Wiring Question - Rheostat and Rocker switch in series, lights are still on?

[Snaz]

I am wiring a DIY LED fixture and my goal is to use rheostat(dimmable driver) and a rocker switch in series so that I can switch off the lights completely with the rocker switch and dim with the rheostat. The rheostat alone does not dim to zero hence the rocker switch.

When I put the rocker in the off position switches the LEDs do not completely extinguish, same as if the dimmer was turned to minimum.

Three post 25ohm rheostat and the rocker is the existing switch on the Biocube hood. How can I wire this please so I can completely turn off the lights without unplugging from the wall? Thank you.

[Cal_stir]

are you using meanwell driver?

[Snaz]

Originally Posted by Cal_stir

are you using meanwell driver?

Yes.

[Cal_stir]

a 5000 ohm resistor across the output of the driver will make the leds go out completely, you need a 10,000 ohm reostat to make the dimming work correctly

[mike31154]

If you have the switch wired correctly to cut power either to the driver or to your LEDs, it should turn them off. You need to interrupt (cut) the positive lead completely & wire that through the switch. One could cut the negative but normally it's the positive that is switched. The switch will provide manual shut off only in this configuration. Another option would be to put the lights on a timer that turns them off completely when your photoperiod is done.

[Cal_stir]

if you cut the power to the driver you will get a lightning flash.
are you using a dimmable driver?