got some inline 110v dimmer switches (see photo) i would like to use with my 220v photographic lights, so i can adjust the brightness etc when using 2 lights for portraits etc at home…. will i be ok plugging the dimmers into the electric sockets here then my lights into the plugs on the dimmers?? I'm not that good with electrics lol…cheers

I say no, you can PM the MOD Crossy, he's a sparky I think.

Or just use google.

me thinks you will eventually cook them

me thinks you will eventually cook them

More likely, immediately cook them. Moving to the Electrical forum.

//edit - unhelpful post removed.

the bulbs i have are 135w CFL 5500k daylight bulbs …would a 220v light switch dimmer be ok for these then? if the 110v dimmers blow?

the bulbs i have are 135w CFL 5500k daylight bulbs …would a 220v light switch dimmer be ok for these then? if the 110v dimmers blow?

Standard CFLs can not be used with a conventional dimmer.

Why You Should NEVER Use Non-Dimmable CFLs with Dimmer Switches.

thanks Tywais …appreciate it

I used to build Dimmers commercially - The Triac control devices (Semiconductor switches) inside are rated for use on either 240 volt or 110 volt. If they have been built to a price and their rated 110 volt then you will probably blow them up at turn on. Additionally the internal triggering mechanism is usually tuned for 60 Hz (Cycles) as for the US 110 volt system or for 50 Hz as per most 220/240 volt countries. While this will most likely only affect the "quality" of the dimming curve it may also be a pain in the butt.

More importantly as Tywais says NEVER put Standard CFLs on dimmers. The same goes for any device with internal or external Switch mode power supply. So that means most LED lamp devices.

There are CFL, Fluorescent and LED systems that are designed for dimming but they are usually quite expensive.

If your a serious photographer you are probably better off dimming standard Incandescent bulbs and shooting a "grey card " or white Sheet at the start and setting the camera to do an auto color balance on that. Job done.