Solid state dimmer for 12 volt halogen?

[akaelsie]

We want to change the track lights to lights with individual transformers using 12volt 20 watt MR16 bulbs (currently we have 6-65 watts on this track). The package for the light states that we need to use a solid state dimmer--we tried 2 of these MR16 bulbs with the dimmer and it seems to work just fine--dare we add 3 more 20 watt lights w/o changing the dimmer? The guy at the store said just try it, if the dimmer gets hot then change it. In any case I looked around for a solid state dimmer and didn't find any so marked. Is it something special, I don't want to start a fire.

[Desy2820]

just look for one marked for use with low voltage lights, transformer safe, or halogen lamp use (or something similair). They shouldn't be too hard to find, low voltage lights are really popular.

100 Watts doesn't sound like too much of a load for any dimmer, but if your not sure if it's designed for low voltage use then I would replace it. Over time a standard dimmer can burn out the transformers in the lights.

[akaelsie]

Thanks so much, I'll look for the dimmer this week--I assume to replace a dimmer is something like replacing a light switch which I've done.