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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 11 questions about Older touch and remote dimmers Show all questions

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

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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Buying

Where to buy, orders, trade buying and bespoke products.

Is a product still available, or has it been discontinued?

Look the product up by code on the data sheets page. The data sheet says if a product is made to order or no longer available, and shows where to buy current products. Many dimmers that aren't made ready-built in a finish can be made with our Matrix system. For a discontinued product, see what happens if my product is obsolete.

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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 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 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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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 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.