Best smart light switches in 2024

Does your home have a lot of built-in light fixtures, such as recessed lighting, chandeliers, or wall sconces? If so, replacing all those lights with smart light bulbs can get expensive quickly. A cheaper way is to install a smart light switch, which lets you control all the lights from one spot. 

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After testing a dozen or so models, we think the best smart light switch is the Leviton Decora. It works with every major smart home system, is easy to install, and comes in a number of configurations, so you can get it with or without a built-in motion sensor or dimmer, and there's even a model for homes without a neutral wire.

A smart light switch looks and acts like any traditional light switch or dimmer, but lets you control your lights from your smartphone, set schedules for when the lights should turn on and off, and connect them to other smart home devices using Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Many of the best smart light switches even have a vacation mode, which will turn your lights on and off randomly to make it look like you're home.

Many of the smart switches we've tested are available in multiple models with different features. For example, you may be able to get it as a simple on/off switch, with a dimmer, or with a motion detector. We've attempted to provide links for as many options as we could find. 

The quick list

Disclaimer

Editor's note: Brilliant, the company that makes the smart light switch panel in this guide, is no longer selling its devices, and has laid off most of its staff, including its support center, according to an article in The Verge. However, the company is maintaining its servers, so those who already own Brilliant products should be able to use them as normal for the time being.

The best smart light switches you can buy today

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Best smart light switch overall

(Image credit: Leviton Decora)

The Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion sensing Dimmer (D2MSD-1BW) is our favorite pick for the best smart light switch for those who want a dimmer switch with a motion sensor. We like its clean look and simple design, nice for those who want tech but don't want their switches to look too gadgety. 

You can set specific dimming levels for times of the day (such as a nightlight), can handle a wide range of lights including LEDs, CFLs incandescent, and the less common Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) type. It also supports a large number of smart home platforms, including the big three: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, and it's compatible with Matter.

About the only thing we didn't like is that it requires a neutral wire, which may be an issue for older homes. And, it's not Matter-compatible, though a dimmer-only version of the switch is.

However, Leviton has the Decora No-Neutral Dimmer ($49, Amazon) and a No-Neutral Switch ($44, Amazon), which work with the Decora Smart Wi-Fi Bridge ($20, Amazon); all are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home.

If you don't care for a motion sensor, Leviton also makes a dimmer-only version and an on-off only version of this switch, among others. If you have a room where you'd like a second switch, but don't want to pay an electrician to install one, the switch can also be paired with a Dimmer Companion ($27, Amazon), which is a battery-powered switch that can be attached anywhere with nothing more than some double-sided tape.

Read our full Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion sensing Dimmer review.

Best value

(Image credit: C-Start Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer (Credit: GE Lighting))

2. GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer

This switch works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and has a motion sensor built in.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Size:

1.4 x 1.7 x 2.8 inches

Wi-Fi:

Yes

Motion Sensor:

Yes

Works with:

Alexa, Google Assistant

Dimmable:

Yes

Supports three-way switches:

Yes

Neutral wire required:

No

Today's Best Deals

View at Amazon

(White)

Reasons to buy

+

No hub necessary

+

Supports Alexa, Google Assistant

+

Motion sensor

Reasons to avoid

-

Utilitarian design

-

Confusing Android app

The GE Cync Smart Switch isn't the sexiest or sleekest, but it's the best smart light switch because it gets the job done and is packed with features. The Wi-Fi-connected switch works with all kinds of bulbs, has apps for iOS and Android, and lets you control lights with a touch, voice, motion or remotely via a smartphone.

Installation, as with most other smart switches, requires a neutral wire, but it's fairly straightforward. The switch includes an ambient light sensor (so it can be set not to come on in daylight) and a motion sensor to automatically trigger the light. The latter feature worked seamlessly. If you turn it off with the switch, after a few minutes it will engage the motion sensor again, or you can disable the sensor via the app in case you don't want it switched on in the middle of the night.

