
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VARILIGHT
product. This will assist us in providing any
Please leave these instructions with your customer
V-DIM SAFTEY DIMMERSWITCHES
OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing a VARILIGHT dimmerswitch. Use only on an
electricity supply of 230 volts AC.
IMPORTANT: Read ALL sections below before installing this
dimmerswitch.
V-Dim safety dimmers are protected against overload. Please refer
to “Overload Protection”.
This product complies with European Safety Regulations (IEC
669-2-1 or BSEN 60669-2-1) when used in lighting circuits
containing MCBs (miniature circuit breakers). These can be rated at
6A, 10A or 16A (preferably 6A f or lighting circuits).Your guarantee is
not affected if you have an older lighting circuit protected by fuse
wire links.
LOADING
Always observe the recommended maximum load.
Maximum loads* for V-Dim Safety Dimmerswitches;
Lighting
Series
Type
Incandescent 250W 400W 500W 1000W
Mains Halogen** 250W 400W 500W 1000W
Eco Halogen** 250W 400W 500W 1000W
Low Voltage
Halogen
VARILIGHT
DigiFlux
Dimmable
EnergySaver+
CFLs
*WARNING: At maximum loading some light bulbs may overload the
dimmer because they present a higher load than their rating. If in
doubt, reduce the load.
**HALOGEN LIGHTS: We recommend using 1-W ay Rotary V-Dim
series dimmer (1-way circuits) OR Intelligent Soft Start V-Plus series
dimmers (1- or 2-way circuits) for this type of lamp.
THIS SWITCH IS SUITABLE FOR
Mains incandescent (GLS bulbs and spotlights)
GU10 or similar mains halogen bulbs
Good quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers [s ee
“Transformers”]
Digiflux Dimmable CFLs
THIS SWITCH IS NOT SUITABLE FOR
LED lighting [Choose V-Pro or V-Com. For more information
please visit www.varilight.co.uk/leds]
Wirewound or Toroidal Transformers [Choose V-Plus series
dimmers]
Non-dimmable fluorescent bulbs and tubes
Electric motors
TRANSFORMERS
This dimmer can be used to control VARILIGHT dimmable electronic
transformers (the load is calculated by adding the wattages of the
transformers, eg. 7 x 50W transformers = 350W and can be dimmed
using a 400W dimmer). Always choose quality dimmable electronic
transformers such as VARILIGHT transformers.
For electronic transformers from other manufacturers we
recommend a maximum of 5 electronic transformers per dimmer
circuit. Noise levels may vary depending upon the type and quantity
of transformers used.
V-Dim
250W
Per Gang
250W 400W 500W 600W
For more information, please see “Transformers”
Please check latest information of
www.varilight.co.uk/digiflux
in doubt, use polythene as a temporary gasket to protect the product. Do not use masking tape on metal faceplates.
: Do not apply products with metal faceplates directly to freshly plastered or damp surfaces as product may tarnish. If
V-Dim
400W
Per Gang
loading for Digiflux at
Per Gang
V-Dim
500W
V-Dim
1000W
Per Gang
NOT
SUITABLE
www.varilight.co.uk
Please record the batch number
side of the plastic moulding
technical support you may require.
BATCH NO:
INSTALLERS –
for future reference.
LOADING (Continued)
OVERLOADING AND UNDERLOADING
Dimmers must not be overloaded or underloaded. Calculating the
load for each dimmerswitch module is easy. Just add up the
wattages of all of the bulbs that the dimmerswitch module controls.
Check the label on the back of your dimmerswitch for the maximum
ratings of each module and adjust this if necessary according to the
load type (see above). The minimum loads for each are also shown
on the label.
If the dimmerswitch makes the lights flicker it is likely that it is
underloaded. For optimum energy-saving it is recommended that the
minimum load for V-Dim dimmerswitches is 100W . This way you will
save more energy and still be able to dim the lights to the level that
you want. Don't f orget that the added advantage of a dimmerswitch
is that it will also extend bulb life.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION
Your dimmerswitch is protected against overload. If an overload
occurs it will automatically switch off the lights and slowly turn them
on and off until the overload is removed and the dimmerswitch has
returned to its usual operating temperature.
To prevent this occurring, make sure that you load the dimmer
correctly. Refer to the “Loading” s ection before installing this
dimmerswitch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For FAQs, please visit: www.varilight.co.uk/faqs
10 YEAR GUARANTEE
Varilight undertakes to repair or replace, at its discretion, goods
which have become defective within 10 years of purchase, solely as
a result of faulty materials and workmanship, provided that:a) The unit has been correctly fitted according to the instructions and
has not been used with an incompatible load, fluorescent tubes, or
overloaded beyond its rating, and has only been used on a 200250V a.c. power supply.
b) The dimmer module has not been tampered with or taken apart.
However, for your c onvenience, it is perfectly in order to remove a
faulty dimmer module from multi-gang dimmers by pulling off the
knob and unscrewing the nut under the knob. You will then still have
the remaining modules working whilst we service your faulty module.
c) The unit is securely packed and safely returned to:-
Service Department, Carylls Lea, Faygate, Horsham, West
Sussex, RH12 4SJ (Tel. (01293) 223333) together with a letter
stating the guarantee registration number below, the date and place
of purchase, the type and wattage of the lighting or other load being
controlled and the details of the fault.
