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Idle Banter For non SV and non bike related chat (and the odd bit of humour - but if any post isn't suitable it'll get deleted real quick). There's also a "U" rating so please respect this. Newbies can also say "hello" here too. |
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15-09-06, 04:47 PM
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#1 |
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Guest
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calling all electricians, or anything close.
electricians.
i fitted in a dimmer light switch into my bedroom a few weeks ago, was simple enough wiring it up, and it works however, now when its dimmed, the switch gives you an electric shock, not like a painful one, just like you can feel the current flowing through it and it tingles a bit. the case shouldnt be live anyway, so i double checked it was earthed ok. and it is. but its still giving you a buzz. how can i find out where the problem lies ? |
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15-09-06, 05:51 PM
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#2 |
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If its only when the switch is dimmed I would suspect it was faulty - providing the wiring IS correct and hasn't come loose.
Check the wiring first - then check it again. 
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15-09-06, 06:05 PM
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#3 |
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Guest
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ok cheers mate, i take it there is no point trying to fix the dimmer unit ?
if its earthed, how come i can feel the buzzing when its on dim ? i was hoping to have a play with the mulitmeter, ive got one, but havent a clue how to use it. |
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15-09-06, 06:15 PM
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#4 |
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Guest
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Anorak alert
 If you feel a physical vibration when touching the switch as opposed to a shock but can hear a quiet buzzing, I guess its the switch thats doing it (loose triac heatsink). Some dimmers dim by switching the current on and off very fast and not by reducing the voltage. Anorak alert over :P |
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15-09-06, 06:18 PM
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#5 | |
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Quote:
can i have the "for dummies" version please? |
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15-09-06, 06:49 PM
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#6 | ||
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Guest
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Quote:
If it feels like a electrical shock however mild, switch off the breaker and take the dimmer and bin it. There's a lot of cheap stuff about and if its using mains electricity 230- 240V AC this stuff can do a lot of harm. If in any doubt at all I'd get rid of it. Shocks and fire are just not woth it. I'm sorry for being blunt but no one can turn back the clock after something simple like a faulty switch ends in catastrophic results.  Sorry I should have said that the first time.
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15-09-06, 09:30 PM
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#7 |
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Plymouth, Devon - mostly.
Posts: 527
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Have you still got the receipt for the switch? Take it back to the shop...now. If it was from B&Q or similar major retailer, they'll probably take it back without a receipt.
Ditto what Beenz said - major safety issue - if in doubt, get rid!! HTH.
__________________
Twitter: @poseidon_ashore |
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15-09-06, 10:10 PM
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#8 |
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Guest
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Just put a "saver" bulb in the bedroom and that buzzes and makes funny noises when turned on with the dimmer switch and fiickers when not up to full power. Normal bulbs are OK tho
H |
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15-09-06, 10:15 PM
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#9 |
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Measure between the part you're touching and earth. A cheap multi meter is an essential tool.
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15-09-06, 10:20 PM
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#10 |
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Guest
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Saver bulbs don't work with Dimmers. As far as I know any way.
 If it's the same bulbs I'm thinking of.... 
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