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Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions customers ask us most, from choosing and fitting a dimmer to curing flicker. Search, or browse by product or topic.

Showing 32 questions about V-Pro Multi-Point Show all questions

Choosing a dimmer

Which dimmer suits your lights, how much lighting it can take, and dimming from more than one switch.

Which dimmer do I need for my LED bulbs?

For dimmable LED lighting choose a V-Pro dimmer: our flagship range, designed for modern LED lighting, with push on/off switching and rotary dimming. The V-Pro family also includes:

  • V-Pro Multiway: a dimming knob at 2 or 3 switch positions;
  • V-Pro Smart: control from your phone, Alexa or Google Home;
  • V-Pro Multi-Point: tactile touch at any number of switch positions, with infrared remote control at the master;
  • V-Pro Micro: hidden behind retractive (push) switches.

If your LED lights or driver need leading-edge (triac) control, or you have more than 300W of LED on one dimmer, choose V-Com.

Always choose lamps that are described as dimmable. Not sure? Answer a few questions in our dimmer chooser.

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How many lamps can my dimmer control?

Add up the wattage of all the lamps the dimmer controls: the number of lamps times the watts printed on each. The total must not be more than the maximum load per gang on the dimmer's label and data sheet. For example, 8 LED downlights of 5W each add up to 40W.

DimmerLoad per dimmer (gang)
V-Pro0-120W or 0-300W, no minimum load
V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Smart120W, no minimum load
V-Pro Multi-Point100W (1 to 10 dimmable LED lamps), no minimum load
V-Pro Micro160W of dimmable LED
V-Com0-100W, 15-180W, 15-220W, 20-400W or 40-600W (the first figure is the minimum)
V-Dim (halogen)Up to 1000W, depending on model; at least 100W recommended: see the V-Dim guide

PowerGrid grid dimmers also have a maximum per plate: single plate (1 to 2 gang) 400W, twin (3 to 4 gang) 800W, double twin (6 to 8 gang) 1200W, triple twin (9 to 12 gang) 1800W, and no more than 800W per row.

With low voltage lighting, add up the VA ratings of the transformers, not the wattage of the bulbs: see transformers and dimmer load. For lamp-by-lamp advice see our compatibility guides.

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Is there a minimum load? Can I dim just one LED lamp?

V-Pro, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Smart and V-Pro Multi-Point dimmers have no minimum load, so they can dim a single LED lamp.

Most V-Com and V-Dim dimmers have a minimum: it is the first figure of the rating on the label, for example 20-400W. The 0-100W V-Com has none, and V-Dim dimmers work best with at least 100W. Below the minimum the lights may flicker: see flicker caused by too little load.

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Can I dim the same lights from more than one switch?

Yes. Choose by how you want to dim:

  • A dimming knob at every switch (2 or 3 positions): one V-Pro Multiway dimmer with one or two companion controllers. 2-way and 3-way kits are available (MJKIT2W, MJKIT3W).
  • Phone or voice, plus knobs at up to 3 positions: one V-Pro Smart dimmer with one or two V-Pro Multiway companion controllers.
  • Touch at any number of positions: one V-Pro Multi-Point master dimmer with as many supplementary controllers as you need, up to 50m of cable. Infrared remote control works at the master only.
  • Push (retractive) switches at any number of positions: a V-Pro Micro in-line dimmer pack.

Ordinary switches can't be used as the other positions with these systems: V-Pro Multiway and V-Pro Smart need companion controllers, and V-Pro Multi-Point needs Multi-Point supplementary controllers. If dimming from one switch is enough, a V-Pro dimmer works with an ordinary 2-way switch.

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Will my LED lamps work with your dimmers?

Our dimmers are designed for wide compatibility and are tested with many lamp types, including Megaman and Philips, which have performed well in testing. However, due to constant changes in LED technology and driver designs, we cannot guarantee compatibility with all lamps.

Before purchasing, please check our compatibility guide and the dimmer selection guide to make sure the lighting load you have is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.

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Can I use a remote control with your dimmers?

Infrared remote control is available on the V-Pro Multi-Point Remote master dimmer (the master only, not the supplementary controllers). IR remotes such as the YRC8 can be used within 10 metres line of sight. The dimmer is preset to buttons 1 and 8 on the VARILIGHT YRC8 handset, and can learn a spare button on most infrared remote controls: see pairing a remote.