Like other Alexa-enabled switches (it also works with Google Assistant), the dimmer responds to voice commands, but the Cync Android app needs some work; setting up an automation for a room is confusing, and it can even be difficult to tell when you've scheduled it to go on and off. At around $70, it's more expensive than most other smart light switches, but the GE Cync Smart Switch gives you a lot for the price. The switch is sold in two configurations: One that's compatible with homes that have neutral wires, and one for homes without neutral wires.

However, it's unlikely that current GE Cync products will be updated to support Matter. 

Best cheap smart light switch

(Image credit: TP-Link)

3. Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200

Best cheap smart light switch

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:

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Specifications

Size:

5.6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches

Wi-Fi:

Yes

Motion Sensor:

No

Works with:

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Matter

Dimmable:

No

Supports three-way switches:

No

Requires neutral wire:

Yes

Today's Best Deals

View at Amazon

(White)

View at Amazon

(White)

View at Lowe's

Reasons to buy

+

Inexpensive

+

Works with all major smart home systems

+

Matter-compatible

Reasons to avoid

-

No dimming function

-

Requires neutral wire

If you're looking for a no-frills smart light switch, the Kasa HS200 is a great option. It costs less than $20, looks just like any other light switch, yet works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, and there's even a Matter-compatible model so it'll work with SmartThings, too. A lot of the value with this smart light switch comes from the Kasa app, which lets you create schedules for when your lights turn on and off, connects you with other smart home devices, and even lets you set a vacation mode, which will turn your lights on and off to make it look like you're home.

Of course, there are a few tradeoffs with a model this inexpensive. For one, this is a simple on-and-off switch, so there's no dimming capability. You'll also need a neutral wire, so it may be difficult to install in older homes. And, it's a single-pole switch, so you won't be able to install it in any situation where two switches control a single light.  

Most connected

(Image credit: Lutron Caseta (Credit: Lutron))

The Brilliant touch-screen light switch lets you control not only your lights, but also other smart home devices, such as cameras, speakers and more. The panel has a large touchscreen, which you can use to look in on your security cameras, play music through smart speakers, and more. A touch-sensitive slider to one side is a simple way to change the brightness of the lights. Brilliant sells models with multiple sliders, in the event you have multiple light groups.

In addition, the panel has built-in motion sensors, so it can turn lights on and off as you enter and leave a room; a small camera lets you use multiple Brilliant panels as video intercoms. The Brilliant panel also works with a wide range of smart home systems, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri/HomeKit, Ring, August, Ecobee, Honeywell, Sonos, Philips Hue, and Genie. 

However, the Brilliant control panel is expensive, as it starts at $399 for a single-switch panel (a two-switch panel is $449, a three-switch panel $499, and a four-switch panel costs $549). 

If you don't want to replace a light switch &#; or want a satellite switch that you can simply attach to a wall &#; the company also released a plug-in panel ($399) that replicates everything its smart light switch can do, including controlling music, acting as an intercom, checking security cameras, using Alexa &#; and yes, turning your lights on and off.

Brilliant said its devices would support Matter sometime in .

Read our full Brilliant smart home controller review.

Best Z-Wave switch

(Image credit: Jasco)

5. Jasco Enbrighten Z-Wave No Neutral Smart Dimmer

A great Z-Wave dimmer switch

Our expert review:

Specifications

Size:

4.1 x 1.75 x 1.5 inches

Wi-Fi:

No

Motion Sensor:

No

Works with:

Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, Wink, HomeSeer, Vivint, etc.

Dimmable:

Yes

Supports three-way switches:

Yes

Requires neutral wire:

No

Today's Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy

+

Very easy installation

+

Agnostic Load/Line Terminals

+

For more information, please visit Sager.

Clean appearance and nice button feel

+

Lots of smart home compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-

No manufacturer-created device handler, limited out-of-the-box features.

-

No separate dimming controls

-

No included wall plate

For those who have one of the best smart home hubs, the Jasco Enbrighten Z-Wave dimmer is a very good smart light switch. It's a cinch to install, as there's no neutral wire needed and the terminals are agnostic. A simple paddle switch handles both on/off duties as well as dimming functions. 

