dimmer trouble

[ChokeOnSmoke]

Hey I was wondering if some one could help determine what I'm doing wrong. I've been trying to wire I light dimmer to some of my heat pads but keep running into the same problem. I've followed the instructions on Boidkeepers thread. The heat pads work but I cant adjust the temps at all. Everything is wired correctly... I'm pretty sure anyway. I'm using a Leviton dimmer rated for 600 watts. Could it be my heat pad? I dont think it would be the pad but I dont know what else it could be. I'm not even sure what kind of heat pad it is. Any suggestions would be appreiciated.

[Auskan]

The first one I made didn't work either. But I tried it out with a lamp before plugging in the heat pads and found that it only had two settings - on or off. Therefore I determined that it was the dimmer itself that wasn't working. I took it back, got another one and voila! I've since made 3 or 4 more without any problems. Could that be your trouble too?

[ChokeOnSmoke]

That could be it I'll try another one.
...... and I'm supposed to be an electrician
Thanks for the input

[Stockwell]

It's true, the odd dimmer is a dud! I've seen that as well, but also be warned that occasionally Boo boo's occur in wiring and if you accidentally put the thing across line instead of in series with one leg, the second you turn it on, it will destroy the output TRIAC....then they are either an open or a dead short...
Try another dimmer, check your wiring ... The dimmer must be in one leg, either line or neutral, doesn matter, but in series with the load, never across line.

[Linds]

I read somewhere that using those dimmers is not effective if it is only to control a few watts? I don't know if there is any truth to this however... :confused:

[asphyxia]

It may help to have a look at the pix in this link. This is also how I build mine


http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8858

Good Luck
Brian

[Auskan]

Originally posted by Linds
I read somewhere that using those dimmers is not effective if it is only to control a few watts? I don't know if there is any truth to this however... :confused:

I am certainly no expert when it comes to this kind of thing, but I also seem to remember hearing that they are most effective when they have a higher load. In other words, its actually good to plug several heat mats into one dimmer as it will work better that way.

[ChokeOnSmoke]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I went out today and bought another Leviton rated for 600 watts and wired it the same and wouldn't you know it, it worked. It has a range of from about 70 to 90 so I guess they do work I just had a dud.

[Stockwell]

Linds, dimmers can be used with 7 watt night lights. There is no problem using them with small loads unless you're talking less than 1 watt.
I use normal dimmers at work to simply control the heat of 25 watt technicians soldering irons.
We wire the dimmer into a duplex receptacle and put a dollar store night light in one outlet and the iron in the other.. That way you can see where your adjustment is set, by looking at the brilliance of the night light bulb.
This is a good idea for herp heaters & heat tape as well. Put a small bulb across the output so you can see at a distance if the dimmer is working

[Jeff_Favelle]

Roy man, when I build my snake facility separate from my house, are gonna come wire it or what? LOL! I'll pay you in.....er.......beer?

[Stockwell]

Well, Ya know Jeff... anythings possible
I might work for Womas - I've never owned Jungles yet either :)

[Jeff_Favelle]

LOL! It'll be an even trade then if I also get to pick yer brain for an hour or two about herpin'! :D