Re: Will this work for dimming 12V Halogen?

["bruceR" <nospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

B Fuhrmann wrote:
>> As long as you use a magnetic transformer any X10 dimmer should be
>> fine. I have this setup in my home and have no problems.
>
> Absolutely NOT!
>
> By deffinition any transformer is magnetic.
> "A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one
> circuit to another through inductively coupled wires. A changing
> current in the first circuit (the primary) creates a changing
> magnetic field; in turn, this magnetic field induces a changing
> voltage in the second circuit (the secondary). "
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer
> There are a LOT of X10 dimmers out there that ARE NOT rated for
> inductive loads.
>
> Solid state dimmers operate by turning the power off for part of the
> power cycle.  Inductive loads create large spikes if this is not done
> exactly at the right time.  The dimmer needs to be designed to absorb
> those spikes without self destructing or overheating.

What I meant by magnetic is non-switching.