. Apparently, it is just your basic fixture but I will find out more info tomorrow.
Thanks guys