So I fitted a new lamp over the dining table and want to replace the on/off switch with a dimmer switch (more specifically a rotary dimmer unit).

BUT:

When I look in Coop Bau & Hobby they are well over 100 CHF for a plastic one. In the UK I replaced a chrome plated one for £15!

Why are they so good damn expensive here?

Does any one know a inexpensive electronics shop near Zurich where I can get one?
The lamp is 4 x 40w so would need a max 300w rated dimmer switch.

Any help much appreciated. :-))

You may already be aware of this. Make sure that the bulbs are suitable for dimming. Many of the newer low energy ones are not

Thanks Mr Purple,
Good point. I can confirm that the bulbs are incandescent halogen bulbs (Candle) at 40W each, which are dimmable.

These are 20-30% less in Conrad electronics - so are most items. Plus, the coop ones didn't fit when the conrad ones did for us.

they are much cheaper at Jumbo, but you are still looking at circa chf50 which is double/triple the price in the UK.

Alternatively just wait until your next trip to the UK and get one from B&Q, something nice and silver or any other colour you want.

good luck!

Edit: just looked at Conrad and they have this one for CHF13, with shipping you are looking at around CHF20

There are dimmers that use variable resistors and there are dimmers that use more efficient electronics. Are you sure you're comparing apples with apples?

Pusterla has a 300W for just CHF 30 (or CHF 40 if 3-way switch wiring is needed )