For smart control, we recommend the V-Pro Smart range, which works through an app and by voice.

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How do I work out the dimmer load when there are transformers in the circuit?

Add up the VA ratings of the transformers, not the wattage of the bulbs. Choose transformers with a rating close to their lamp load, e.g. a 50VA, 60VA or 70VA transformer for a 50W low voltage bulb.

  • VARILIGHT transformers: any number, as long as you keep within the maximum rating of the dimmer. For YT40DC12 and YT40DC24 LED drivers, never more than 250W per dimmer circuit.
  • Other brands: use only fully dimmable electronic transformers, and no more than 5 per dimmer circuit.
  • V-Plus dimmers (recommended for halogen on VARILIGHT transformers): load to 75% of the dimmer's maximum.
  • Transformer specifies triac dimming: use a V-Com dimmer.

Wire-wound or toroidal transformers are not suitable for V-Pro, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart or V-Dim dimmers. If your transformer does not say that it is dimmable it is unlikely to work with any dimmer.

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Setting up and programming

Dimming modes, minimum and maximum brightness, resets, and pairing supplementary controllers, remotes and the app.

V-Pro and V-Com rotary dimmers

I've changed the bulbs on my dimmer: do I need to do anything?

Yes. Always turn off the mains power before replacing bulbs controlled by a dimmer. If you have changed the type of bulb, reset the dimmer to its factory settings: V-Pro and V-Com, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart, or any range in set up your dimmer.

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V-Pro Multi-Point touch and remote dimmers

How do I change the dimming mode or minimum brightness on a V-Pro Multi-Point dimmer?

These settings are made on the master dimmer only, not from a supplementary controller. [Up] is the upper part of the touch pad and [Down] the lower part.

  • Dimming mode: press and hold [Up] until the lights reach maximum, then keep holding for 6 seconds. The lights go off, then flash 1, 2 or 3 times to show the current mode. Press [Up] 1, 2 or 3 times to choose mode 1, 2 or 3, then wait a few seconds: the lights flash 1, 2 or 3 times to show the new mode.
  • Minimum brightness: press and hold [Down] until the lights reach minimum, then keep holding for 6 seconds. The lights come on at the brightest possible minimum and show the 8 available settings. Step through them with [Up] and [Down]. When you are happy, stop pressing for at least 4 seconds: the lights go off, step up and down, then come on at the new minimum.

Mode 1 (trailing edge) is the default and suits most lighting; some LEDs perform best in leading-edge mode. Full instructions: touch master and remote master leaflets (PDFs), and set up your dimmer.

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How do I pair a remote control with my V-Pro Multi-Point dimmer?

Multi-Point Remote master dimmers are preset to respond to buttons 1 and 8 on the VARILIGHT YRC8 handset. To use a different button, or a spare button on most other infrared remotes:

  1. Press [Up] on the master dimmer 6 times, roughly once per second. The lights step up and down and switch off: the dimmer is in programming mode.
  2. Within 15 seconds, from less than 1 metre away and pointing directly at the dimmer's button, briefly press the chosen button on the handset. The lights turn on and off.
  3. To confirm your choice, briefly press the same button again. If programming has worked, the lights turn on and off, then step up and down once.

Try the dimmer with the remote. If it doesn't respond, start again at step 1. If the problem persists, try a different button, a different remote control or the dedicated VARILIGHT YRC8 handset. Certain brands of transformer (used with low voltage lighting) can prevent programming: for best results choose VARILIGHT transformers.

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How does the YRC8 remote control handset work?
  • Fit 2 x AA batteries (not included): slide open the back cover in the direction of the arrow.
  • The handset can operate up to 7 dimmers independently. Dimmers are preset to buttons 1 and 8; you can teach each dimmer a different button from 2 to 7.
  • Button 8 is the master button: it turns all the lights on or off, and the dimmers remember the level they were at.
  • A short press turns the lights on or off. Hold the button to dim; release and press again to change direction.

The handset is optional: the dimmers can also learn a spare button on most infrared remote controls. See the handset instructions (PDF).

