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AlliedMoon · Mar 17, 2012, 03:07 PM

I live in California and just bought a Pottery Barn desk lamp designed to dim. However, because of the new law requiring CFL-compliant lamps, the dimmer has been tampered with to prevent it from actually dimming, even though the switch is the original.

I opened the bottom and found the dimmer switch was encased in cardboard. I removed the cardboard, expecting this would fix the problem, but it didn't. Nothing else looks "tampered with." How can I make my lamp dim like it should? I can send pictures if necessary.

Thanks!
~Allison

AlliedMoon · Mar 17, 2012, 03:22 PM

This is the lamp: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/architects-smart-technology-table-lamp/?pkey=ctask-lamps

And here's a picture of its guts:

Those extra wires are from two three-pronged outlets that are part of the base.

tkrussell · Mar 18, 2012, 11:25 AM

We appreciate the photos, and the link, but not much we can tell from those.

Since it is new, and does not function properly I suggest it be returned. If you get a new one, be sure to test it before leaving the store.

The dimmer that is built in is probably only rated to handle incandescent lamps, dimming CLF requires a different dimmer, which I doubt can fit in the space allowed in the fixture.

Altering a fixture will violate the UL listing of the fixture.

AlliedMoon · Mar 18, 2012, 12:06 PM

I put an incandescent in the lamp and it didn't work. The lamp isn't defective- I know it was retrofitted to prevent dimming under Title 20 in California. I'm just trying to figure out which element needs to be replaced. I'm assuming it's the dimmer board since all the wiring looks correct.

Stratmando · Mar 18, 2012, 12:31 PM

Can you provide a picture of the component side?

AlliedMoon · Mar 18, 2012, 12:35 PM

Hi Stratmando, Here's an image of the board:

I also just bought a dimming component on eBay that seems like the same thing but designed to dim, so hopefully I can swap it out and it'll work.

~A

AlliedMoon · Mar 18, 2012, 12:38 PM

Weird. The image didn't stick. Here's a direct link: http://www.talesofthepack.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/circuit-board.jpg

Stratmando · Mar 18, 2012, 12:43 PM

I don't see anything clipped. Appears?good, possibly? The Diac/Triac failed. You may have luck with the Ebay item.
I sometimes pull those inline dimmers out of the upright halogen lamps when put out to the side of the road.
Good Luck.
Do put the cardboard back to reduce a shock hazzard.
Does the light go to on and won't dim, or won't light at all?