Today, LED lamps are the most economical in terms of energy consumption, but at the same time they give maximum brightness. But it is not always comfortable to be in a room with bright lighting. Sometimes you want to dim the light. The dimmer will be an excellent solution in the matter of adjusting the brightness of lighting. And besides, with its help it will be possible to economically consume electricity, and even extend the life of LED lamps.
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Translated from English, dimmer means dimming. It is designed to control the power of lighting. And this parameter directly depends on the voltage and current in the network. Therefore, in order to change the brightness of the lamp, it will be necessary to increase the resistance. The simplest example of a dimmer is the rheostat, which was invented by Pogendorf in the 19th century.
A modern device is a small device that is installed in the wall instead of a standard switch. The possibilities of the dimmer include not only turning the lighting on and off, but also adjusting the brightness. And more expensive options can work according to the installed program, i.e. turn on or off at a given time, have remote or voice control, work according to a given timer. But to work with a dimmer, special LED lamps are required. They have a special ability to change the brightness. This is determined by the fact that the lamp circuit matches the dimmer circuit. And at the same time, when the device changes the voltage, the lamp will adjust to these conditions and maintain this value of electric current. If you try to use non-dimmable lamps here, then they may not turn on, and if they turn on, they will fail in a short time.
First of all, let's look at dimmers by the way they control lighting. The most common is a device with a mechanical type of control. Here, buttons or a wheel are used as a brightness control.By gradually rotating such a wheel, the required brightness is achieved, when rotated all the way in the opposite direction, the lighting in this room is completely turned off. If buttons are used as a regulator, then such a dimmer is similar to a conventional switch with two buttons. In this case, one is responsible for turning the lighting on and off, and the second adjusts the brightness. There is also a touch control option. Such dimmers fit into any interior and are now gaining great popularity. These models have touch buttons in the form of "+" and "-" signs, with their help, the required brightness is selected. There are also options with remote control, which for many are the most convenient option. After all, you can carry out any manipulations with light from anywhere in the room. Such models can function through an infrared channel or a radio channel. In the first case, pointing the remote control at the device is required, and the second option allows you to perform manipulations even from the street.
Devices can be divided according to the installation method. Dimmers that are installed like conventional switches are called overhead. You don't need to drill any holes to install them, they just mount to the wall.
There are also built-in options, here you need to make an additional niche where the dimmer will be installed.
There are also modular devices that are mounted on a DIN rail. Such devices are used mostly in entrances, but they are expensive, so they are not very common.
First of all, before buying a device that regulates the brightness of lighting, you should choose the type of control. Mechanical devices will cost less than touch or remote ones.
Having dealt with the control, it is necessary to move on to such a criterion as the power of the dimmer. In this case, you need to think about the number and power of the lamps, the brightness of which will be adjusted by the dimmer. To do this, you need to sum up the value of their power. In this case, the power of the dimmer should be higher than the total power of the lamps used. For example, if the power of all lamps in total gives 80 watts, then the dimmer power must be at least 100 watts. Those. the device should have a small margin. It will also be useful in case of an increase in the number of lamps. The power of the lamps is indicated on the packaging and on the product itself.
Make sure the device can function in minimal light. Not all dimmers are able to work at minimum settings and reduce brightness well. And if the device does not cope with such a task, is there a wash in buying it?
Not unimportant criterion in the choice will be the manufacturer. Proven and popular brands produce high-quality goods that fully comply with the declared parameters.
Since it is impossible to immediately find the right light bulb for a particular device, as a rule, this is done by trial and error. Therefore, you should purchase, first, a dimmer, and then select a lighting element. Perhaps even the seller will tell you which brand of lamp will suit your dimmer. But still, you should make sure that it will be possible to exchange an unsuitable product. But when buying lamps, you should give preference to trusted brands, since Chinese budget lamps often do not match their characteristics.
This device is a white rotary control. It is designed to control lighting.This model is made of ABS plastic, so it is highly durable, heat resistant, does not change its appearance from exposure to sunlight. "TDM Electric SQ 18404-0016,2.7A" has ceramic-metal contacts, which were obtained by sintering special mixtures and powders, this makes the product arc-resistant and having good conductivity. It should be noted that the base of this model is made of plastic. This ensures the light weight of the dimmer and its strength. There is a metal caliper, which has mounting feet and is made of galvanized steel. This gives protection against corrosion and additional strength to the product.
"TDM Electric SQ 18404-0016,2.7A" is installed as a flush-mounted installation. It has a degree of protection against moisture and dust IP20, which is optimal for domestic use. The weight of the product is 90 grams.
The average cost is 265 rubles.
This device for adjusting the brightness of lighting has a convenient rotary knob, with which the optimal indicator is adjusted. This model from the QUARTA series has a classic design that will look good both at home and in the office.
"IEK QUARTA EDK10-K01-03-DM" is suitable for working with light sources, the total power of which does not exceed 400 W. When you turn on the device, the brightness of the lighting will be the same as it was before turning it off. The swivel mechanism of this product is made of metal, which does not lend itself to rusting. This will extend the life of the dimmer, which is rated for over 30,000 turns. The case is made of glossy white plastic.Installation of "IEK QUARTA EDK10-K01-03-DM" can be done with screws or spacers. The socket chassis of this model is made of steel, which in addition has an anti-corrosion coating. "IEK QUARTA EDK10-K01-03-DM" has a degree of protection IP20.
The average cost is 230 rubles.