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How do I reset a V-Pro Multi-Point dimmer?
  1. On the master dimmer (this is not possible from a supplementary controller), press [Up] 6 times, about once per second, until the lights step up and down.
  2. Press [Up] 6 more times.
  3. The dimmer fades to off to show it has been reset to factory settings, then comes back on.

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Fitting and wiring

Wiring 2-way and multi-way circuits, wall box depths and where to find the instructions. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

Dimmers

I have three or more switches (intermediate): can I fit a dimmer?
  • Dim from one switch: a push on/off V-Pro or V-Com dimmer replaces one of the switches and the others stay as they are: see the 3-way (intermediate) switch and dimmer diagram on our wiring diagrams page. For a matching look, use MPINT intermediate and MH0 2-way push on/off modules (dummy dimmers) at the other switches.
  • Dim from all three: V-Pro Multiway or V-Pro Smart with two companion controllers.
  • Dim from more than three: V-Pro Multi-Point (any number of supplementary controllers) or V-Pro Micro (any number of retractive switches).

See dimming from more than one switch.

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How do I wire a V-Pro Multi-Point master and supplementary controllers?
  • Use one Multi-Point master dimmer with any number of Multi-Point supplementary controllers. It is not possible to use a conventional switch in the same circuit.
  • The total cable length from the master to the last supplementary controller should be no more than 50m.
  • Link each supplementary controller to the master with three (or two) wires, terminal to matching terminal: LOAD, S-LINK and (optional) LIVE.
  • The supply live and the lamps connect at the master. If the supply live arrives at a supplementary controller instead, the LIVE link from it to the master is required.
  • On 2, 3 or 4-gang dimmers, treat each group of terminals as a separate dimmer. You may need a short length of wire to link the LIVE terminals if only one live wire is present.

Supplementary controllers are touch control only: the remote control works on the master. See the diagrams in the touch master, remote master and supplementary controller instructions (PDFs) and the touch dimmer diagrams on our wiring diagrams page.

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What depth of back box do I need?
Minimum depthClassicUltraflatScrewless
Dimmers25mm35mm35mm
Rocker and toggle switches16mm25mm25mm
13A and 5A sockets, fused spurs25mm35mm35mm

PowerGrid: 35mm for dimmers, 25mm for rockers and fuses. V-Pro Multi-Point grid dimmers depend on the faceplate: 25mm with a Classic faceplate, 35mm with a Screwless faceplate. Cooker panels and shaver sockets need deeper boxes: see wall box depths for every range. The depth for a particular product is also on its data sheet: type the product code into the search box.

Single dimmer plates fit wall boxes with 60.3mm fixing centres, double plates 120.6mm. A box with four fixing lugs needs the top and bottom lugs broken off or bent flat. 3 and 4-gang dimmers come on a wider twin plate, so check your wall box.

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Where can I find the instructions or a wiring diagram for my product?

The instruction leaflet, with its wiring diagrams, comes with your product. You can also find every current leaflet on the instruction leaflets page, and leaflets for older and discontinued products on the earlier leaflets page. Where relevant, check the software version and choose the correct leaflet: the software version is on the side of the dimmer module.

We also have a page of wiring diagrams and how-to videos. Every data sheet links to the product's leaflet: type the product code into the search box. If the wiring diagram is not enough, please contact a qualified electrician.

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What do I need to remove before an insulation test?

Dimmers from all of our ranges should be disconnected for the duration of the insulation resistance test. Failing to do so could damage the dimmer and make the product guarantee invalid.

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Guarantee and older products

The lifetime guarantee, how to claim, and help for products we no longer make.

How do I make a guarantee claim or return a faulty product?

Many problems can be solved without a replacement, so please check the troubleshooting answers first. Then:

  1. Submit a guarantee claim, or email our support team at help@varilight.co.uk, with your purchase details and a description of the problem. We'll review it and respond within one working day.
  2. Tell us the product code, the batch number (on the plastic moulding at the back of a dimmer), the type and wattage of the lamps it controls, and the fault. Keep your proof of purchase.
  3. The faulty product must be returned to us. We'll email you a reference number, and you can return the product free of charge through the Royal Mail returns portal, using our returns reference (KILNWOOD) and your reference number.

If the claim is approved, we'll arrange a repair or replacement at no cost to you. See our lifetime guarantee.

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Where do I find the batch number or software version?

