wiring in a undercabinet lighting on a dimmer. I have feeling that the dimmer switch may be bad because I have done continuity test from the switch to the lights. Would you get continuity across a dimmer in the “on” position. Dimmer type is a Lutron with slide dimmer and a switch beneath it. Have tested for continuity in both switch positions and in different dimmer positions.
This is probably something really dumb.
Any help is appreciatted.
Replies
Some dimmers have a bypass mode where when the dimmer is full on there is a switch contact that bypasses the dimmer electronics. That type will show continuity when FULL ON.
However, most dimmers are not of that type.
They use an electronic switch that delays the turning on the AC each 1/2 cycle (120 times a second). Then it turns off again at the next zero crossing. Now much the turn is delayed determines how much dimming there is.
The electronics take certain voltages before they will "fire" and turn on.
While this will vary with your continuity tester and also with what you define is being "ON" is most test equipment will not turn on the dimmer electroncis and it will show as an open.
Thanks,
That make a lot of sense. I still suspect that I have a bad dimmer switch. Power coming to the swich and no lights going on.
Still have this sneaking suspicion I am doing something really stupid.
Long shot...but are these lights low voltage? Some AC adapters will behave strangely if connected to a dimmer. Did you try connecting straight to the line (bypassing the dimmer?)
I was going to suggest same.
I believe there are certain adapters designed to work specifically with dimmers.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
> Dimmer type is a Lutron with slide dimmer and a switch beneath it.
Is this a three way? That's usually the reason for a switch in addition to the dimmer. Three way dimmers are set up not to dim all the way to zero, so you can turn the switch off at the dimmer position, and still get light if you turn on at the non-dimmer three way.
-- J.S.
I should give all the info prior to asking for help.
120v lights. Not a three way.
The picture for the swithc from Lutron (if that helps)...http://www.lutron.com/skylark/?s=17000&t=17200
See if the lights work if the dimmer is out of the circuit. Either wire them hot or put in a regular switch.There are no electrons! It is all made up. Don't believe it.
Electricity is made by GREENIES.
Your lights are not fluorescent, are they?
Thanks for all the replies. I tried putting them hot about an three hours before I read this. It is a bad dimmer. Went and picked a new one and it works just like it should.
Now I have to get drywall advice because the impressions in the drywall that are about the size of ym head.
> the impressions in the drywall that are about the size of ym head.
If they're just dents, not broken thru, fill with mud, screed them to match the plane of the wall. May take two passes if they're deep enough. BTDT. ;-)
-- J.S.