Dimmer Switch vs. Dimmable Remote: What’s the Difference?
October 3, 2023
October 3, 2023
There are two basic types of dimmer light switches: leading edge dimmers and trailing edge dimmers. Most older dimmer switches are leading edge. Trailing edge switches are recommended for dimming LED bulbs and fixtures. If you are concerned about the compatibility of your existing switches with new LED fixtures, consult with a qualified electrician. If you’re purchasing new, it’s best to do a little research first to ensure your products are compatible.
You may also have considered dimmable remote switches, which allow you to control lights with a physical remote or from your mobile device or smart home system. Remote dimmers offer features LED dimmer switches don’t have. Instead of basic dimmable lighting options, you can do more than control light output with remote digital dimmers. Some of the different functions include scheduling and scene creation, with hundreds of color choices customizable to your preferences.
So, what type of dimmer light switch is right for you? Let’s light it up!
Dimmer switches are installed in the wall, much like a standard light switch. They allow users to adjust the brightness or light level of the light fixture they attach to according to preference, time of day, or activity.
Dimmers can be installed in any room of the house, kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, or anywhere you like. Lowering the light switches reduces the amount of electricity to the light, causing it to produce less light. This is how dimmer switches allow you to have different light levels at different times of the day.
Remote dimmers are a type of modern dimmers that are more sophisticated systems, rather than simply turning the brightness up and down. Dimmable remote-control fixtures allow you to use a remote device to control and dim the light and, in the case of light fixtures with an RGB feature, change the light’s color. Because these are entirely different types of dimmers, remote dimmable lights are incompatible with a standard dimmer switch, as it will cause the light to flicker.
Haylen is one of MOD LIGHTING’s most popular fixtures. It’s a sleek, minimalist wall light often used in hallways and entryways and offered as a single-colored fixture with warm white (3000K), neutral white (4500K), and cool white (6000K).
Haylen is also offered as an RGB fixture controlled remotely. From the remote, you can choose from seven single colors, adjust the brightness, or customize a multi-colored scene with one of 358 lighting effects.
Fixtures like Haylen are often used for exterior lighting but they can be used in hallways, staircases, or foyers too. Multiple fixtures are controllable with a single remote and are fully programmable and schedulable with lots of nifty features.
Remote dimmers can also help you control lighting in larger open interior spaces with multiple “zones.” You can group several lighting fixtures on the remote and control them from a single source instead of individual switches.
Dimmer switches work differently from a dimmable remote as the dimmer function is built into the switch itself instead of being a function of the remote control. Dimmer switches allow you to choose from varying amounts of light.
Most homeowners prefer to install dimmer switches inside their homes to control their interior lighting. Each dimmer switch controls a single fixture and allows the user to adjust the light level according to their mood and preference.
Dimmable switches do not offer the ability to switch between warm white and cool white; they simply adjust the intensity of the light up or down.
You’ll need to choose dimmable LED bulbs, a compatible fixture, and a dimmer switch to achieve the lighting effect you want.
By the same token, not all types of dimmer switches work with all LED bulbs. You’ll need to check the specifications on the bulbs or fixtures to ensure the light can be dimmed.
MOD LIGHTING chandeliers like Kendall and Celestial use dimmable G9 LED bulbs, while Obsidian takes dimmable E14 bulbs. As long as the bulbs are dimmable, they are compatible with most dimmer switches, including Lutron dimmer switches.
Chandeliers that feature light strip bands, like Helia, Skyla, or Janet, are compatible with dimmer switches. As long as the bulb or LED fixture is dimmable (the specs will be noted in the product description), they can be connected to existing wall dimmer switches. If the product is not listed as dimmable, it won’t work with any dimmer; it’s as simple as that.
Always check the wattage of your light bulbs or fixtures to be sure you’re not overloading the electrical circuit. Too many bulbs on a single circuit and your dimmer may not work as expected.
How much power can your circuit handle? As a general rule of thumb, divide the total wattage by 10 to determine the maximum LED wattage your dimmer can handle. For example, if your dimmer switch has a capacity of 400 watts, don’t connect more than 40 watts of LEDs to it.
Installing dimmers on your interior and exterior lights helps to elevate your design, set the perfect mood, and create breathtaking visual effects with shadow, light, and color. With so many options to consider, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice or inspiration. MOD LIGHTING is here to help you discover the perfect way to light up your world.