Blogs

How To Choose a Dimmer Switch

How To Choose a Dimmer Switch

Last updated on June 13, 2024

Are you looking for a new dimmer and find it difficult to select the most appropriate dimmer for your switch? Or even completely in the dark about dimmers and their compatibility?

This article will serve as your personal guide to highlight all the important features of dimmers, what to look for and how to select a dimmer for your specific use. But first, we introduce what a dimmer is

What is a dimmer?

Dimmers are quite common but may be unrecognizable to the unfamiliar eye.

If you closely observe your lamp holder or light fixture at home, you will notice that there is a device connected to it that allows you to control the brightness of your bulb: this is the dimmer.

A dimmer gives you the flexibility and capability to control the brightness of your space.

Different dimmer types have different features and operations, depending on the type of dimmer and bulb installed.

What is the purpose of the dimmer?

Dimmers help give your rooms and spaces specific lighting moods to match your exact preferences.

You can also use a dimmer, for example, to set a relaxed, soft tone to your dining room lighting, to give you a relaxed or romantic feeling over dinner.

Additionally, the bulbs installed in the light fixtures might not provide the lumen output desired for the room. A dimmer allows you to control and tune in to the exact setting desired.

Moreover, when operated properly, dimmers can introduce significant savings on bulb operation and great reductions in power consumption, effectively lowering the electricity bills.

Factors to consider when selecting a dimmer?

To ensure that your dimmer matches the intended purpose and can satisfy the end results, there are a few factors to look into before purchasing the dimmer.

Mainly, there are four factors to consider before selecting a dimmer:

  • Dimmer types.
  • Matching bulbs to dimmers.
  • Matching dimmers to watts controlled
  • The design or style of the dimmer control.

Now, let’s get into details.

Dimmer types

Dimmers are available in a number of types and designs and the specific dimmer type required needs to be selected carefully. Firstly, you need to access your light fixture and determine the number of switches that control it.

There are four (4) types of dimmers:

The single pole dimmer: this type is designed for an electrical wiring where everything is controlled from just one switch.

Three-way Dimmer: when you have more than one switch controlling the lights, this is the type to go for. This dimmer type has two (2) switches and only one dimmer.

Multi-location dimmers: in a setting where lighting is controlled from multiple sources, you will need the multi-location dimmer. This dimmer type will allow full dimming control from multiple locations.

Plug-in dimmer: dimmers are not just for your ceiling lights or bulbs. To use them with your bedside lamps, floor lamps or table lamps, use a plug-in type dimmer, as they are perfect for lights which plug directly into an outlet.

Matching bulbs to dimmers

Before making the purchase, careful consideration must be given to the bulbs this dimmer is set to operate.

The bulbs and the dimmer must be compatible and the bulb has to be a dimmable one.

Also, depending on the type of light bulb, the dimmer type will vary.

For example, if you use a halogen or an incandescent lighting system, then you would need an incandescent dimmer. Otherwise, you may not achieve your intended dimming scheme.

Alternatively, if you’re using an LED or compact fluorescent light, then you will need an LED dimmer. Any other dimmer used will give poor results with a continuous buzzing sound or might even fail to operate.

For low voltage lighting systems – electronic or magnetic – one must get a dimmer that matches the transformer that operates the bulbs. A magnetic dimmer is required for magnetic low voltage lights and an electronic dimmer is required for electronic low voltage ones.

Matching dimmers to watts controlled

All dimmers available on the market have an operational threshold, which is defined by the watt level they can power or control.

To properly select a dimmer, you need a thorough estimate of the watt value intended for the dimmer to control. It is essential to check the dimmer package and manual as it typically states its watts capacity.

Avoid overburdening the dimmer and only use it with the watts capacity it has been designed for.

The design or style of the dimmer control

Dimmer controllers are available in various styles, colors, and designs, and are manufactured to meet a wide range of customer preferences.

Options for dimmer controllers include slide dimmer, rocker dimmer, toggle dimmer, tap dimmer, rotary dimmer, and touch-sensitive dimmer control.

This guide has been planned to provide enough details and information to help you choose the proper dimmer to meet your space, intended settings and style. 

e-green electrical logo image

E-Green Electrical

E-Green Electrical is a top tier energy efficiency company based in Sydney. We focus on utilising government rebates to help reduce our clients energy consumption by installing energy efficient solutions. E-Green boasts a rich heritage within the realm of energy efficiency, consistently staying up to date with cutting-edge technologies to deliver optimal results for our valued customers.

We don't just sell products and services; we also provides tips and information on how to help reduce energy consumption. We believe in using energy wisely and teaching others how to do the same. For E-Green, it’s important to share knowledge with the community. That's why we regularly write articles about saving energy, new government rebates available and increasing sustainability.

Related Articles

5 Reasons to Use Recessed LED Ceiling Lights

When designing a lighting plan for a home, one of the most popular and versatile options to consider is recessed […]

5 Ways to brighten your bathroom lighting

If you are looking for ways and methods to brighten your bathroom lighting using LED lights, then you are in […]

How To Choose The Right LED Downlight in 2024

What are LED downlights? LED Downlights are a type of energy saving light fixture that is commonly used in residential […]

11 Indispensable Business Lighting Tips for 2024

In this world of market competition and a thriving industrial revolution, businesses tend to run at an optimum level. Therefore, […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CONTACT US