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Dimmer Switches & Dimmable Lights
What is a Dimmer Switch and How Does it Work?
A dimmer switch is an electrical device that allows you to adjust the brightness of a light. This is achieved by controlling the amount of current flowing through the light source. Dimmer switches are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings to control lighting levels and create different moods and atmospheres.
What Makes an LED Dimmer Switch Different From a Standard Dimmer Switch?
LED dimmer switches are specifically designed to work with LED lights that have different electrical requirements than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED dimmer switches use sophisticated electronics to adjust the amount of current flowing through an LED. This helps to eliminate flickering, buzzing, and other issues that can occur when using incompatible dimmers.
When choosing a dimmer switch for LED lighting, it is important to choose one that is compatible with the type of LED lighting you are using. LED dimmer switches are usually labelled as "LED compatible" or "LED rated" and may have specific wattage or other requirements.
What Styles do Dimmer Switches Come in?
Dimmer switches come in a variety of styles, including rotary dimmers, slide dimmers, and touch dimmers. Rotary dimmers have a knob to adjust brightness, while sliding dimmers have a slider that moves back and forth. Touch dimmers use sensors to detect finger movement and adjust the light accordingly.
What is a Dimming Module?
The main difference between a dimmer switch and a dimmer module is that a dimmer switch is a physical switch mounted in a light switch box whereas a dimmer module is an electronic device mounted in a light bulb socket.
There are two main types of dimming modules: Leading-edge dimmer and trailing-edge dimmer. A leading-edge dimmer reduces the voltage to the light bulb at the beginning of each alternating current (AC) cycle. A trailing-edge dimmer reduces the voltage to the bulb at the end of each AC power cycle.
Dimmer switches are typically used with incandescent and halogen lamps, but dimmer modules can be used with a variety of bulbs, including incandescent, halogen, and LED lamps.
Dimmer switches are generally cheaper than dimmer modules. However, a dimming module gives you more flexibility in controlling the brightness of your bulbs.
When choosing between a dimmer switch and a dimmer module, it's important to consider the type of bulbs you're using, the level of control you need, and your budget.
Here are some of the pros and cons of dimmer switches and dimmer modules:
Dimmer switches
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Compatible with incandescent and halogen light bulbs
Cons:
- Less flexible than dimming modules
- May not be compatible with LED light bulbs
- Can cause flickering or buzzing with some light bulbs
Dimming modules
Pros:
- More flexible than dimmer switches
- Compatible with a variety of light bulbs, including incandescent, halogen, and LED bulbs
- Can create a variety of lighting effects
Cons:
- More expensive than dimmer switches
- Can be more difficult to install
- May not be compatible with all light bulbs
What Finishes Can Dimmers Switches Come in?
Dimmer switches come in a variety of styles to match your home or office decor. Here are some popular styles of dimmer switches available:
- White - This is the most common finish for dimmer switches and is usually made of plastic.
- Black – Black dimmers can provide a sleek and modern look.
- Stainless Steel - Popular in modern and contemporary settings, stainless steel dimmer switches can provide a clean and sleek look.
- Brass - Brass dimmer switches can add elegance and warmth to your decor and are popular in traditional or vintage settings.
- Nickel - Nickel finish is similar to stainless steel but looks a little warmer and softer.
- Bronze - Bronze finishes can add a rustic or industrial touch to your decor and are popular in farmhouse and vintage settings.
It is important to note that not all finishes are available for all dimmer switch types and the availability of finishes may vary by manufacturer.
Which Types of Bulbs are Dimmable?
There are several types of dimmable light bulbs on the market that can be used with a dimmer switch. Here are some of the most common types:
- Incandescent bulbs - A traditional light bulb that has been in use for over a century. They are dimmable and can be used with most types of dimmer switches.
- Halogen Bulbs - A halogen bulb is a type of incandescent light bulb that uses halogen gas to improve efficiency and life. It is also dimmable and can be used with most types of dimmer switches. Please note that halogen lights are no longer sold in the UK.
- Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Lamps - CFL lamps are more energy efficient than incandescent lamps, they produce light by using a gas to produce ultraviolet light, which is then converted into visible light by a fluorescent coating on the inside of the bulb. They may require a special type of dimmer marked as compatible with CFL lamps.
