Oh, I have a real bad ass transformer I can use. You mean, you only need the transformer, and no circuitry?
If this is so...GREAT! I have 20 amps avail. I guess I should mount in a steal box or something eh?

This is the only one I have dealt with, but it's a good one. Yes if you put one of these transformers in line you can dim any dimmable load. Please not emphasis on dimmable and don't try this with standard fluorescent lights. Florescent lights require a certain voltage to excite the gas in them and only some new models can be dimmed. I have never pulled one apart to se how they are doing this though.

Bill
www.homeautomationnet.com

Eah,

I'm curious if this 2205 or 2384 might be the solution to my nightmare. I have an Emerald 3 light, track lighting fixture. It uses 3, 50W MR16 bulbs. I've tried several dimmers, and all I ever get is a very faint light from the track lights, and one heck of a buzz. Even a dimmer switch I purchased at Menards, that specifically stated, 12V low voltage halogen, and listed the MR16 bulb, did the same exact thing. I'm to the point where I don't even care if I get dimming capabilities, just on/off would do.

Thanks for any advise you can provide.

Rob (a different Rob than the one previously in this thread).

Both switches work fine with the 12 v emerald lights (I have from 3 to 8 - 50W bulbs. Of course the more expensive switch feels better as it is true rocker action and has the fade feature. On some of the lights I do get a slight buzz. Dimming works great , I am rea pleased and give thanks to this site and the information I received. PS I did buy the Malibu transfomer to replace the electronic Westek and it to works great with the above switches.

Does the buzzing occur when dimmed, or even at full brightness?

I have an old Malibu transformer laying around, but am a little confused on how to use it. My particular set of track lights has mount that the 120V hooks into, then this mount, twist locks into the track, supplying 120V to the entire track. Each light also twist locks into the track. Doesn't sound like the Malibu transformer would work for me.

Maybe I'll just hardwire the track lights into an appliance module and forget about dimming.

Thanks!

Rob, it sounds like you have the type of lights that each contain its own transformer. A 120V. dimmer that works with transformers should work. Just heed the wattage total.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

I agree with Larry and sorry for creating some confusion. I have Emerald 12 v halogen track lites and they have the magnetic transformer in the head. They workfine with the switches I noted earlier. The hum/buzz on some is not noticable at any level of brightness and on one set it occurs at various levels depending on the brightness level but it gets louder at the lower levels of dimming.

The reference I made to Malibu transformer had to do with earlier threads and what to do if the 12v was generated by a eltectronic tranformer as the used on the Westek recessed lites.

So what X10 compatible device would you recommend?

So no suggestions or recommendations?

If your question was to me I like the Smarthomes 2384 it has the true rocker action and looks better built and has more features.

According to their documentation.... "SwitchLinc Lite is designed for use with incandescent lights and small motor loads only (3-wire connection; neutral connection required)."

Doesn't seem like that would work for my Emerald track lights, but if you say it works, I'll try it.

Thanks...

THANKS EAH!!!

Just got the switch installed, and it works like a champ. I hear a little buzz as they ramp up, but nothing when on full. Now all I have to do is modify/cut my 4 gang wall switch plate to handle the rocker.

Now I can be even more of a couch potatoe.

Rob

Wall switch plates are cheap. Just buy a new one in the configuration that you need.

I've never seen a 4 gang wall switch plate that has 3 regular openings and 1 opening for a rocker. At least not at Menards or Lowes, or any local hardware store.

Check back at the local stores for a modular plate system that lets you make your own combination plates. You can get either 'end' or 'middle' units with receptacle, switch, Decora (what I believe you're calling 'rocker'), or blank faces. They aren't perfect, but may be easier than trying to find the configuration you're looking for.

Otherwise, try electrical supply houses, like Graybar. Ask for a plate for 3 toggle switches and 1 GFI receptacle (same hole as a Decora-style switch). Check the good ol' yeller pages.

Note~ I recently wired my shed, using 3 switches and one GFI receptacle by the door. I needed the exact same plate you're looking for; couldn't find it. My soultion was to go with Decora-style switches, so I used a 4-Decora plate. It might be cheaper for you to replace the other 3 switches.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com