Users that often use this tag:
davidriley (2)

We had lots of wiring replaced recently, including two lamps connected to a dimmer switch; the dimmer was also replaced. Yesterday we noticed that the dimmer was now only allowing fully on or off. Today the light went off with a loud popping sound and a visible spark from one of the lamps, though both bulbs themselves work fine. What happened and how do I fix it? Is it likely just a faulty dimmer switch? Do I need to turn off the circuit (which has many other lights on it) as a precaution?
posted by parudox on Mar 25, 2013 - 8 answers

I have ten 30 watt 12v halogen lights connected to a transformer that is rated for 300 watts. The transformer seems fairly old. I want to be able to dim the lights. What kind of dimmer do I need and how do I wire it up?
posted by Infernarl on Jul 28, 2012 - 4 answers

Would a crock pot with a dimmer switch work as sous vide machine? [more inside]
posted by boby on Apr 28, 2012 - 12 answers

We had an electrician do some work on our house, and we're not happy with it. What do I need to ask for to make sure it's fixed properly? [more inside]
posted by A Thousand Baited Hooks on Aug 24, 2011 - 6 answers

YANME – You are not my electrician – Help me diagnose a problem with my new dimmer switches. [more inside]
posted by cecic on Jun 2, 2010 - 11 answers

Basic wiring: can I put a clamp light on a dimmer? I want a cheap means of fading in and out lights for my makeshift light kit. The dimmer I bought only has one pair of wires, plus an extra red wire and a green ground. I want to send power in and out of the dimmer. Is this possible? Photos inside. [more inside]
posted by davidriley on Sep 16, 2009 - 6 answers

Odd electrical behavior in my bathroom? [more inside]
posted by silsurf on Feb 18, 2009 - 16 answers

My family's been wanting to upgrade to compact florescent for years, but we've always found they burn out quickly thanks to our flaky power surges. Would dimmable bulbs be helpful, or is there some sort of inexpensive power conditioning that can be added to light sockets? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim on Jul 10, 2008 - 9 answers

Do dimmer/timer combo adapters for lamps exist? I want to be able to set a timer AND dimmer on my bedside lamp so that at a scheduled time in the morning it will slowly scale upwards in brightness, simulating a sunrise. I know lamps with this feature built-in exist, but can you get an adapter that works on any lamp? I can only find timer and dimmer adapters alone, but never as a unit.
posted by davidriley on Sep 10, 2007 - 6 answers

How do I fix my wiring/electrical problem that just started occurring? [more inside]
posted by seinfeld on Mar 8, 2007 - 10 answers

If I replace halogen bulbs with LED clusters, will my dimmer switches still work? [more inside]
posted by twine42 on Feb 20, 2007 - 8 answers