Control/Dimming Hardwiring something I built

[headcrab]

At my school we have a NRD8000 dimmer sitting around that we plan on using for the house lights (we can't yet control them from the board) but one bank of lights needs more power than one channel can handle. I was thinking of building an expander that could handle the current since we can't afford a more powerful dimmer. Designing it aside, can I hardwire this and not violate the NEC?

 

[Les]

Will it have a UL certification?

 

[Van]

Will it have a UL certification?

Quick answer "No" it will not.

At my school we have a NRD8000 dimmer sitting around that we plan on using for the house lights (we can't yet control them from the board) but one bank of lights needs more power than one channel can handle. I was thinking of building an expander that could handle the current since we can't afford a more powerful dimmer. Designing it aside, can I hardwire this and not violate the NEC?

If you need to dim your house lights then get a licensed electrical contractor to do it.

No offense, but the very nature of this question demonstrates that you are neither qualified or licensed.
In accordance with CB's TOS all questions concerning the re-wiring or modification of stock wiring of a dimmer pack would be in violation.

 

[icewolf08]

Van is correct, this is a topic that really can't be discussed here. You can't do what you want to do without actually reconstructing the dimmer, at which point you might as well just buy a higher capacity dimmer. By the same token, if you need a dimmer to provide a higher output you probably need a higher capacity feeder service. So, all of the modifications to the device will void it's UL listing, thus leaving YOU at fault if anything goes wrong. Also, as you would most likely need an upgrade to your feeder service, you need to hire a licensed electrician anyway.

I strongly suggest that you DO NOT attempt to do this. Buy a product that is designed to do what you need it to do!

All that being said, I am closing this thread before people start posting/getting ideas. Please feel free to contact any CBmod or Senior Team member if you have further questions on this topic as we would be happy to point you in the right direction.

 

[ship]

Yep, sorry but even if we could advise on something that is major, or being in your situation attemp, even we wouldn't do so in our parts either.

Find another way.