The batch number is printed on the plastic moulding at the back of the dimmer module: on the side or the bottom, depending on the model. The leaflet has a space to record it, and it helps us give you the right technical support. Where it applies, the software version is on the side of the dimmer module: use it to choose the right instruction leaflet.

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My old touch or remote dimmer (V-Pro IR) has failed: what now?

The V-Pro IR range is now obsolete and no longer manufactured. Please contact Customer Services (send us a message or email help@varilight.co.uk), telling us the product code and batch number of your dimmer. The current touch and remote control range is V-Pro Multi-Point.

Before you claim, it is worth trying the simple checks in my dimmer has stopped working: a reset at the circuit breaker, and checking the load. V-Pro IR dimmers are wired, paired and reset differently from Multi-Point: use the V-Pro IR instructions (PDF). Instructions for V-Plus IR and Eclique dimmers are on the earlier leaflets page. (V-Pro Multi-Point was formerly called Eclique 2.)

For other discontinued products, see what happens if my product is obsolete.

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Troubleshooting

Dimmers that have stopped working, flicker, buzz or glow, and other problems with installed products.

Not working, or switching off

My dimmer has stopped working: what should I do?

Many faults can be cleared without replacing anything. Switch off at the mains before touching any wiring and, if in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

  1. Reset the power. Switch the lighting circuit off at the circuit breaker, then back on after a few seconds. An overloaded dimmer switches itself off to protect itself, and touch and remote dimmers can often be reset this way.
  2. Check the load. Add up the wattage of all the lamps on the dimmer (for low voltage lighting, the VA ratings of the transformers). It must not be more than the maximum per gang on the dimmer's label. See how many lamps a dimmer can take.
  3. Changed the bulbs? If you have changed the type of lamp, reset the dimmer to its factory settings: V-Pro and V-Com, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart, or V-Pro Micro in set up your dimmer.
  4. New installation? Check the wiring against the diagram in the instruction leaflet. A touch or remote dimmer must have a true live connected to its "Live" terminal: it must not be switching neutral.
  5. Lights come on but won't dim? See my dimmer won't dim the lights.

If it still doesn't work, the dimmer may be faulty. It is covered by our lifetime guarantee: see how to make a claim. It helps to have the product code, the batch number (printed on the plastic moulding at the back of the dimmer) and the type and wattage of your lamps to hand.

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My lights are switching to a reduced brightness

The usual reason is that the dimmer is overloaded. A V-Plus dimmer turns the brightness down, or off, until the overload is removed and it is switched off and on again. V-Pro, V-Com, V-Pro Multi-Point and V-Dim safety dimmers switch off instead until the overload is removed.

Check the maximum load on the label on the back of the dimmer. Add up the wattage of the lamps it controls; with low voltage lighting, add up the VA ratings of the transformers, not the bulbs. If the total is more than the maximum, use fewer or lower-wattage lamps, or a higher-rated dimmer: see how many lamps a dimmer can take.

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My touch or remote control dimmer won't turn on

This problem can sometimes be solved by resetting the dimmer by turning it off and on again at the circuit breaker. If that doesn't help, work through my dimmer has stopped working.

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My touch or remote control dimmer won't turn off
  1. If this is a new installation then this problem is usually caused by incorrect wiring. Please consult a qualified electrician and ask them to check that the dimmer is not switching neutral. There must be a true live connected to the "Live" terminal. The wiring diagrams are in the instruction leaflet.
  2. If the dimmer has been working correctly then this fault has probably been caused by a component failure and the unit will need to be replaced: see how to make a guarantee claim.

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Flickering, buzzing and glowing

My LED lights flicker: how do I stop it?

Most flicker can be cured with the dimmer's own settings. On V-Pro and V-Com dimmers:

  • Flicker at low brightness: raise the minimum brightness.
  • Flicker at high brightness: lower the maximum brightness.
  • Flashing at any level: change the dimming mode. Mode 1 suits most LEDs; some perform better in Mode 2 or, in some cases, Mode 3.

Also check that:

  • the lamps are described as dimmable, and are all of the same type: our dimmers are not designed for mixed lighting types on one circuit;
  • on a 2-way circuit, only one of the switches has been replaced with a dimmer, to avoid flicker;
  • if your dimmer has a minimum load (the first figure of the rating on most V-Com and V-Dim dimmers), the lamps add up to more than it: see flicker caused by too little load.

