Web Mountain UPB with Electronic LV track heads?

[dtremit]

I'm looking into retrofitting a small UPB system into my condo, and I like the look and featureset of the SA-style UPB dimmers. Was planning on standardizing on the Web Mountain SW-7 second generation switches.

However, I have four track systems which use MR-16 heads with electronic LV transformers integrated into them. They are the Halo-style H tracks. Currently they are run off cheapo 600W triac dimmers. There is a slight buzz in a narrow range of the dimming, but I have not had major problems.

Running these lights without dimmers is not an option. I know PCS makes a dimmer for electronic LV lights, but I would prefer to not spend an extra $150 per circuit if I don't have to. (Honestly, I'd rather spend that money replacing the fixtures, which are nothing special.)

So, my questions are:

• If I'm already using triac dimmers without a problem, can I swap in the SW-7s without an issue? Or will line noise that I can't hear be a problem for even the Gen2 devices?
• If not, are there other LV track heads I can use that *would* work with the SW-7s?
• Is there any risk of damage to the switch if I use these lights, or just to my transformers and my sanity?

Worst case, I suppose I can swap out the LV MR-16 heads for PAR16 line-voltage heads, eliminating the transformer entirely. But I'd rather skip (or at least forestall) the hassle and expense if I can.

Thanks -- d.

 

[ano]

I'm looking into retrofitting a small UPB system into my condo, and I like the look and featureset of the SA-style UPB dimmers. Was planning on standardizing on the Web Mountain SW-7 second generation switches.

However, I have four track systems which use MR-16 heads with electronic LV transformers integrated into them. They are the Halo-style H tracks. Currently they are run off cheapo 600W triac dimmers. There is a slight buzz in a narrow range of the dimming, but I have not had major problems.

Running these lights without dimmers is not an option. I know PCS makes a dimmer for electronic LV lights, but I would prefer to not spend an extra $150 per circuit if I don't have to. (Honestly, I'd rather spend that money replacing the fixtures, which are nothing special.)

So, my questions are:

• If I'm already using triac dimmers without a problem, can I swap in the SW-7s without an issue? Or will line noise that I can't hear be a problem for even the Gen2 devices?
• If not, are there other LV track heads I can use that *would* work with the SW-7s?
• Is there any risk of damage to the switch if I use these lights, or just to my transformers and my sanity?

Worst case, I suppose I can swap out the LV MR-16 heads for PAR16 line-voltage heads, eliminating the transformer entirely. But I'd rather skip (or at least forestall) the hassle and expense if I can.

Thanks -- d.

Do not use the SA dimmers for a load they aren't rated for. I think they would work fine in non-Dim mode, or as you can say, use the LV MR-16 heads. I use them and they work great, in fact once I saw they existed, I'm not sure why anyone would bother with transformers? Those PCS dimmers are more expensive for a reason. And yes, an incorrect dimmer can burn out the dimmer, the transformers, or both or start a fire. Its just not worth it. I'd go for the 120V lights.