Installing Dimmer Switch With 7 Wires Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Dangermouse89]

Hey,
I’ve had a try at wiring up a Dimmer switch to the bedroom... I come across 7 wires!
3 blacks all together in a block connector.
1 earth into a block connector.
2 red wires together in L1 position
1 red wire in L2

I’m very confused as to how to wire it up. I’ve tried a few ways but it’s eitger constantly on or just off. So I put it back to how I found it again and it works but I just can’t seem to figure out, how to wire up the dimmer.

I’ve bought dimmer switch for LEDs
And 3 dimmable led lights. All in the right volt rating too so it shouldn’t blow.

Any advice???

[Mr White]

What is wrong with wiring the new switch the same way as the existing switch?

2 red wires together in L1 position
1 red wire in L2

The other thing to consider is, is the dimmer suitable for dimming LED lamps and also are they mains or 12v Leds?

[Dangermouse89]

I think I tried it before and didn’t work although I don’t think I had a proper led dimmer back then. I’ll have a go today as I’ve now got a led dimmer. It’s rated for led lights and I’ve got 3 led lights rated at 50 or 55w and the dimmer is rated LED:3-100w

200-250V-50/60hz

I’ll have a look today and see. It just confuses me as all black wires and the one earth have been put in a normal block connector (leading to nowhere).

[Dangermouse89]

LEDs are 240V so mains im guessing.

I’m going to have a look soon and wire it up the same way as you suggested to do. Hopefully that’ll sort it.

[Dangermouse89]

I’ve just tried to wire it up how it was originally wired up and there’s nothing happening. All the lights and dimmer switch are rated appropriately. I really do not know. Wired the old switch up and it works... confused!

[Mr White]

You say your dimmer is rated at 3-100watts, but you have 3 lamps rated at 50watts?
I am guessing your original lamps are 50w? Did you try using your LED dimmer with these lamps (Even for a few seconds?) If you did you have probably ruined it. (3 x 50 = 150, your dimmer is 100 Max)

What happens if you leave the switch as it is and change the lamps to the LED lamps, do the LED lamps come on when you operate the switch?
(I will guess yes, which means the connections are correct as are the lamps)

Now, what happens if you exchange the switch to your new dimmer?

Do not worry about the blacks or the earth, leave them alone.

[Dangermouse89]

Thank you for your consistency here.

Yeah 3-100w and I’ve just realised what you’re saying.
I don’t know how I missed this to be honest!

As you said, the normal light switch works great with the led bulbs installed so at least the wiring is all ok then. Just need a uprated dinner then.

Your help here is very much appreciated!