Dimmer switch on 12v lights?

[Le_Jars]

Is this possible? I have a set of 3 halogen 12v  (with transformer) downlights and was wondering whether I can put a dimmer switch on these?

[Mikew]

Have done this sucessfully some time ago in my work life. We had to buy specific dimmers that would work with transformers. No problems with bulb life, although the lamps were supposed to be run at full power occasionally to stop bulb blackening.

[Pads]

Sorry dont know how as we had an electrician do it , but yes we have dimmer switches on our 12 v lights

[Ford Anglia]

You can certainly buy dimmer switches suitable for halogen lights, mains or LV. I've just bought one from Screwfix here in the UK for less than £5, push-on/push-off, 400W.

Mine is used to control the temperature of a small soldering iron though[;-)] Now I can solder white-metal without fear of melting it.

[Nick Trollope]

Yes, you can get them (in France - UK ones will not fit French boxes and are probably not approved for use here), but you must get the sort that are for use with transformers - an ordinary one will probably blow up due to the inductive load of the transformer...

[Le_Jars]

Thanks all for your advice, very helpful.

[Jonzjob]

You will also have to make sure your transformer is dimmable because some electronic ones are marked not suitable for dimmers.