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Thread: Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

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    Hardcore Til I Die htid's Avatar
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    Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

    We have a dimmer switch which has a small light on it to show if it's on or off. Yesterday a bulb which the dimmer controls went and so did the small light in the dimmer itself. The dimmer now seems not to work and we can't turn the light off. I don't know much about electrics so I'm not sure if there's a fuse in the dimmer or if I'm safe to take it apart and change it. Any ideas what I should do?

    Cheers

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    Senior Member burble's Avatar
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    Re: Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

    Turn off the power to the lighting circuit at the consumer unit and then unscrew the switch and have a look.

    If there were a fuse in the dimmer and it had gone then you wouldn't be able to turn the light on as there would be no power getting through the dead fuse to the light. You'll most likely be needing a new dimmer switch.

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    Re: Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

    I've repaired a few of the 'touch dimmers' recently. If the bulb blows it seems to take the Triac out with it.

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    Hardcore Til I Die htid's Avatar
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    Re: Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

    Quote Originally Posted by Sputnik View Post
    I've repaired a few of the 'touch dimmers' recently. If the bulb blows it seems to take the Triac out with it.
    I see, well as I said I don't really have a clue about electronics - is it something I could easily fix? I've had a quick look online at triacs and it seems a bit beyond me. Do we just have to buy a new one?

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    Re: Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

    Well, Either just buy a complete new unit or, If your fairly capable with a soldering iron you could have a go at fitting a new Triac.

    For me it would purely depend on the cost of a new unit versus time and part to fix the one you have.

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    Hardcore Til I Die htid's Avatar
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    Re: Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

    Ok well I don't have access to a soldering iron and have never really used one soo...I'll leave it to the landlord. Thanks for the info

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    Re: Dimmer Switch Won't Turn Off

    Quicker, easier, safer to just buy a new one. I doubt the price difference will be much anyway.

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