Hi there!

Thanks for reaching out and for your interest in fitting Repenic dimmers in your flat. It’s completely understandable to have questions, especially with older UK wiring!

Let’s break down your points:

1. Can I Really DIY This? (Safety First!)
While the Repenic Universal dimmer comes with clear installation instructions , installing electrical products is inherently hazardous and can cause serious injury or death if not done correctly.
All products must be installed by a qualified electrician in compliance with current electrical regulations.
We cannot stress enough the importance of safety when dealing with mains electricity. If you are not a qualified electrician or are at all unsure, we strongly advise against DIY and recommend hiring a professional. This is the safest way to ensure a correct and compliant installation. Always isolate the power supply at the source (Distribution Board) before any work.

2. Old House, Weird Wiring?
Many older UK properties can present wiring challenges, such as the absence of an earth wire at the switch. The Universal dimmer manual shows a wiring diagram with an Earth terminal for metal faceplates, noting that the faceplate should be grounded if the dimmer is installed with one. This implies that an earth connection is either required or highly recommended, especially for metal finishes. If your flat’s wiring doesn’t have an earth wire at the switch location, or if the cable colours are non-standard, this further highlights the need for a qualified electrician. They can properly assess your existing setup and advise on the safest and most compliant way to proceed, or if any wiring modifications are needed. Repenic dimmers are designed to be reliable, but compliance with current regulations is key.

3. Two-Way Lights with Dimming?
Yes, the Repenic U你versal dimmer supports both one-way and two-way wiring systems. The installation manual includes a specific “Two-way system” wiring diagram. It is generally more complex than a simple one-way setup, as it involves wiring between two switches that control the same light. The diagram illustrates how to connect the dimmer in a two-way circuit, but again, given the complexity and the age of your property, an electrician would be best placed to ensure this is wired correctly and safely.

To Summarize & For More Help:

Safety is paramount. We strongly recommend a qualified electrician for installation, especially in an older property with potential wiring quirks.

The Universal dimmer is compatible with dimmable LED, Halogen, and Incandescent loads.

You can scan the QR code on page 1 of the manual to access user guide videos and installation videos, which might provide visual guidance.

For any specific technical queries related to your unique wiring setup, our online service can offer support. You can also find our contact details at the bottom of the manual (hi@repenic.co.uk).

We hope this helps, and please, prioritise safety above all else!

Cheers,
Emily

Hi oafh1,

That’s a great question, and the answer actually varies quite a bit depending on the type of bulb you’re using!
Here’s a breakdown based on my understanding and experience:

1. Old-style Incandescent Bulbs:
Dimming extends their lifespan significantly. Incandescent bulbs work by heating a filament. When you dim them, you’re reducing the power flowing to the filament, which means it operates at a lower temperature. This greatly reduces the rate of evaporation of the tungsten filament, which is the primary cause of failure. It’s not uncommon for an incandescent bulb that’s consistently dimmed to last many times longer than its rated lifespan.

2. Halogen Bulbs:
Dimming generally extends their lifespan, but there’s a caveat. Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent bulb, so reducing the operating temperature through dimming still helps extend the filament’s life. However, halogen bulbs rely on a “halogen cycle” where evaporated tungsten atoms are redeposited back onto the filament. This cycle is temperature-dependent. If you dim a halogen bulb too much or for prolonged periods at very low levels, the halogen cycle might not complete effectively, which could lead to blackening of the bulb and eventually failure. For most practical dimming uses, though, you’ll still see an extended lifespan.

3. LED Bulbs:
This is where it gets more complex.
Dimming generally does not significantly shorten the lifespan of the LED emitter itself. LEDs typically fail due to degradation of the semiconductor material over time, which is related to heat and current. Dimming usually means less current and less heat, so the LED chip itself often benefits or is unaffected.
The lifespan impact often comes from the driver/electronics within the LED bulb. Modern LED bulbs have internal electronics (the “driver”) to convert AC household current to the DC current the LED needs.
Using the right dimmer is crucial. If you use a dimmer that’s not compatible with your LED bulb, it can cause flickering, humming, or stress the internal electronics, potentially shortening the bulb’s lifespan. LEDs typically require “leading edge” or “trailing edge” dimmers designed for them. Many older dimmers (designed for incandescents) can cause issues. Always check the bulb’s packaging or manufacturer’s recommendations for compatible dimmers.
Quality of the LED bulb matters. Cheaper LED bulbs might have lower quality drivers that are more susceptible to issues from dimming, even with a compatible dimmer. Higher quality bulbs generally have more robust drivers.
Overall: When properly dimmed with a compatible dimmer, LED bulbs are not typically shortened in lifespan, and in some cases, running them at lower power might even slightly extend the life of the LED emitter. The main concern is ensuring proper compatibility to protect the integrated electronics.

In summary:
Incandescent & Halogen: Dimming is good for lifespan.
LED: Dimming is generally neutral to slightly beneficial for the LED emitter, but dimmer compatibility is paramount to protect the bulb’s internal electronics and ensure proper function.

Hope this helps with your decision!