If that's all you need, then you're all set. However, more adventurous types can also modify the switch's code to change what happens when you press its switch. The Enbrighten can also work with a host of other smart home systems once you connect it to a hub, too. We only wish it came with a cover plate.

Read our full Jasco Enbrighten Z-Wave No Neutral Smart Dimmer review

Smart light switch accessories

Below are a number of smart light switch accessories; while they act like a smart light switch, they don't require you to replace an existing switch. However, with all of these, you'll either need a smart switch already installed in your home, or have smart lights that will work with this product.

How to choose the best smart light switch for you

Smart light switches vs. smart light bulbs vs. smart plugs

First thing to consider is whether you need a smart light switch or a smart light bulb. The difference is, with a smart light bulb, you can control the bulb itself with your , rather than the switch. Because of this, smart light bulbs are a good option if you&#;re just trying to control a single light. If that&#;s the case, we&#;ve rounded up the best smart light bulbs to help you choose. You should also check out 9 things you never knew you could do with smart lights while you're at it. 

Smart light switches are a better option if you have lots of bulbs though or multiple rooms you want to control. They also tend to be much more cost efficient than splashing out for lots of smart light bulbs. 

If you&#;re old school and your home is lit via floor and table lamps, then one the best smart plugs is likely the best option for you. You simply connect your lamp straight to it, and then the smart plug into your wall socket, no wiring involved! Smart plugs tend to be less expensive than smart light switches as well. 

Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter?

Smart light switches usually connect to your internet via Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee. Through Wi-Fi, your switch links to your router, whereas Z-Wave and Zigbee use smart home hubs. While the latter options mean you will need to purchase a separate hub, it does mean you will still be able to use the smart light switch when the internet is down. A new standard, called Matter, has recently come online; While there are only a few devices that currently have this enabled, we expect plenty more to come in the near future.

Do you need a neutral wire?

Some smart light switches will need a neutral wire to work. Homes which were built in or after the &#;s likely will have one, but older homes might not. Because of this, it&#;s a good idea to check whether your home has a neutral wire before you make a purchase. If you&#;re unsure, here&#;s a breakdown on what&#;s a neutral wire and what to do if you don&#;t have one. 

Single-pole vs. three-way switches

If a light fixture is controlled by more than one switch &#; for example, when you have a light switch at the top and bottom of a set of stairs &#; then you'll need to get a three-way smart light switch. However, if there's only one switch controlling an outlet, you can get a "single pole" switch. 

Even if you don't have a three-way switch, there's an easy way to get around it; many smart light switch makers now offer a remote, or companion switch that's battery-operated. All you have to do is attach the switch to your wall using screws or adhesive &#; no wiring required.

Dimmer

Some smart switches have a dimmer function, so you can adjust the level of the lights' brightness. While these generally cost more than non-dimmer switches, it's nice functionality to have. If you do opt for a dimmer switch, you should also know that CFL, incandescent, and LED lights will all react differently &#; some LEDs may flicker if you dim them too much.

Motion sensor

If you don't want to bother actually pressing a light switch, then check out models which have built in motion sensors. These can sense your presence in a room and turn the lights on automatically. Just be sure that it's in a place where it can sense you the entire time you're in the room, or else it'll turn the lights off on you!

Smart home connectivity

Most smart light switches will work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, so you can connect them to other smart home devices, and control them using your voice.

Away Mode

This is a feature we like: If a smart light switch has this feature in its app, it will automatically turn your lights on and off randomly while you're away, to make it look like you're home. 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an electrician to install a smart light switch?

No, you do not need to hire an electrician to install a smart light switch. However, it is important that you take the proper safety precautions. Make sure that you turn off the circuit breaker to the switch before starting any work, and be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to install a smart light switch. If you're unsure at all, it's worth calling an electrician. 

Can I replace a normal switch with a smart light switch?

Yes, you can. The majority of smart light switches are designed to replace traditional light switches. However, you may need to determine if your existing switch uses a neutral wire, or is connected to another switch, so you know to purchase a compatible smart light switch.

Do smart switches work with any light?

