Instructions and Technical Help

All of the light switches available to buy from Candy Queen Designs are available in the following styles :

1 Way (1 Gang) 400 Watt Rotary Dimmer Switch
2 Way (1 Gang) 400 Watt Push On/Off Dimmer Switch
Standard Push On/Off Light Switches
Low Voltage Dimmer Switch - £29.99 and
1000 Watt Dimmer Switches – Price On Request

All of the above switches are recommended for mains voltage lighting only.

It is not necessary to have a dimmer switch in the room already to fit a customised 'Candy Queen' dimmer switch. You can have either a flick switch or an existing dimmer switch, either are very simple to replace with our dimmer switches. It is only the switch which needs to be replaced, not the wires in the wall or the light bulbs or fittings.

Depending on the style of switch you choose, the lights will be turned on and off by either a rotary ‘Click’ On/Off action or a Push On/Off. If you do not wish to have the lights dimmed, simply turn on completely for full brightness.

Our light switches are available as :

A One Way Dimmer Switch - For 1-way circuits ('Clicks' On/Off) . This means that one light switch controls the lights – this is common in most bedrooms, kitchens, lounges etc.

A Two Way Dimmer Switch -  for 2-way circuits ('Pushes On/Off'). This is where the same lights are controlled by two switches, (this is common on the stairs) you must choose a Push-On/Push-Off 2 way dimmer switch to replace one of your switches and/or a standard On/Off switch to replace the other if you´d like to have two funky switches (it is not necessary to replace both switches).

A Standard On/Off Light Switch ('Push' On/Off). These still have a rotating action but DO NOT dim the lights, they are simple on/off switches. These can be used anywhere you have a dimmer or flick switch as a direct replacement. These switches are ideal for people who like the look of a dimmer switch but don’t particularly want the lights to dim. Please note, as these are Push-On and Puch-Off the switch knob (Car/Frog/Lizard etc) protrudes further than with the standard dimmer switches which look neater and have a satisfying ‘click’ action.

Full fitting instructions and a wiring diagram are supplied with each switch. Fitting is a simple procedure and regular flick switches can easily be replaced with a dimmer switch. Dimmers make great ambient lighting. Simply turn down and relax.

Switch Dimensions

Size : Width 80mm, Height 80mm, Depth 14mm.

Need More Help ?

Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Instructions For Fitting VARILIGHT DIMMER Switches

Our light switches (before we lovingly customise them) are made for us by VARILIGHT. They are designed for mains voltage lighting and can be used to dim VARILIGHT electronic transformers. You must only use on an electricity supply of 216-253 volts AC.

The maximum load stated on the light switch label is for mains incandescent lighting or good quality UK supplied mains halogen bulbs.The dimmer switches can also 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 switch). 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.

Do NOT USE our Dimmer Switches for wirewound low voltage lighting transformers, fluorescent bulbs, energy saving bulbs or fans. the dimmer switch will eventually burn out if used for these applications. Incorrect use will make your guarantee invalid. Special VARILIGHT intelligent dimmer switches are available for wirewound and electronic transformers for low voltage lighting from other manufacturers. VARILIGHT fan regulators are also available.

Dimmer switches must not be overloaded or underloaded. Check the label on the back of your dimmer switch (all of our dimmer switches are 400 Watt) for the maximum ratings for each module. The minimum loads for each are shown below 600W and 200W is the minimum recommended for those rated above 600W.

Maximum load for a 400W dimmer switch is : 400W

Minimum Load for a 400W dimmer switch is : 60W

Fitting Your DIMMER Switch

Read the instructions included in your purchase carefully (also written here). Incorrect installation may damage the dimmer beyond repair. In case of any doubt or difficulty consult a qualified electrician.

1) SWITCH OFF ELECTRICITY AT THE MAINS !!!, then remove the existing switch and disconnect the wiring from the switch 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 dimmer switch.

2) Many models can be fitted into a box with a minimum depth of 16mm, i.e a normal plaster depth flush box or a normal surface mounted switch box but a 25mm depth box gives a more comfortable fit with plenty of room for the spare wiring. 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 circuits or for 2-Way circuits refer to the diagrams on the instructions in your purchase. If you are using a dimmer switch in a 2-Way circuit then you can only use one dimmerswitch in the circuit and it must be a 2 Way push on/off model (an ordinary switch must be at the other end - this can be one of our funky customised 'On/Off' switches so you can two Candy Queen switches in one circuit !). Take care that no bare wires prject out of the terminals. Keep wires together in a terminal if they were together in your old switch.

4) dimmer switches having a metal front plate must be earthed by means of the earthing point provided on the dimmer.

5) After connecting the wires screw the dimmer switch 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 switch 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. 
 

REMEMBER... If in doubt consult a qualified electrician its better to be Safe than sorry and we don’t want you getting hurt !

Changing a light switch is relatively simple but it’s a job for someone who has experience with electrics. If in doubt, call in an electrician.

Dimmer Switch Quality Guarantee

Our original dimmer switches before we start to loving customise them and make them look fab for you are made for us by VARILIGHT. VARILIGHT® is the brand name of Doyle & Tratt Products Ltd, the leading British manufacturer of dimmer switches and decorative electrical wiring accessories. VARILIGHT® dimmer switches have an industry-wide reputation for exceptional performance, long life and innovation.

In case of any defect return the dimmer switch via our customer service department. This guarantee in addition to and not in derogation of the statutory rights of the purchaser and is offered so that you may have the benefit of our technical facilities. Should any defect occur in this unit witin 12 months of it's purchase we will replace or repair the defective unit free of charge provided that :-

a) The unit has been correctly fitted according to the instructions and has not been used with flourecent bulbs, energy saving bulbs, or overloaded beyond it's rating, and has only been used on 200-250V A.C.

b) The dimmer module has not been tampered with or taken apart. 

c) The unit is securely packed and safely returned with a letter stating the type and wattage of the lighting or other load being controlled and the details of the fault to :- 

Service Department, Candy Queen Designs, PO BOX 415, Harpenden, AL5 5XS (0779 144 3010)