How to Choose Dimmer Switches
If you’re cooking, reading or working, bright lights are your friend, but there are times when you prefer a softer glow. That’s where dimmers come in. They give a gentler level of light that can work as a reading light, dining light or a night light. Dimmers add just the amount of brightness you need when you need it.
How Dimmers Work
Dimmer switches reduce the amount of voltage that a light bulb receives. Adding dimmers to your lighting scheme is a quick, easy way to make your home more appealing and more comfortable. But with all the dimmer styles out there, which one should you buy?
Types of Dimmer Switches
There are four main types of dimmer switches. Our SESCOS technicians can quickly and expertly install the one that’s right for your home.
Single-pole: This is a single switch that controls the on-off switch as well as the dimming switch on a lighting fixture. If you have a hanging lamp in your dining room and the on-off switch is the same switch that dims it, it’s probably on a single-pole switch.
Plug-in: You can turn a floor, table or desk lamp into a dimmer lamp by adding a plug-in switch.
Three-way: This allows you to have a light fixture that is controlled by one dimmer but several on-off switches throughout the house. Some single-pole dimmer switches can be configured as three-way dimmers depending on the installation.
Multi-location: A multi-location dimmer lets you control your dimmers from on-off switches in several different locations. An example of this is being able to turn the hallway lights on and off and use the dimmers, from either end of the hallway.
What About LEDs?
If you want LED lighting, you will need to take additional steps. Because they are wired differently than standard light bulbs, LEDs in dimmers will flicker, buzz or just not work.
To use them, you’ll either have to find LED bulbs that are compatible with regular dimmers or buy dimmer switches specifically made to work with LEDs.
If you want special effects like colored lighting, you’ll definitely need LEDs. They’re available in a huge variety of colors that will let you add flair to your everyday look or create colorful lighting shows for parties and events.
A Word on Watts
Most dimmers will come with their wattage clearly displayed so it’s easy to buy the one that fits your needs. Add up the wattage from all the bulbs it will be controlling and make sure you don’t overload it.
With LED bulbs, the output is measured in lumens rather than watts.
Your Style Statement
Dimmers are an easy way to add the right ambiance to your rooms and control your energy use. The switches come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and styles, allowing you to make them part of your decor.
Recessed lights. When installed in “can” lights, dimmers help create a soft glow that makes a room look inviting. This is also a great way to highlight artwork and other wall features.
Track lights. Track lighting is often dramatic. Dimmers let you soften the drama with lowered lighting.
Reading lights. Dimmers let you read in bed or in a room corner without disturbing other people with a bright light.
Wining and dining. Use dimmers to create a warm atmosphere for dinner parties and other gatherings.
Put it Together
If you haven’t looked at dimmer switches in a while, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the options, colors, styles and technical features you can find. Today’s dimmer switches are quick and easy to install, easy to use and compatible with any lighting style.
Figure out where you’d like dimmers and how many locations you’d like to control them from. Add up the wattage, decide what type of bulb you’re using and then call SESCOS. We can put the whole plan in place for you with safe, expert installation. Call SESCOS today and discover how dimming your lights can give you a brighter outlook.