For the most part, smart light switches will work with any light &#; incandescent, LED, halogen, and fluorescent. However, certain types of bulbs may not work properly with a dimmer switch; if you turn the switch down low, your bulb may start flickering, for instance. It's best to consult the manufacturer's site before purchasing a smart light switch.

How to install a smart light switch

Unlike most smart home devices, which merely require you to plug them into an outlet, installing a smart switch involves replacing a current in-wall switch. Since few, if any, light-control products include professional installation as part of the package, you will need a basic understanding of electrical work, which includes turning off the circuit breaker. 

Smart switches are often bulkier than their traditional counterparts, however; so if they don't fit in the electrical box properly, you may need to get a new box, which is probably a job for an electrician. Similarly, some older homes don't have the right wiring, so an electrician is a good idea here, too. 

How we test smart light switches

To test smart switches, we either installed them ourselves, or had an electrician install them in our house. We then evaluated the switches based on the following criteria:

• Design: Is it an attractive switch? The best will come in multiple colors to best match your decor.
• Installation: How easy was it to install the physical switch, and how easy was it to connect to our home network?
• Functionality: Does it support three-way or four-way connections? What other features does it have?
• App: How easy was it to use the app that works with the switch? What sort of features do you get, such as scheduling when lights turn on and off?
• Smart Home Compatibility: Does the switch work with other smart home devices? How many?
• Price: Smart light switches are generally more expensive than traditional switches, but even do, some offer more value than others. As they've become more popular, the price of smart light switches has dropped, so that most cost around $50-$60, though you can find models for less.

Other smart home guides

If you're looking to outfit your house or apartment with other smart home devices, be sure to check out some of our other guides.

Choosing the correct dimmer switches for your home may seem like a simple task, but homeowners need to be aware that there are specific types of dimmers for different types of light bulbs. Knowing the difference between leading-edge and trailing-edge dimmers is essential for choosing the right product for the light fitting and bulbs that you have. This will also ensure that your lights work for as long as possible,  the switches or fixtures don&#;t get damaged, and that energy consumption is kept as low as possible.

Read on for an overview of what to keep in mind when choosing the correct dimmer switch for your home. 

Varilight V-Pro 120W LED 1 Dimmer Switch

 

• • Size: 85 x 85mm

• • Colour: White

• • Compatible with LED bulbs

This white dimmer switch integrates intelligent dimming technology, soft start, intelligent overload protection, and adjustable brightness settings. With three programmable modes, it adapts to suit most dimmable LEDs, specific leading edge type LEDs, and some external LED drivers.

The switch operates with a simple push for on/off and a rotation to adjust dimming. Designed for a maximum load of 120W for LEDs, the dimmer offers silent, smooth trailing edge dimming, and intelligent lamp-type detection for adaptive control.

Note that it&#;s not suitable for use with non-dimmable fluorescent bulbs and tubes, wire-wound or toroidal transformers, or electric motors. For other finishes such as polished chrome, satin chrome, antique brass, and bronze, please contact us directly.

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Varilight V-Pro 2 x 120W LED 2 Dimmer Switch

 

• • Size: 85 x 85mm

• • Colour: White

• • Compatible with LED bulbs

This white dimmer switch features intelligent dimming technology, soft start, intelligent overload protection, and adjustable minimum brightness settings. It comes pre-set as a trailing edge dimmer with three programmable modes to cater to a range of LED requirements.

The operating modes are quickly and easily adjustable with the help of the user instructions. Functioning with a simple push for on/off and a rotation for dimming, this switch is also available in various finishes, including polished chrome, satin chrome, antique brass, and bronze.

Designed for a maximum LED load of 2 x 120W, it offers silent and smooth trailing edge dimming along with intelligent lamp type detection for optimal load control. Note: it&#;s not suitable for non-dimmable fluorescent bulbs and tubes, wire-wound or toroidal transformers, or electric motors. For other finishes, feel free to contact us.

