Sam
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Registered: 24th Dec 99
Location: West Midlands
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In our living room there is a dual dimmer switch (i.e. two dials for two sets of lights), not sure why we have them as they don't actually dim the lights it's just either on or off 
I want to replace these switches with normal on/off ones, as I'm convinced these switches are the reason why bulbs keep blowing all the time in that room whenever the lights are turned on (the lights are those 60w candle type lights, one set has 3 light bulbs, the other is two sets of 2 light bulbs if you see what I mean).
Would changing the switches cure the problem or is there supposed to be 3 switches? Or is the wiring just crap?
The switch that does the two sets of 2x light bulbs have separate on/off pull switches on them if that matters.
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M2RTY
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Registered: 25th May 01
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cant run dimmer and on/off on same circuit unless you have slaves IIRC
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Sam
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Registered: 24th Dec 99
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I want to remove the dimmer switches completely and replace them with standard on/off ones...
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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It'll be a straight swap.
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Sam
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I am going to sound like a complete n00b here... I've never actually replaced a light switch before, is wiring it in the same as say changing a plug? 
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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Basically yip, it's just a switch in the middle of a cable. It should be wire for wire.
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Sam
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Excellent cheers for your help John.
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Ste
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Registered: 5th Mar 03
Location: Taif, Saudi Arabia
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Dimmers should actually prolong the life of the bulbs as the main reason a bulb blows is the surge when it starts up. If they blow alot, try replacing them with energy efficient ones 
I would rather lose by a mile because i built my own car, than win by an inch because someone else built it for me.
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Sam
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Registered: 24th Dec 99
Location: West Midlands
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Yeah but the thing is they don't actually dim the bulbs - the switches simply turn the lights on/off even though they are proper dimmer switches.
Can't use energy saving bulbs due to the bulb holders/covers etc.
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C2RL R
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Registered: 28th Mar 02
Location: Redcliffe, QLD
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have you checked they are connected correctly? i know the dimmers in my house can be used as dimmers or on/off depending on which terminal you put the switch live in.
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ash_corsa
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Registered: 15th Apr 04
Location: Shrewsbury
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quote:
Originally posted by Sam
Can't use energy saving bulbs due to the bulb holders/covers etc.
You wont have much choice very soon as incandescent lighting is being phased-out. By 2011 you will not be able to purchase an incandescent lamp in the UK.
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Sam
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@C2RL R - nah I've not removed the switch yet, will probably do so this weekend when I've got some spare time.
@ ash_corsa - I didn't know that?  Probably won't be living here by then as we're in a rented house anyway (looking to buy our own home in the very near future).
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ash_corsa
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Registered: 15th Apr 04
Location: Shrewsbury
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quote:
Originally posted by Sam
@C2RL R - nah I've not removed the switch yet, will probably do so this weekend when I've got some spare time.
@ ash_corsa - I didn't know that? Probably won't be living here by then as we're in a rented house anyway (looking to buy our own home in the very near future).
Worth bearing in mind mate, im surprised it hasnt been heavily advertised yet
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Sam
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Yeah cheers for the info!
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