Hi guys,

We have recessed lighting in our kitchen. This morning when I turned them on one of the bulbs blew. I replaced it, and now the dimmer function on the wall switch does not work. The lights just stay on full brightness. Could the blown bulb have caused the dimmer switch to fail? Perhaps I just need to change out the dimmer switch? Thanks!

Chris

"Chopper" switches replaced rheostat dimmer switches because they waste less energy and when the "chop" function fails, the light(s) is fully powered.

Rheostats shunt power away from the bulb to "dim them" and create heat in the process.

The "chopper" style dimmer cuts the top and bottom of the AC wave and more or less "time" power is to the bulb changes the brightness.

What kind of lightbulb. Newer led and CFL don't play well with dimmers not designed for them.

They are all PAR30 halogen bulbs.

quote:

The "chopper" style dimmer cuts the top and bottom of the AC wave and more or less "time" power is to the bulb changes the brightness.

Called an SCR. The surge current when the bulb blew probably fried the SCR...shorted so now it sees the full power.

I hate those damn things. One just blew while changing a chandelier in the dining room.

You need to look at the rating of the dimmer switch. You may be over loading the switch.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris17404:
They are all PAR30 halogen bulbs.

You ought to change those to LED's pronto, better light and much less electricity and HEAT.

Dimmer switch failed, if you're using halogen then no other answer. Just replace it.

If you were using LED then it could have been compatibility issues. I hate those freaking things. I get so many calls for electrical problems from these. Go there show the person they are using non-dimable lamps or the wrong lamps for their dimmers. People are amazed that the bulbs fail since it says they'll last 22 years right there on the box.

Guess I shouldn't complain, they help pay my mortgage.