What is the Inverse Square Law?
Formula stating that if you double the distance from the light source, the light level goes down by a factor of 4, if you triple the distance, it goes down by a factor of 9, and so on. The lines represent the flux emanating from the source. The total number of flux lines depends on the strength ...
- Do you sell Fluorescent Dimmers?
Yes we do. Keep in mind that only Advance Mark 10 ballasts should be dimmed and all other products may work, but void the manufacture warranty. Using a dimmable dimmer on a Fluorescent fixture without consulting a certified technician is the volition of the user, and not Westsidewholesa ...
- What type of dimmer do I need for Low voltage?
The first step is to determine what type of transformer is in the lighting fixture. Due to the fact that there are different characteristics of the two transformer types; they require special dimming considerations. For example: A low voltage fixture with a magnetic transformer requires a magnet ...
- What is Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
RFI is a buzzing noise which may occur in some audio and radio equipment when solid-state dimmers are used nearby. Although most dimmers contains a filter to suppress RFI, additional filtering may be required in some applications. Typical examples of RFI-sensitive equipment are AM radios, stereo ...
- Quiet or Fully Variable Fan controls? What's the difference?
Quiet Fan Control -- If the application is one ceiling paddle fan, a quiet (step) fan control is the best choice. Quiet fan-speed controls will not cause fan-motor hum, making them ideal for bedrooms, children's rooms, media rooms, and other locations where noise is particularly important. Full ...
- Why does my lamp buzz?
This is caused by the lamp filament vibrating as the dimmer rapidly switches the lamp on and off. Lamp buzz is generally noisiest at the mid-range (50%) dimming level. If this happens, we suggest using rough service lamps (sometimes called garage door opener lamps), physically smaller lamps, or ...
- If there is no ground wire in my wallbox, what do I do with the dimmer ground wire?
First, confirm there is no ground wire by asking yourself the following questions: - Is the wallbox metal? If the answer is no, it's plastic, there should be a ground. - Is there a screw in the metal wallbox with a bare copper wire under it? If the answer is yes, attach the dimmer ground wire un ...
- CAN I USE MY 3-WAY DIMMER IN A SINGLE-POLE APPLICATION?
Yes. Instruction should be provided both with the product once its purchased, and on the manufactures website.
- Can I dim from more than One location?
Yes. Many dimmers have the capabilty to do multi-location dimmering. This is commonly refered to as 3 way application or multi-location dimming.
- Why do Dimmers get warm?
During normal operation, solid-state dimmers generate heat. A solid-state dimmer is roughly 98% efficient-2% of the power is dissipated as heat, causing the dimmer to feel warm to the touch. The closer a dimmer is run to full output and the higher the load (watts) on the dimmer, the warmer it wi ...
- Vierti Dimmer Demonstration
Vierti Interactive Demonstration Available Here
- Which Dimmers Should I Select?
First, you must determine the number of switches that control the light(s) you are going to dim. If there is only one switch use a: Single-Pole dimmer - used to dim a light from one location. If there is more than one switch use a: 3-Way dimmer - used to dim a light from two locations. An exam ...
- Why are some dimmer wires not copper colored?
Lutron dimmers use tinned copper wires on some of our products. These wires are silver in color as a result of the tinning process. Tinned copper wires are compatible with copper wiring and wire nuts. Lutron dimmer uses tinned copper wires to avoid stray strands and to make our products easier t ...
- Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with a dimmer switch?
To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life.
- Can I dim a 4 way circuit?
Yes, a 3 way dimmer will replace one of the 3 way switches. A 4 way circuit can be dimmed from all switch locations by using a Multi-Location dimmer and 2 Accessory Dimmers such as Maestro, Spacer, Spacer System or Faedra.
- Can I Use A Standard 3-Way Switch With A Multi-Location Dimmer?
Multi-location dimmers do use standard 3-way wiring, but make use of one wire for communications while the other carries the load current. A 3-way switch is not compatible with this.
- Why can't I mount my dimmer horizontally in my wall?
Dimmers are designed and tested to be installed and operated only in the mounting position (vertical) as indicated on the dimmer.
- Can you use a 3-way dimmer in a single-pole application?
If a product purchased as a 3-way control needs to be used in a single-pole application, cap off one of the traveler wires with a wire connector.
- Can you dim from more than one location?
Maestro dimmers, Maestro IR dimmers, and Faedra dimmers can dim from more than one location. With additional accessory dimmers, you may dim a total of ten locations.
- Do Lutron dimmers increase halogen lamp life?
Dimming increases incandescent lamp life, and halogen lamps are incandescent lamps. Lutron test data suggests that all halogen lamps will have an expected lamp life similar to that of other incandescent (non power factor corrected) lamps when dimmed, i.e. a halogen lamp dimmed 25% has a life ext ...
