Wiring dimmer switch into a circuit

[loba333]

Hi ES,

I am making a lamp, it is going to have 3 bulbs connected to their own dimmer switch. I bought a 2 way 400W 10 Amp 3 gang dimmer switch, each bulb will be 40w i know 60w is the minimum load for 400w switch but im assuming this will be ok.

My question is how do you wire it? (internally and to the mains) I take it L2 is not in use as it is only a 1 way switch. Will it be like like my diagram ]

Have i worked out the amperage right ? From the mains to i connect a 6:1 transformer? im a bit unsure what to do after this, as if 2 of the lights are off then wont the third receive 3 times the power? I know its probably a lot to explain, I am a novice when it comes circuitry, i did a degree in physics though so i quick to learn. Can you guys guide me with your own knowledge if you have the time or some relevant material.

 

[Fish4Fun]

Hrmmm, Several things. First, you have written:

P = IV
V=P/I
120=V/I = 3

I have no idea what you are doing here, the two formulas in question are:

E=IR
P=IE

Where:
E = Voltage
I = Current
R = Resistance
P = Power

Assuming E = 120Vac @ 60hz and a 40W bulb this should lead you to:

P=IE ==> 120V * I = 40W ==> I = 1/3A
120 = 1/3 * R ==> R = 360 Ohms

I have no idea where you were going with this, but that is the relevant math involving P, I, E & R. Each light bulb and dimmer should be in parallel with the mains if you want to control all three independently. If you want all three bulbs to be controlled by a single dimmer, then you would have all three bulbs in parallel with one dimmer in series.

I would suggest that you link some reference to the dimmer in question, but in general, L1 & L2 refer to Line1 and Line2 and C refers to common and/or ground. These are typical dimmer circuits: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=V1NAUvvCN4-j4AO0wYGgAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CCwQ9QEwAA AND http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=V1NAUvvCN4-j4AO0wYGgAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CC4Q9QEwAQ Knowing the type of dimmer makes a difference in how they are connected. When all else fails, read the documentation that came with the dimmer switch you actually have! If the dimmer switch did not come with any documentation, then post as much information about it as possible and perhaps someone can help.

Fish