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Can CAST fixtures and transformers be dimmed?
Note: For a more complete discussion and modification instructions, read technical article.
Properly designed landscape lighting systems use low levels of illumination positioned and aimed for optimal effect. Dimming these systems typically deteriorates the lighting design and serves no useful purpose. Still, if dimming control is required there are several factors to consider:
- The best approach is to use a dimming system that reduces the voltage at the secondary transformer circuits (12v to 22v). This bypasses any potential problems with compatability with the transformer's magnetic and electronic components.
- All tungsten/halogen lamps should not be operated for extended periods at less than 10V. These lower voltages will cause the bulb to blacken and reduce the lamp life.
- All our transformers 900w and greater have electronic components that require a minimum of 100 volts to function normally. Dimming below this level will cause the transformer to malfunction.
- Only our CJ300 and CJ600 series can be effectively dimmed to lower voltages (less than 100V) with a magnetic dimmer.
- Our electronic transformers are fully dimmable with an electronic dimmer.
- Some electronic systems might work on our larger transformers if they are simply used as on/off switches (no dimming) on the transformer circuit. The homeowner wouldn't be able to dim the lights but they could use the dimming controller to turn the lights on and off. The dimmer's manufacturer would need to provide recommendations on which of their products might work in this way.
- Note that there have been some incidents of unexplainable nuisance tripping of panel breakers when dimming systems were employed with a magnetic transformer. These problems are very difficult to troubleshoot.