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Varilight V-Pro High Power LED 1 Dimmer Switch

 

• • Size: 85 x 85mm

• • Colour: White

• • Compatible with LED bulbs

This white dimmer switch is equipped with intelligent dimming technology, a soft start, intelligent overload protection, and an adjustable minimum brightness setting. It also comes with a 10-year manufacturer&#;s warranty. Set as a trailing edge dimmer by default, it offers three programmable modes suitable for various LED applications.

The switch employs an easy-to-use push for on/off and rotates to dim mechanism. It comes in various finishes, including polished chrome, satin chrome, antique brass, and bronze, among others. Engineered for a maximum LED load of 300W, this switch provides a smooth, silent trailing edge dimming experience, combined with intelligent lamp-type detection for adaptable load control.

Note: It is not suitable for non-dimmable fluorescent bulbs and tubes, wire-wound or toroidal transformers, or electric motors. For inquiries about other finishes, please contact us.

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How Do Dimmer Switches Work?

Dimmers work by simply reducing the voltage supplied to the lamp, which in turn reduces the light output from the light bulb. There are many types of light bulbs and capsule lamps that can be dimmed but the requirements for each type can vary. If you select the wrong type of dimmer it may not work, could lead to reduced lamp life or even blow the dimmer or light fitting in extreme circumstances.

Benefits Of Using Dimmer Switches In Your Home

• • Flexible Lighting Control: You have the convenience of adjusting the light intensity to match your mood or specific tasks, enhancing your home&#;s comfort and functionality.

• • Energy Efficiency: Dimmer switches help reduce energy consumption by allowing you to use only the amount of light you need, contributing to a greener environment and lower utility bills.

• • Extended Lamp Lifespan: The use of dimmers for your lighting can prolong the life of your lamps, requiring less frequent replacement and thus reducing your maintenance costs.

• • Cost Savings: By curbing energy use and reducing the frequency of lamp replacement, dimmer switches can lead to substantial savings, making them a financially smart choice for your home.

• • Improved Atmosphere: The ability to adjust lighting levels allows you to effortlessly create the perfect ambience for any occasion, from a lively dinner party to a peaceful evening reading session.

• • Reduced Eye Strain: By enabling you to tailor the light level, dimming lights can help minimise eye fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of close-up tasks such as reading or crafting.

Types of Dimmers

Resistive Dimmers (Leading Edge)

• • Compatibility: Works with resistive or inductive loads by reducing the load by shortening the A/C cycle at the input waveform&#;s leading edge.

• • Intelligent Features: Best models feature soft-start and overload protection, which prolongs the lifespan of both lamps and the dimmer switch. These &#;intelligent dimmers&#; can protect themselves from failure by turning down or off the lights when too many lights or transformers are mistakenly connected.

• • Common Uses For Leading Edge Dimmers: Most often used to dim incandescent and mains voltage halogen light bulbs and capsules. Also suitable for dimming most electronic low voltage transformers, including wire-wound or toroidal transformers, and under certain circumstances, constant current dimmable LED drivers.

Leading edge dimmers are compatible with resistive or inductive loads and are able to reduce the load by shortening the A/C cycle at the leading edge of the input waveform, hence the term &#;Leading Edge&#;. The best of these are marketed as &#;intelligent dimmers&#; and feature soft-start and overload protection to improve the life span of both the lamps and the dimmer. If you mistakenly connect too many lights or transformers to an intelligent dimmer it will protect itself from failure by turning the lights down or off until the load is corrected.

Leading edge dimmers are the most commonly used to dim incandescent and mains voltage halogen light bulbs and capsules. They are also used to dim most electronic low voltage transformers, including wire-wound or toroidal transformers and can also be used to dim constant current dimmable LED drivers under certain circumstances that will be explained later.

All dimmers are rated by wattage and leading edge dimmers are no exception. They are commonly available in 250w, 400w, 600w and w modules. It is important to note that they also have a minimum load requirement of 25w, 40w, 100w and 150w respectively.

These wattages must always be adhered to and in the case of halogen lamps and capsules must be over-rated by at least 25%. GU10, G9 and GZ10 halogen lamps and capsules tend to arc in the latter part of their life. This is not dangerous in any way and is a characteristic of halogen lamps. This arcing creates an additional load on the dimmer and can overload the module resulting in excess heat and premature failure. The first indication of this happening is an increase in noise, often heard as a buzz from the dimmer switch.

