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5 Responses to “Angelo Brothers 70801 Halogen Dimmer for Torchiere Lamps”

1. Curtis C. Chen on April 27th, 2010 at 10:50 pm

   Just a warning to those thinking about buying this dimmer switch: it’s something you have to install INSIDE your lamp, replacing the existing on/off switch assembly.

   I’ve done it before, and it’s not too difficult, but it does require some tools (screwdriver, wire cutters– a good Swiss Army knife should do). If you’d rather not open up your lamp and MacGyver its guts, you should look for other, EXTERNAL dimmer options.
   Rating: 3 / 5

2. B. Allmon on April 28th, 2010 at 12:33 am

   The switch comes ready to wire together with existing lamp wires. Very easy. ONE NOTE HOWEVER: I purchased two switches to repair both of my lamps. One was 500W and the other 300W. The new switch went inside the 500W lamp pole with plenty of room. It would not insert into the 300W. My 300W pole inside diameter was too small and the switch height from base to toggle(?) top was too tall.
   
   I measured both outside diameters of each of the lamps. The 500W was 1.5 inch outer diameter whereas the 300W was 1.25 inch outside diameter. Approximating, you will need a outside pole diameter of 1.35 inch or larger for this replacment switch to install.
   Rating: 4 / 5

3. The Rocketman on April 28th, 2010 at 3:31 am

   This Westinghouse unit is a great in-line dimmer to keep your old Torchiere running (and they literally don’t make them like they used to so this is an important fix!).

   This product is superior to the Westek one (also available on Amazon) because it easily fits into the 1.5″ post of a 500 W Torchiere (and this switch is designed up to 500 W, though you can use it easily with 300 W bulbs). The Westek one was more difficult to install into the 1.5″ post because the tolerance of fit was about zero.

   However: unlike the Westek unit, you will need electrical twisty connectors for this product, because it is literally just a switch, no connectors included. A #5 connector will do just fine.

   Also, unlike the Westek, this doesn’t come with good instructions for installation. Here’s the important hint: the two wires inside your lamp aren’t the same. One outside insulation is smooth, the other has a ridge to it. Make sure when you install the dimmer, you connect the smooth wire to the smooth wire and the ridge wire to the ridge wire.

   Lastly: the press fit for the brass colored knob was too tight on this unit and it was impossible to slide off for installation without marring it. Good thing I kept the original knob from the original dimmer that was being replaced. Of course, the original knob fit perfectly on this Westinghouse dimmer.

   Even with all these issues (1) no connectors (easily gotten at Home Depot) (2) no instructions and (3) brass knob fit, I would still recommend this unit over the Westek because it was far easier to slide into the lamp for installation.
   Rating: 5 / 5

4. T. Gehlhaus on April 28th, 2010 at 6:25 am

   Great Replacement Part!! Only Bad Thing Is They Ship It With The On/Off Knob On The Switch!!! Not A Good Idea!!!! Considering It Must Be Removed For Installation!!!!!! A Real Pain In The Butt!!! To Remove!!!
   Rating: 4 / 5

5. Kevin Parker Kp Limited on April 28th, 2010 at 7:07 am

   I bought this product online because it was not readily available around me. The switch was a perfect match with the old one and was very easy to install. The lamp was repaired and didn’t end up in the landfill. I would recommend this product.
   Rating: 5 / 5

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