CBE Dimmer wiring

[phoenixfc7]

This is the wiring diagram for the CBE dimmer switch. I am connecting 6 LEDs 1.5 w in series. I am planning on using the earth for the negative from the led and the negative from the power cable leading back to the bus bar, then to the chassis using a piggy back blade terminal. Would you agree? Thanks

 

[Chris Joyce]

I’ve ran an Earth from pin 5 direct to the chassis.

a positive to pin 6 from my fuse box.

the positive from my led lights to pin 4

the Negative from my lights to the bus bar.

hope that makes sense.

 

[boxelder]

Where have you located your negative bus bar? I'll be sorting this out over the next couple of weeks and have some learning to do first.

 

[Phil_G]

Before installing I'd suggest checking that your leds are simple ballast-resistor types, and that they actually dim as expected on the workbench.
Higher power leds like yours often have an internal current-limiting pwm converter, this type doesnt dim readily. Unless the ad said "dimmable"

 

[phoenixfc7]

Where have you located your negative bus bar? I'll be sorting this out over the next couple of weeks and have some learning to do first.

My Bus bar is located upnder passenger seat close to the fuse box. All the negative (black) cables are fed into the bus bar, the bus bar then goes to the earth/chasis point located close by under the same seat. The cable to the chasis needs to be able to handle the total ampage of the fuse (and add 20%) so the total in my case is 120 amps (add all the fuse values together in the fuse box) so I have a 35mm2 cable to chasis and 35mm2 cable from the battery to the fuse box, on the latter I have a 150 amps midi fuse breaker to protect. I am yet to get the electrics checked by an auto electrician so I am not saying this is right!

 

[phoenixfc7]

Before installing I'd suggest checking that your leds are simple ballast-resistor types, and that they actually dim as expected on the workbench.
Higher power leds like yours often have an internal current-limiting pwm converter, this type doesnt dim readily. Unless the ad said "dimmable"

Thanks, I have asked the supplier the question, I did state I was using a dimmer when I ordered a kit from a forum member (not a great experience) so I hope they are or I will add that to the lessons learnt log!

 

[phoenixfc7]

I’ve ran an Earth from pin 5 direct to the chassis.

a positive to pin 6 from my fuse box.

the positive from my led lights to pin 4

the Negative from my lights to the bus bar.

hope that makes sense.

thanks so no need for the negative on the supply cable to get involved? I also have a couple of lights on a single cbe switch, have you wired lights using a single switch?

 

[Chris Joyce]

I’ve just ran my earth to the chassis earth near the rear light as my cbe is in my kitchen area.

then I’ve run a 12v supply from my fuse box to the dimmer and then connected the lights to the load terminal.

I have my kitchen light running on a simple on off cbe switch, I’ve ran my negative from the light to my bus bar, a positive to the“off” terminal on the switch and then my positive wire from the light to the “on” terminal.

my bus bar is part of my fuse box whichis under my drivers seat near my leisure battery

 

[boxelder]

I'm aiming for battery, fuse box, bus bar and DC-DC under the drivers seat, earthing to the stud there. All my electrics are on that side of the van, bar one USB socket. Can't wait to get started TBH, once the RIB bed arrives. Can't strip the seats out and reflow any sooner, or I'd have to ratchet strap the kids to deck chairs.

 

[phoenixfc7]

Thanks, I have asked the supplier the question, I did state I was using a dimmer when I ordered a kit from a forum member (not a great experience) so I hope they are or I will add that to the lessons learnt log!

the supplier has come back to say they are not dimmable. I have wasted £60 on the 6 I planned to control via dimmer. Not a happy camper

 

[Chris Joyce]

Not ideal, sorry to hear that.

I got mine from Leisure Lighting if it helps, quite a neat system which uses one junction box the up to 6 lights can plug into.

 

[Phil_G]

At 1.5w each its what you'd expect actually you have the better option, the non-dimmable ones are much more efficient.

 

[phoenixfc7]

eisure Lighting

At 1.5w each its what you'd expect actually you have the better option, the non-dimmable ones are much more efficient.

Fair one, as a total novice I put my (misplaced) faith in an 'expert' like I said live and learn. Thanls for the heads up at least I did not install them!