Lighting Dimming: How to Pick the Right Dimmer Switch
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Lighting always delivers great work when bringing a certain atmosphere to the room. One of the ways to build the atmosphere is through a lighting dimming switch. 

Even though a light switch sounds like a very mediocre item in your household, it could turn a dark room into something spectacular – especially if it comes with a dimmer system.

So, in this article, you will find information about the dimming system and everything about it. Understanding how this system works and choosing the right dimmer will allow you to create a spectacular result.

What Does a Dimmer Switch Do?

A dimmer switch generally controls the number of lumens emitted by a bulb. By using this kind of light switch, you can decide how strong the bulb will shine – it can be full strength or not. 

However, not every dimming light switch is created equal, which requires you to find out more about the specs before choosing a specific dimmer for lighting fixtures in your house.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Light Dimmer

types of dimming in lighting

The dimming lights in house genuinely bring a huge difference, especially if you want to infuse a mood into the room. However, you cannot just pick a dimmer and a lamp to work together.

Ignoring the requirements may lead to inconveniences, such as a humming sound when you use the dimmer or short circuits. Thus, before choosing a specific light dimmer, here are worth-considering factors.

1. Types of Dimmer Switch

Generally, there are five types of dimming in lighting, such as:

  • Leading-edge
  • Trailing edge
  • Low voltage dimming
  • Pulse width modulation (PWM)
  • Constant current reduction

You can find out more about each term on Google – they’re very technical. Besides dimming in lighting, the dimmer switch types are also crucial to understand. Those types include:

  • Single Pole Dimmers – this is the most common dimmer where everything is controlled through a single-pole switch.
  • Three-Way Dimmer – as its name suggests, the dimmer comes with three switches; two light switches to turn on the lights and a dimmer to control the brightness.
  • Multi-Location Dimmers – this type of switch comes in several dimmers that control a set of lights.
  • Wall Plug-in Dimmers – if you see a dimmer attached to a lighting fixture directly, this is it.

Today, you’ve seen that dimmers are accessible through smartphones. However, it doesn’t make the importance of choosing the dimmer switch any less.

2. The Bulbs

Can any light fixture be dimmable? No, they cannot – only specific light fixtures are designed to support a dimmer switch. Thus, you better know what light bulbs you are using.

The good news is that you can use LED bulbs that are dimmable. Yet, you have to make sure that the bulb is compatible with the dimmer switch. Feel free to contact the manufacturer or hire a professional to find out about it.

On the other hand, outdoor lighting and task lighting in the kitchen may come with lower voltage, requiring a different dimmer. To control these lighting fixtures, you have to choose a dimmer switch that supports low voltage bulbs.

3. Technology

Many homeowners and buildings have switched to smart technology. Besides smart TVs and smart homes, you can also invest in smart dimmer switches. 

And if you incorporate innovative technology – Alexa, Google, iOS, Android, you name it – there is no need to install a switch since everything is controlled through Wi-Fi. Still, you need to purchase special bulbs that support Wi-Fi connections.

However, trouble may arise if the power runs out and there is no internet connection. Thus, even if you invest in smart technology to control the LED dimming switch, it is better to come up with manual switches, too, if the Wi-Fi is not working.

What is the Best Lighting Dimming Type for LED?

dimming system

At some point, all light switches will come with a dimmer. Nowadays, you may see that many lights are controlled by using smartphones, yet the presence of a dimmer switch is essential.

So, when choosing the best dimmer for LED lamps in the room, it is essential to check with the manufacturer. If it seems impossible for you, you better hire professionals to care for the entire thing.

Elca is a lighting company that provides a series of lighting fixtures – from downlights to step lights – with quality. Besides offering quality products, this company is happy to help with your projects, whether for commercial or residential buildings.

Thus, if you want to customize the lighting in your building and provide lighting fixtures that are compatible with light switch dimmers, you should give Elca a call.

People are more aware of lighting than before. This element is not merely about visibility and ambiance, considering lighting shape dimensions in the building – choosing the best lighting dimming type is part of it, of course.

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