dimmer and toggle switches..

peterm15 · 02-11-05, 12:09 PM

well ive looked through a bunch of posts on dimmer wiring but i still have a coupple questions..

first off.. do you have to use the plugs as well or can you just splice the dimmer into the cord, i plan on useing 2 seperate dimmers for 2 seperate lights..

and can this also be done with a toggle switch.. i would like to hook one up to my floresent fixture. and if so is it pretty much the same thing..

i would really perfer if i didnt have to use the recpitaclas to.. it would make it look less clean.. i would have to use 3 of them plus my 2 dimmers and my switch...

and actually one more question..

is there any way to only have one plug going to the wall with the 2 dimmers and 1 switch.. like the cord comming from the wall.. spliting up then going to the 2 dimmers which lead to the ceremic fixturtes and to the switch which leads to the floresent fixture...

thanks in advance for any help...

peterm15 · 02-11-05, 12:48 PM

sorry never mind.. i figured most if it out.. except for if i can only have one plug running to the wall... so if someone wants to answer that feel free...

p.s. i pulled out my wall switch to see and thats when i figured it out.

peterm15 · 02-11-05, 09:04 PM

does anyone have an answer???

thanks..

HumphreyBoagart · 02-13-05, 02:41 AM

yes you can. Go to home depot or somewhere like that and get one of those metal boxes for that exact purpose. They're square with rounded corners and a metal plate covers and they're about 4 inches wide. Ask someone working there if you don't know what i'm talking about, and they should. Make sure the cord you use has a ground. Hook up the grounds (should be bare copper wire) of all three cords (1 in, 2 out) to the screws on the inside of the box. Then take all the black wires, hook them up together using on of those screw on marker lid looking things (can't remember their name). Then take all the white wires and do the same thing to them. Use heavy guage wire that will handle big wattage. 660w I think they are. Put the cover back on and you should be good to go. If you don't have any experience doing electrical, get someone who does to do it for you. If you have any other questions, feel free to pm or email me, and I'll try my best to help you out. Good luck.
Hump.

Stockwell · 02-13-05, 03:25 AM

I'm not too sure I fully understand your post, but please be advised you CANNOT dim fluorescents.

You should also put all dimmers and switches in the correct boxes. Having loose hanging wiring is unsafe and against the electrical code.

Dimmers are available that have a plug and socket already wired to the cord. Lutron "credenza" dimmers will allow you to hook up almost instantly with no wiring. Home Depot has these and IKEA has their own similar dimmer cord combo which is cheaper.

One last comment. The cheaper dimmers(under 15 bucks) will usually not turn back on after a power failure if they are used at low settings.
Many need to be turned up first manually, then down.
More expensive "full range" dimmers don't have this problem, but it can be hard to tell until you buy them.
Set them up to the heat you want, then uplug them several times in and out.. Make sure they come back on.. it not, you'll need to turn them up higher. It's only a problem when turned down low.

Peter Ludwig · 02-13-05, 08:26 AM

Uncle Roy is correct you must get dimmer switches for fourescents, do not switch any neutral wires (whites) The wiring must be be rated for carrying the current, all metal parts must be grounded and the wire must be insulated rated. All wiring must be done within a CSA approved enclosure, etc, etc,etc.------The problem is if something happens Insurance Companies love to use any excuse not to pay so be very careful when doing your own electrical wireing.

peterm15 · 02-13-05, 01:59 PM

im useing a toggle switch for the floresent... and i dont plan on haveing any loose wires.. everything will be tucked awayu for neatness and safety.. thanks you for the advice.

thanks for letting me know anout the dimmers.. ill be sure to test it out alot.. and plus i never leave my cages for more than a coupple hours and if the power goes out ill defintly check it out.. thanks you..

HUMPHRYBOAGART:

thank you very much.. just let me know it i have this right..

i run the powercord from the wall to the junction box, then hook the grounds (1 from the IN cord and 3 from the OUT) to the grounding screw.. then attach all the negitaves together with a screw on wire connector, then do the same with all the positives.. now i have 3 live OUT wires, hook up the dimmers and the toggle switch then attach them to the correst lights (toggle to floresent and dimmers to ceremic fixtures)...

thanks you again

HumphreyBoagart · 02-13-05, 02:22 PM

you got' er! : )

peterm15 · 02-13-05, 02:24 PM

thanks alot...