It's a question we get asked a lot, we do various different dimmer wattages, but how do you know which one is right for you?

The Calculation

The calculation couldn't be simpler. Add up the wattage of each light on that switch and you have your answer. If you have 4 lights that are 50W each you'll need a 200W dimmer or bigger. 250W dimmer in our range.

4 lights x 50W=200W

What About 2 Dimmers On One Plate

The same rule applies, but it is per dimmer, not as a total for the plate. The dimmers work independently, so if you have eight 50W lights in a room but they are split so there are 4 lights per dimmer you'll need two 200W dimmers (or above).

First dimmer: 4 lights x50W=200W

Second dimmer: 4 lights x50W=200W

Exceptions: Low Voltage Lights

There is an exception: Low voltage lights. These lights also have a transformer (to reduce the voltage flowing to the low voltage lights). These need an additional wattage capacity. All transformers vary so it's not possible to give a definitive answer but as a rule of thumb adding an additional 10% to the overall total wattage will normally take care of the difference.

So there we go, whether you have a calculator to hand or tot it up in your head working out the voltage of a dimmer couldn't be simpler. Of course there is an alternative – leave it to a qualified electrician. They know their stuff and it's their job to do the calculations for you.

Happy dimming!