V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Multiway and V-Pro Smart dimmers have the same kind of settings: see setting up and programming.

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My lights won't dim low enough, or go off at the lowest setting
  • Too bright at the lowest setting: reduce the dimmer's minimum brightness.
  • Off or flickering at the lowest setting: raise the minimum brightness. If some LEDs won't switch on at low brightness, turn on Drive (Boost), which gives them a short boost at start-up.

When the dimmer is installed, all the lamps must stay visibly on at the lowest brightness setting (UK EcoDesign Regulation 1194/2012). How low a lamp will dim varies according to the brand and type of LED: see our compatibility guide.

The same settings on other dimmers: V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart (in the app). V-Pro Micro is set from the switch: see set up your dimmer.

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My LED lamps glow or flicker when the dimmer is switched off

All touch and remote dimmers draw a tiny standby current, much like a television, so that they are ready to respond. Some LED lamps are sensitive enough to glow on this current: check your LED lamps are suitable for use with dimmers that have a standby mode.

Our LEDFix load regulator (part number YAGF, previously called GlowFix) solves this: one LEDFix connected in parallel with any of the lamp fittings stops sensitive LED lights from glowing or flickering. It draws less than 1 watt. See the LEDFix instructions (PDF) and the LEDFix wiring diagram. Another solution would be to use a V-Pro push on/off rotary dimmer.

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My LED lamps flicker briefly when the dimmer receives a remote control command

All IR devices briefly process signals when a command is detected. This happens in microseconds and is normally unnoticeable. However, some LED drivers are extremely sensitive to small current changes, which may cause a brief flicker.

This is a characteristic of the lamp and driver combination and not something that can be fully controlled by the dimmer.

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Is it normal for my dimmer to feel warm?

Yes. It is normal for dimmer switches to feel slightly warm during operation, particularly when they are controlling loads close to their maximum rated capacity. During dimming a small amount of heat is generated, and it is intentionally transferred to the front plate through the dimmer module's heat sink. This helps dissipate heat efficiently and protects the internal electronic components.

Touch and remote dimmers also draw a very small standby current when switched off, so they may feel slightly warm even when off. They have over-temperature protection, and the fire retardant material around the electronics at the back may show some discolouration from moderate temperatures, which is expected in normal operation.

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Touch, remote and Wi-Fi controls

My supplementary controllers only turn the lights on; they don't turn them off or dim them

Some LED lamps can interfere with the operation of supplementary controllers. All settings are made at the master dimmer.

  1. Check each supplementary controller is linked to the master at its LOAD and S-LINK terminals, and that the master has a live on its LIVE terminal: see wiring Multi-Point.
  2. Restore the factory settings at the master.
  3. Try a different dimming mode, or a higher minimum brightness.
  4. Check your LED lamps are suitable for use with dimmers that have a standby mode: a LEDFix load regulator may be required.

If this does not cure the problem, please send us a message or email help@varilight.co.uk.

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My dimmer doesn't respond to my remote control
  1. Try replacing the batteries in the handset (the YRC8 takes 2 x AA).
  2. Use the remote on the master dimmer: remote control is only possible for the master unit, not the supplementary controllers. Dimmers are preset to respond to buttons 1 and 8 on the VARILIGHT YRC8 handset.
  3. Reset the dimmer to its factory settings, then program it to the remote control again. If you are using dimmable LED lamps, it may help to change the driving mode to mode 2 before programming the dimmer to the remote.
  4. Certain brands of transformer (used with low voltage lighting) can prevent programming. For best performance of any VARILIGHT dimmer with low voltage lighting, choose VARILIGHT transformers.

VARILIGHT remote control dimmers work with most other infrared handsets. If the problem persists, try a different button, a different remote control or the dedicated VARILIGHT YRC8 handset.

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My lights respond to the remote but not to touch

This problem usually occurs when the dimmer is switching neutral rather than switching live. Please check your wiring against the diagram in the relevant instruction leaflet.

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Still stuck?

Our customer services team will help. To get the quickest answer, tell us the product code, the batch number from the back of the dimmer, and the make, wattage and number of lamps.