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Can I use a dimmer to control transformer operated low voltage lighting?

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Can I use a dimmer to control transformer operated low voltage lighting?

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It is very tempting to try using a common light dimmer to control devices using power transformers. Will this work? There really is no definitive answer. It is generally not recommended but that doesn’t mean it won’t work perfectly safely in many instances. However, in principle this may be dependent on what is on the secondary side – a transformer appears more inductive when it is lightly loaded – and on the design of your particular dimmer. It could blow the dimmer or result in the dimmer simply getting stuck at full power for some or all of the control range since the inductive load will cause the current to continue flowing even after the voltage has gone to zero and the thyristor should shut off. If it works reliably in your situations, then this is not a problem. Again, it may be load dependent. It probably will result in more audible noise from the transformer but this is probably harmless except to your sanity. The only safety issues I can think of and these relate to the trans

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