Halogen Work Lights: Voltage Regulator as Dimming Device?

[Mike-DT6]

If I wanted to vary the light output of a halogen work light, is there any reason why I shouldn't be able to do this with a voltage regulator between the power supply and the light itself?

This would be for outdoor use, to light a building with more than one light, and I would like the ability to alter the brightness of one light against the other.

I don't know nearly enough about this subject to know if there are any reasons why this can't be done with a halogen light and mains power supply.

If it is possible, are there any units on the market that would do the job? I have had a look around, but I couldn't see anything obvious.

By the way, I'm in the UK and we have 230v mains supply (or thereabouts, depending on what you read).

Thanks

Mike

[gonzogolf]

Halogen work lights work with dimmers so there shouldnt be a problem making it work. You may get color temp shifts if you power them down too much though.

[m3rdpwr]

The only thing I can add is that since Halogen lights can draw a bit of power, make sure the dimmer is sufficient.

I had to purchase a better than normal dimmer for home when I had 6 Flood's installed in a ceiling due to their higher power...

-Mario

[Mike-DT6]

Thank you both.

I was looking at the colour temperatures of the various halogen bulbs and I think it will work to my advantage as I would want the warmer light. Dimming I presume will shift it a bit further towards sodium vapour lamp colour, so that's okay.

Now I've got to see if I can find a suitable voltage regulator! :lol:

Mike

[m3rdpwr]

Yeah, my ceiling floods definately changed color.

With my eyes I could see them change colors as I dimmed them...

-Mario

[Mike-DT6]

I wonder if I could simply use a household dimmer switch and wire it (safely) into a unit with an in and out plug on it, to fit it in-line somewhere before the light.

Mike

[gonzogolf]

I dont see why not, just wire it into a box so we dont have to have to chip in for flowers for your funeral if you shoot on a damp evening.

[Mike-DT6]

Haha! The very thought! :lol:

I have been doing a bit more reading and it's advised to use a dimmer with double the rating of the light, so for a 500W halogen light I presume I'll be looking for a 1kW dimmer.

I've been reading up on the extension lead and household plug socket side of things (maximum load etc), and it appears that I can safely run a few work lights. I'm thinking of a couple of 500W work lights, plus a 300W and a 150W light, which appear to equal just under 6.5 amps.

EDIT: The reel-type extension lead I was looking at is rated at 3kW (unwound) and has four plug sockets on it. That is 75' long, which I thought would be ideal to get the power outside, from which point I could use further extension leads to each work light. I'm just wondering how significant the voltage drop will be if I'm using the main 75' lead, then further leads (maybe up to 75' more) to each light.

I'll be using a circuit-breaker as well, if the main extension lead hasn't got one built-in.


Mike

[SkipD]

I wonder if I could simply use a household dimmer switch and wire it (safely) into a unit with an in and out plug on it, to fit it in-line somewhere before the light.Just be careful to read and understand the specs for the dimmer before applying it to a heavy load like shop lights. As you mentioned above, I would make sure I was not loading the dimmer past half its advertised rating just to be on the safe side.

For a little added safety, make sure the dimmer is wired in an approved metal box with the grounding circuit connected to the box.

[Mike-DT6]

Okay, thanks. Looks as if I need to do some more reading on the dimmer part of the problem.

Mike

[Mike-DT6]

I think I've found one already in production for this specific use:

http://indikit.com/product_info.php?products_id=378

I don't like the look of the price though!

Mike