Hi John, I'm an electrician and I think I can help you with this problem.
First and foremost, this switch's 2000VA / 1600W electrical rating is based on a incandescent load.
Let's do do the math on this one.. 18 x 50 = 900 watts. So, you're under the 1600 watt capacity, but I think this is a bit more involved than this.
I'd be willing to bet that you're not dimming a 12 volt circuit - but rather a 120 volt circuit that supplies one or more transformers that step the power down from 120 volts to the the 12 volt bulb voltage. A transformer is an inductive load. A transformer's inductive load is completely different than the incandescent load the dimmer is designed to control. The transformers are rated for 120 volts and will have issues including heat problems if provided less than the rated input voltage to provide a reduced output voltage you want so that you can dim these lights.
This switch will not work on the output of the transformer in this situation either because the significant amperage being switched here. Each of these lamps draws a bit over 4 amps as determined by ohm's law: 50W / 12V = 4.16A. The total load at 12 volts is (again, Ohm's law) 18 x 4.16A = 74.88A ! That means the wire would need to be a #4 or #2. This is about the size of the cable on your car's battery (only amperage determines conductor size - voltage determines insulation).
A dimmer on this circuit will not work unless the fixtures are changed so that no transformers are used to supply the lamps. This includes fluorescent lamps (compact or otherwise) unless the packaging specifically states that they can be used on a dimmer.
You may wish to contact Lutron Hotline at 800-523-9466 for additional help and suggestions. I hope this helps & good luck!
SOURCE: when controlling a 300 watt cable lighting system
Sounds like a loose connection. If they all fo out, it's at the beginning of the circuit. Check all connections at the start of circuit.
If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/craig_3fa289bf857b1a3c
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SOURCE: Are there any Lutron Nova
Pretty sure you're not going to find them on a distributor's shelf, however,
call their tech support number at 1-800-523-9466, they may be able to provide you something through warranty replacements. To make it easier on them, you may want to specify the color code (NTV-P-WH).
Good luck.
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The 18 12-volt, 50 watt lamps are the small type low voltage fixtures hooked to wire cables (located in a game room). The switch was installed in 2005/06 but the room isn't used often, so the lights aren't on that much either. Before we spend $250 or more on another switch, we want to learn as much as possible re what might be causing the problem. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
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