Dimmer Circuit Configuration

Is there any reason why you can't just call a qualified electrician?

Well, the first question to be asked is: What is the power requirement for each of these 14 loads? Any dimmer is going to have a maximum load in watts. Consumer grade stuff is usually on the order of about 600 watts/dimmer.

The other question would be; do you need to have separate control of each of the 14 loads? If so, I don't see how any single dimmer will allow separate control of 14 circuits.

Another point to consider; most dimmers are intended for incandescent loads only, are your loads incandescent? Will they always be?

Need some clarification before suitable answers can be provided.

Tom D.

One of the last answers was correct - you are a little out of your depth.

There is no reason why a single dimmer can't dim more than one item. You need to assess the type of connected load and the type of dimmer you use.

The early dimmers were designed to dim around 250W of resistive load - i.e. a normal bulb.

You certainly can't use this type of dimmer to switch an inductive load such as fluorescents or LEDs.

The more re cent dimmable fluorescent take a digital signal to the lamp ballast.

I feel either a fire coming on or the need to call an electrician.

If there is a phone in your town, call an electrician.

You probably want to make an appointment for a chat, Guvnor, with your local theatre's Stage Manager. Go and see what the theatre has got in the way of lighting equipment and how it is driven.

All the best.