This model of an electronic device from the well-known brand "Schneider Electric" is suitable for dimming not only LED lamps, but also halogen and incandescent lamps. The regulation mechanism of Blanca BLNSS040011 is rotary-push. This model is made of white glossy ABS plastic. That gives additional durability and protection against mechanical influence. The total power of the connected lamps can reach 400 watts. So a feature of this model is a combination with a presence sensor, and the ability to store the brightness of the lighting in memory.
"Blanca BLNSS040011" has a degree of protection IP20. The size of the product is 8.5 * 8.5 * 4.6 cm.
The average cost is 1850 rubles.
This dimmer from Schneider Electric belongs to the Senda line. This model has a hidden installation.Manufactured by "Senda SND2200521" of white ABS plastic, which is resistant to any mechanical stress and does not change its color from sunlight. To adjust the brightness of the lighting, a rotary-push mechanism is used. The maximum power of the connected lamps is 500 W. This device is easy to install. Since there are quick-clamp terminals with special wire guides. Also, the bare end of the wire is protected in the form of a disconnector, which will prevent a short circuit from occurring. Also, the product has powerful paws that securely attach the dimmer to the wall.
"Senda SND2200521" has a degree of protection IP20, which guarantees the protection of internal elements from moisture, dust or dirt. The size of the product is 7.1 * 7.1 * 4.8 cm.
The average cost is 1300 rubles.
With this product, you can turn on and off the light in the room, as well as adjust the brightness of the lighting. It is suitable for lamps with a total power of up to 400 watts. The Legrand Etika 672218 mechanism consists of two buttons. The left button is designed to turn the lighting on and off, and the second to adjust the level of illumination in the room. Under the keys of the device there is an LED that lights up in red in capacitive mode of operation, and green in inductive mode. One of these modes can be forced. Also in this model, you can set automatic memory, which, when turned on, will give out the brightness used before.This feature can be disabled if necessary.
The power and adjustment buttons are made of ABS plastic, which will not change color when exposed to sunlight. The mechanism of the product is made of polycarbonate. "Legrand Etika 672218" has IP20 protection.
The average cost is 3000 rubles.
A feature of this model is that it is suitable for any type of lighting fixtures. A maximum of 10 lamps can be connected. The lighting will turn on gradually, 2 seconds after turning on, the brightness will be set to the one that was adjusted when the product was last used. "Legrand Valena Allure" has three modes of operation: normal dimming mode, night mode, when the brightness will gradually decrease and turn off completely after 60 minutes, as well as the set brightness mode (0%, 33%, 60% and 100%). It is also worth noting that this model has built-in protection against overloads and short circuits. You can control this model remotely, as well as using the buttons.
The average cost is 4500 rubles.
This model has touch control, as well as a wide variety of color panels. Thanks to this, the product will easily fit into any interior and will complement it harmoniously. You can connect one lamp or a group consisting of several lamps to this device.In this case, the change of all parameters will occur simultaneously for the entire group. With the help of "Delumo" you can turn the light on and off, adjust its brightness, and there is also a soft start function. It is also worth noting that the device will automatically turn off 10 hours after it is turned on.
This model does not require wall mounting. "Delumo" has a battery that will last for several years of active use. And its functioning is carried out by installing a radio dimmer in the network, which will control all the signals supplied.
The average cost is 2100 rubles.
The LIVOLO dimmer has a touch panel made of glass. Available in 4 color options that will fit into any style of interior. With "LIVOLO" you can easily replace a conventional switch. In addition, you will have the advantage of smooth turning on and off the light, which will be especially useful in the dark, as well as the ability to adjust the brightness of the lighting, which will extend the life of your lamps. Adjusting the parameters is fast and does not require much effort, since the sensors of this model immediately respond to any actions. Also, "LIVOLO" can be controlled using the remote control, which will save you from making unnecessary movements.
"LIVOLO" has a degree of protection IP20. And the maximum load per device is 500 watts.
The average cost is 2000 rubles.
This model is used to turn on and off the light in the entrances and corridors. To control this device there is one button, when it is pressed quickly, the light turns on and off, to control the level of illumination, you must hold this button. In this case, a smooth change in the brightness of the lighting will occur. Also, this model has the ability to save the set brightness mode in memory.
Such a dimmer is installed on a DIN rail. The power of "DIM-14" is 1.3 watts. Operates in the temperature range from -20 to +35 degrees.
The average cost is 3800 rubles.
With the help of such a panel dimmer, you can control the lighting via a radio channel. Here, the relay of the device receives a signal from the control panel, if it is short, then the electricity is turned on or off, and when pressed for a long time, the brightness of the lighting changes. This module works with any type of lamp that supports dimming, but the maximum power should not exceed 250W. It is also worth noting that this model has the function of smooth switching on and a gradual change in brightness.
The average cost is 3000 rubles.
This model is designed for the "Smart Home" system, with its help you can control the operation of lighting devices, as well as the speed of rotation of the fans. "Qubino DIN Dimmer" is able to function with any type of lighting devices. Also, this device has passed more than one test for proper functioning with an increase in temperature, as well as a test for overload and short circuit. Therefore, critical situations should not cause fear in you.
The maximum load power of the Qubino DIN Dimmer is 230W. Works in the temperature range from -10 to +40 degrees. The weight of the product is 50 grams.
The average cost is 6600 rubles.
If earlier such a device as a dimmer was a novelty for us, now it is a rather popular element found in many apartments. The devices presented in the rating have a different price category. But both budget and expensive models have positive reviews. It will be more difficult to pick up lamps for inexpensive models, but in general they cope with their functions.