Metal Halids Run Off Dimmer as Substitute Relay?

Just wondering if there is a problem running 3x400W metal halides off a dimmer (L5504D2U) but not for dimming purposes - just using the dimmer as a substitute relay.

I have what appears to be a faulty relay and have a spare dimmer which I thought I could use while sorting out the relay problem. There are 3 x 400w lights run through a contactor. If I make sure the channel dimmer is set to max/min 100% would this be ok or are their startup/shutdown issues that might damage the lights?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

If your running the MH lights through a contactor then you should be ok. The dimmer will always ramp on/off no matter what you do with the min/max settings. You may bet some bouncing on the contactor when it turns on/off, but it should work.

If your running the lights directly through the dimmer at 3x400W (1200W) you will blow the channel on the dimmer, it can only handle (about 600W)

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have two spare dimmers and no spare relays but as it is through a contactor it looks like I should wait for the warranty replacement of the faulty relay which should be on its way soon anyway (he says hopefully)