answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Halogen lamps that run at line voltage (regular house wiring - 120V AC) work the same as incandescent bulbs on dimmer switches. But, if the light fixture is running off a transformer, then it is important to find out if the transformer is dimmable, as some low-voltage fixtures cannot be dimmed. If dimable, 12-volt or 24-volt Halogen lighting fixtures require special dimmers (Low-Voltage Dimmers).

There are two types of Transformers for low-voltage lighting (Magnetic (MLV) or Electronic (ELV)). Magnetic transformer use copper, wound around a steel core which is inductive (magnetic field). Electronic transformer is an electronic circuitry which is capacitive (electric field).

Before selecting a dimmer, determine what type of ballast is in the lighting fixture.

Magnetic low-voltage dimmers are rated in volt-ampere (VA). The wattage rating is provided only as a reference and indicates the lamp wattage that can be used.

Electronic low-voltage dimmers are rated in watts, which is also the lamp load connected to the transformer.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

In most cases, it is possible to install a dimmer switch or rheostat on a halogen light fixture. However, it is important to ensure that the dimmer is compatible with the specific type of halogen bulbs being used. Some halogen bulbs require a specific type of dimmer switch, so it is advisable to consult with the manufacturer or an electrician to ensure compatibility and safety.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can you put a dimmer switch rheostat on a halogen light fixture?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Can you put a dimmer switch on a combination of halogen and incandescent fixtures?

Halogen is a type of incandescent fixture so yes.


Is it normal for a 3-way dimmer to reduce the maximum brightness of a halogen light fixture?

Not really. This usually occurs when the dimmer switch is incompatible with the type of lamp being used or is going bad. If you've recently replaced the switch then check to see if the switch you used is suitable for use with halogen lamps. Halogen lamps draw more current than nomal incandescent lamps and if your switch was not made for use with this type of lamp you are creating an unsafe condition and a potential fire hazzard.


Can you put an AC dimmer switch on a low voltage 12 volt halogen light fixture?

Although a dimmer can be designed for 12 v halogen lamps it is more common for dimmers to work on higher voltages. Dimmers have to work into a resistive load so it is not usually possible to place the dimmer on the high-voltage side of the 12 v transformer that comes with the lights.


What is the noise emanating from a dimmer switch?

All dimmer switches hum. The older they get, the louder the hum. If you have compact florescent bulbs in the fixture, this will cause the switch to hum louder.


How do you install a rheostat instead of a light switch?

A rheostat is an extremely ancient form of variable resistor that was used very largely to vary voltage. As you mention replacing a light switch, presumably you want to install a dimmer? If so, lighting dimmers are solid state and are a simple replacement for a standard switch. NOTE - you cannot use a conventional dimmer on anything but standard incandescent lamps. They will not work on low volt, fluorescent or halogen lamps (or HID). Make sure that the circuit breaker is turned off before starting work on changing the switch out. Just for the sake of convention the top wire on your conventional switch should be the hot one. Connect this same wire to the top wire that is on your new dimmer switch. Make sure that the dimmer switch is in the off position before turning the breaker back on.

Related questions

Can you put a dimmer switch on a combination of halogen and incandescent fixtures?

Halogen is a type of incandescent fixture so yes.


What does a dash rheostat do on a 1995 Mercedes e300d?

That is the dash light dimmer control switch.. Rheostat = Dimmer. Bright to dim.


Why did your halogen lamp stop working when plugged into a dimmer switch on a cord?

It was not designed to be used with a dimmer switch. You must have a halogen designed for use with a dimmer or it will not work.


Are halogen lights able to be put on a dimmer switch?

Yes. There are various types of dimmers. Look for the halogen dimmer in your favorite search engine.


Is it normal for a 3-way dimmer to reduce the maximum brightness of a halogen light fixture?

Not really. This usually occurs when the dimmer switch is incompatible with the type of lamp being used or is going bad. If you've recently replaced the switch then check to see if the switch you used is suitable for use with halogen lamps. Halogen lamps draw more current than nomal incandescent lamps and if your switch was not made for use with this type of lamp you are creating an unsafe condition and a potential fire hazzard.


What is the type of lamp uses with dimmer switch?

You cannot use most fluorescent lights with a dimmer. Just about any incandescent bulb WILL work with a dimmer. Occasionally, when a halogen bulb burns out, it will destroy a dimmer switch but halogen bulbs are considered incandescent and other than that little problem they work well with a dimmer.


Can you put an AC dimmer switch on a low voltage 12 volt halogen light fixture?

Although a dimmer can be designed for 12 v halogen lamps it is more common for dimmers to work on higher voltages. Dimmers have to work into a resistive load so it is not usually possible to place the dimmer on the high-voltage side of the 12 v transformer that comes with the lights.


Can you control a ceiling fan with a dimmer switch that controls a light fixture?

not orden araly


What is the noise emanating from a dimmer switch?

All dimmer switches hum. The older they get, the louder the hum. If you have compact florescent bulbs in the fixture, this will cause the switch to hum louder.


How do you install a rheostat instead of a light switch?

A rheostat is an extremely ancient form of variable resistor that was used very largely to vary voltage. As you mention replacing a light switch, presumably you want to install a dimmer? If so, lighting dimmers are solid state and are a simple replacement for a standard switch. NOTE - you cannot use a conventional dimmer on anything but standard incandescent lamps. They will not work on low volt, fluorescent or halogen lamps (or HID). Make sure that the circuit breaker is turned off before starting work on changing the switch out. Just for the sake of convention the top wire on your conventional switch should be the hot one. Connect this same wire to the top wire that is on your new dimmer switch. Make sure that the dimmer switch is in the off position before turning the breaker back on.


Why would 1992 Camry instrument panel lights not work not the fuse other items on this fuse work?

Dimmer switch (rheostat burned out?) Headlight switch?


What type of dimmer switch should be used for a fluorescent under cabinet strip lighting?

It depends on the fixture. Some fluorescent bulbs won't work at all with a dimmer. The safest thing to do is to contact the fixture's manufacturer.