This guarantee states Varilight’s entire liability, which does not
extend to cover c onsequential loss or damage or installation costs
arising from a defective product. The guarantee does not apply to
problems arising from any incompatibility between your lamps and
the dimmer switch. This guarantee does not in any way affect the
statutory rights of the purchaser and is offered so that you may have
the benefit of our technical facilities.
GUARANTEE REGISTRATION NUMBER: T004
Reg. T004

FITTING YOUR DIMMER
Read the instructions below carefully. Incorrect installation may
damage the dimmer beyond repair.
In case of any doubt or difficulty consult a qualified electrician.
1. Switch off at the mains, then remove the existing switch and
disconnect the wiring from the s witch terminals at the rear, taking
note of the present wiring of the switch and the marking on the
terminals. Where there are two or more wires together in the old
switch, they must be kept together in the dimmerswitch.
2. Ensure that any wall box is free of plaster lumps or projecting
screw heads. Dimmerswitches on single-sized plates can be fitted
to wall boxes having 60.3mm screw fixing c entres and those with
double-sized plates to wall boxes with 120.6mm fixing centres.
Most models can be fitted into a box with a minimum depth of
25mm. A box having 4 fixing lugs cannot be used without
modifying it. The top and bottom lugs must be broken off or bent
flat.
3. To connect the wiring for 1-way or 2-way circuits refer to the
diagrams overleaf under the heading "Typical Lighting Circuits".
Take care that no bare wires project out of the terminals. Keep
wires together in a terminal if they were together in your old
switch.
4. Dimmerswitches having a metal front plate must be earthed by
means of the earthing point on the faceplate.
5. After c onnecting the wires screw the dimmerswitch gently into the
wall box so that the front plate is not distorted or cracked. Do not
trap the wiring between the rear of the dimmer and the back of the
wall box.
6. Once installation is complete. Switch on the mains supply and
switch on the dimmer, turning the control knob to give the desired
light level.
A slight buzzing may be heard from the dimmerswitch in operation.
This is quite normal.
Important: Disconnect the dimmer before carrying out insulation
resistance testing. Failing to do s o could damage a dimmer and
make the guarantee invalid.
Reconnect the wires either way round to the “C” terminal and
Figure 1. Using a 1-W ay Dimmerswitch
(For single switches or each module of a multi-gang)
the “L1” terminal.
Figure 3. Using a 2-W ay Dimmerswitch
(For single switches or each module of a multi-gang)
Dimmer must replace only one of the 2-way switches
1-WAY & 2-WAY CIRCUITS AND MULTI-GANG
There are two basic types of lighting circuit, so make sure you have
the correct dimmerswitch for your lighting circuit.
1. 1-Way Circuits
In 1-way lighting circuits the light or lights are controlled by one
switch. Your dimmerswitch replaces this switch and can be a 1way rotary model (Figure 1), or a 1 or 2 way push-on/push-off
model (Figure 2).
(The advantage of a push-on/push-off dimmerswitch is that the
dimmer can be switched on and off with a push action, while
keeping the lighting at the level you have chosen.)
Remove your old switch and copy the wiring configuration for the
dimmerswitch. The wires from your old switch can be connected
either way round to the "C" and "L1" terminals of the
dimmerswitch. If you are using a push-on/push-off dimmerswitch
there is a spare terminal (L2) that you will not need to use for a 1way circuit.
2. 2-Way Circuits
2-way lighting circuits have two switches turning the same light or
lights on and off from two different locations (e.g.. at the top and
bottom of the stairs). You must only replace one of these switches
with a dimmerswitch or the lights will flicker. See Figures 3 and 4
which show typical 2-way circuits. Remove your old switch and
copy the wiring configuration for the dimmer.
Remove your old switch and c opy the wiring configuration for your
dimmerswitch. The wire(s) fitted in the "common" terminal of the
old switch should be fitted into the "C" termnal of the
dimmerswitch. The wires fitted into the other two terminals of the
old switch should be fitted either way round into terminals "L1"
and "L2" of the dimmerswitch.
Note: Dimmer switches have “C” next to “L1” & “L2” whereas most
switches have “C” at the opposite end to “L1” & “L2”.
3. Multi-Gang Dimmerswitches (with 2, 3 or 4 control knobs)
To fit multi-gang dimmerswitches treat each group of terminals at
the back of the unit as a separate dimmerswitch wiring them into
the lighting circuits as described above. If required, one terminal
from each dimmer
module may be joined
together with a short
length of wire to copy
the wiring configuration
of the old switch.
Figure 2. Using a 1 or 2-Way Dimmerswitch
(For single switches or each module of a multi-gang)
Reconnect the wires either way round to the “C” terminal and
the “L1” terminal.
Figure 4. Using a 2-W ay Dimmerswitch
(For single switches or each module of a multi-gang)
Dimmer must replace only one of the 2-way switches