Protection for dimmer sw over trains

Wally,

   Sounds like you have your overhead LED lights wired into the same circuit as you Train Layout.  IMO not really a good idea, drop another Circuit and Breaker for your room lighting and your problem should be eliminated.

I have 4 circuits in my Train Room, one for the ceiling LED's, and a circuit each for 3 of the 4 walls with numerous plugs, I have absolutely no problems.

PCRR/Dave

 Dave,

Ceiling lights separate. Want to protect dimmer; don’t know how to with three wires and ground. Put diode across two “hot” wires or  the traveler wire? I need something small for in wall. Thanks.

Wally

The lights need to be on one circuit, and the receptacles on another circuit. If your room is already wired this way, then good. If not, you need a professional electrician to add a circuit to your room. 

Presuming you have 2 circuits, the next thing to do is look at the lamps you have  on the lighting circuit. Are they only LEDs, or do you have a mix? How many of what type, and what is the wattage of each lamp? Be aware to use the actual wattage of the LEDs, not the equivalent incandescent wattage. Depending on how many lamps and what type, it is possible to exceed the rating of the dimmer. That will result in a fried piece of electronics.

Chris

LVHR

Wally,

   Not sure how this would work, IMO I would get rid of the dimmer and put in a real switch, you can over load the dimmer and have some real problems.

PCRR/Dave

First- the national electrical code does not permit the type of alteration you are suggesting. If a fire were to occur you may not be covered by your insurance. You can add a surge suppression module in your main panel which would protect the whole house.
Next- call Lutron customer support. They have excellent folks on the other end of the phone. Walk them through your problem and they may be able to provide a solution. Its possible that the dimmer you are using is not rated for the LED lamps and it caused the dimmer to fail. LED lighting is very different from incandescent and mis-matched components can cause problems.

I personally don't see the need for separate circuits but its your choice. Most model railroads don't pull the kind of load that would warrant splitting up the circuits.

Bob

Those dimmers are a weak link but I have never heard of anybody doing what you asked. I would look for a higher rated dimmer or at least one rated to leds. Make sure also that your leds themselves are dimmable. if you're having trouble with power surges & the like, then the best would be to put a surge protector at your meter for the entire house.

RSJB18 posted:

First- the national electrical code does not permit the type of alteration you are suggesting. If a fire were to occur you may not be covered by your insurance...

There is no stupidity exclusion in a homeowners policy. They will pay.

You need to look closely at several things.

(1.) Are your LED lights dimmable ??

(2.) Is the dimmer, you are using, compatible with the LED Light(s) ??  

If both are Yes.  Then you gotta look at the circuit or circuits. 

(3.) The three wires on a switch circuit, can indicate a three way switch. Dimmer switches can be purchase as three way switches or single pole.  Often at the Big Box stores three way dimmer switches are sold for both three ways and single pole switches, with a wiring diagram that shows how to wire the switch accordingly. 

Mike CT,

   You bet he has to have the right electrical equipment, I took for granted he knew what he was doing with that much of the job.  Most of the OGR members know pretty much what they are doing when wiring simple circuits.  If he needs an electrician he better call one.

PCRR/Dave

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Mike CT,

   You bet he has to have the right electrical equipment, I took for granted he knew what he was doing with that much of the job.  Most of the OGR members know pretty much what they are doing when wiring simple circuits.  If he needs an electrician he better call one.

PCRR/Dave

I agree. 

You know, dimmers do fail.  Doesn't necessarily mean something's wrong.  As noted above, be sure your LEDs are dimmable, and then get a dimmer that is LED-rated.  I have 14 LED BR30 LED floodlights over my layout, using LED rated dimmer switches, and have not had problems.  Two of my dimmers are on 3-switch circuits.  Do not put 2 dimmer switches controlling the same set of lights.