- LED BULBS - LED bulbs are the most energy efficient light bulbs and are becoming more and more popular. However, not all LED bulbs are dimmable, and you should choose bulbs marked as compatible with the dimmer switch.
- Smart Light Bulbs - Smart light bulbs are LED light bulbs that can be controlled using your smartphone or smart home device. Some smart bulbs are also dimmable and can be controlled with a compatible dimmer switch or app.
Please keep in mind that not all dimmer bulbs are compatible with all types of dimmers. To ensure optimal performance, always check the manufacturer's compatibility recommendations before purchasing any bulbs or switches.
What Types of Dimmable Fittings are There?
There are many different types of dimmable light fittings on the market that can be used with dimmer switches. Here are some of the most common types:
- Recessed Lights – Also known as can lights or downlights, recessed lights are built into the ceiling and provide subtle, directional light.
- Pendant lighting - Pendant lighting consists of a single light source suspended from the ceiling by a cord or chain.
- Wall Light - Wall lights give off a soft, indirect light.
- Track Lighting - Track lighting consists of a series of adjustable lights mounted on a track. They can be used to provide directional lighting and are commonly used in galleries and retail environments.
- Chandelier - A chandelier is a decorative light that has multiple light sources and is suspended from the ceiling.
- Floor Lamps - Floor lamps are free-standing fixtures that can provide ambient or directional light.
- Table Lamps - Table lamps are portable lights that can provide ambient or directional light.
It's important to note that not all dimmable lights are compatible with all types of dimmers. To ensure optimal performance, always check the manufacturer's compatibility recommendations before purchasing fittings or switches.
At Electrical2Go we stock dimmer modules and switches from many different brands. Each brand offers a variety of styles and finishes, so we are sure you will be able to find your perfect match right here.
Brands we stock include:
Aurora Dimmer Switches:
A professional designer and manufacturer of LED lighting for the commercial market.
Ansell Dimmer Switches:
With quality and sustainability at the core of their activities, they design and manufacture indoor and outdoor lighting solutions for a variety of customers in the public and private sectors.
Bell Lighting Dimmer Switches:
BELL Lighting was founded in 1920 and is still a family-owned business. They have developed into a leading manufacturer and supplier of quality light sources and lighting fixtures for the electrical wholesale industry.
BG Electrical Dimmer Switches:
BG has built an enviable reputation with over 70 years of experience manufacturing and selling electrical accessories.
Click Dimmer Switches:
Click are a British, family run business that have been incorporated since 1989 and have become strong force in the electrical accessory market.
Collingwood Lighting Dimmer Switches:
Create beautifully lit spaces with over 120 years of design, innovation and know-how.
GreenBrook Electrical Dimmer Switches:
With over 65 years of success in the electrical industry, GreenBrook is an established manufacturer of electrical equipment products.
Hager Dimmer Switches:
Provide electrical distribution solutions for your residential and commercial projects.
Hamilton Dimmer Switches:
A market leader in high quality decorative wiring accessories since 1968, Hamilton is a British electrical manufacturer that designs, develops and manufactures the highest quality innovative electrical accessories in its Bristol, UK facility.
Integral LED Dimmer Switches:
As an industry pioneer, Integral LED offers high quality designer LED lighting solutions for a variety of commercial, industrial, retail, hospitality and residential applications.
JCC Lighting Dimmer Switches:
Founded in 1989, JCC is a leader in developing cutting-edge LED lighting technology.
Knightsbridge Dimmer Switches:
Knightsbridge was founded in 1998 and has since established itself as one of the UK's leading importers and distributors of lighting products and appliances.
MK Dimmer Switches:
For over a century, MK Electric's range of wiring devices, cable management and power distribution solutions has set the standard for quality, reliability and safety.
Robus Dimmer Switches:
ROBUS is known for providing energy-efficient solutions for businesses and homes, backed by world-class customer service in over 40 countries around the world.
Varilight Dimmer Switches:
VARILIGHT is the brand name of Doyle & Tratt Products Ltd. Doyle & Tratt Products Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer of dimmer switches, decorative switches and socket outlets, supplying the UK retail market, trade and OEM.
If you’re not sure about quantities, sizes or have any other questions, our sales team will be more than happy to help. Perhaps you’re not sure what switch or module to buy? Maybe you’re wondering if you should choose a module or a switch, or whether LED bulbs are the best choice? Give them a call now on 01424 220384.