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.
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.
Halogen is a type of incandescent fixture so yes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Halogen is a type of incandescent fixture so yes.
That is the dash light dimmer control switch.. Rheostat = Dimmer. Bright to dim.
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.
Yes. There are various types of dimmers. Look for the halogen dimmer in your favorite search engine.
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.
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.
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.
not orden araly
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.
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.
Dimmer switch (rheostat burned out?) Headlight switch?
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.