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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> In-Line Dimmer Switch https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1236070682 Message started by Mikee on Mar 3^rd, 2009, 8:58am

Title: In-Line Dimmer Switch
Post by Mikee on Mar 3^rd, 2009, 8:58am

Hi,
I have a metal bedside lamp plugged into a socket in the bedroom, the lamp is double insulated and has a in-line dimmer switch fitted to the flex with soldered connections. The dimmer is fitted with a 1amp fuse which for some reason keeps blowing every several weeks. I would like to know if it safe to replace the dimmer with a small plastic in-line rocker switch with screw connections or would this (because there no earth wire) compromise the earthing of the lamp. There is a 3amp fuse in the plug. Thanks Mikee.

Title: Re: In-Line Dimmer Switch
Post by Zambezi on Mar 3^rd, 2009, 9:30am

The double insulation applies to the light fitting itself. As long as you are happy that you can change the switch safely then there is no reason you can't fit a normal in-line switch.

Something like this...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350150898810&cguid=850bd75711f0a0aad490be60ff130761

Title: Re: In-Line Dimmer Switch
Post by Mikee on Mar 3^rd, 2009, 12:28pm

Thanks very much for your quick answer Zambezi, it is much appreciated. I am confident about fitting a new switch. I was just a bit worried that the connections in the dimmer were soldered because of something to do with the double insulation, (if that makes sense).
Regards,
Mikee. :)