It is important to note that all quality branded halogen capsules incorporate a fused link to protect the circuit in case of a short within the lamp. Non-branded cheap generic halogen lamps do not have this function and should be avoided. Never use a dimmer module that is not rated higher than the total load applied to it.

Resistive Dimmers (Trailing Edge)

• • Compatibility: Works with resistive or capacitive loads by reducing the load by shortening the A/C cycle at the input waveform&#;s trailing edge.

• • Intelligent Features: Best models feature soft-start and overload protection, which helps improve the lifespan of both lamps and the dimmer switch. These &#;intelligent dimmers&#; can protect themselves from failure by turning down or off the lights when too many lights or transformers are mistakenly connected.

• • Common Uses For Trailing Edge Dimmers: They are often used to dim electronic low voltage transformers (ELV) with capacitive loads on the primary circuit. Additionally, trailing edge dimmers can effectively dim incandescent, halogen, and LED lamps

Trailing edge dimmers are compatible with resistive or capacitive loads and are able reduce the load by shortening the A/C cycle at the trailing edge of the input waveform, hence the term &#;Trailing Edge&#;. The best of these are marketed as &#;intelligent dimmers&#; and feature soft-start and overload protection to improve the life span of both the lamps and the dimmer. If you mistakenly connect too many lights or transformers to an an intelligent dimmer it will protect itself from failure by turning the lights down or off until the load is corrected.

Trailing edge dimmers are far more complicated than their leading edge counterpart and are more expensive to produce and purchase. They incorporate many features such as soft start; smooth control, silent running and multi-way dimming that greatly enhance the life of the lamps and fittings.

They are commonly used to dim most electronic low voltage transformers (ELV) with capacitive loads on the primary circuit. Trailing edge dimmers can also be used to dim incandescent, halogen and LED lamps effectively. They should not be used on older type of magnetic core and coil wire-wound or toroidal transformers.

Although a trailing edge dimmer is considerably more expensive to buy, it has many desirable attributes over its leading edge counterpart and in certain situations may be more appropriate.

Inductive Dimmer Switches

Inductive dimmer switches are specifically engineered for use on the secondary side of low-voltage or LED lighting systems. Unlike the typical wattage rating system used for resistive dimmer switches, inductive dimmers are rated in Volt-Amps (VA), a measure that accommodates both the voltage and the current in the circuit. This VA rating is vital as it demonstrates the dimmer&#;s ability to handle the power surge from the transformers, a characteristic that makes inductive dimmers unique.

These dimmers are designed to endure the rush of a current that transformers typically produce during operation, providing a stable and reliable dimming solution. To accomplish this, inductive dimmers are already over-rated, meaning they have a higher VA rating than the wattage of the connected load. This over-rating allows them to cope with the inrush current without compromising the performance or lifespan of the lighting scheme.

Despite their advantages, it&#;s relatively uncommon to find inductive dimmer switches in regular domestic settings.

Using Dimmer Switches With Fluorescent Fittings

Dimming fluorescent fittings is complex and can involve analogue or digital dimmers and a variety of different wiring schemes.  These are expensive to install and are mainly used for commercial applications and are beyond the scope of this article.

That said, some domestic fluorescent fittings are becoming available that are dimmable. These are dimmed using an analogue-type dimmer. The fitting incorporates variable voltage high-frequency control gear or regulated ballast that is typically rated at 1 &#; 10v. These can be dimmed between 3% and 100% illumination by using a suitably rated dimmer but must incorporate a separate on/off switch.

With the phasing out of incandescent lamps, more and more fluorescent lamp manufacturers are making dimmable lamps available. They are at an advanced stage of development and although expensive at this time, it is anticipated that the price will reduce as they become more popular.

Dimming LED Lamps

• • Mains voltage dimmable LED light bulbs can be controlled with standard resistive dimmer switches

• • Non-dimmable LED lamps and light fittings cannot be used with dimmer switches

It&#;s important to note that non-dimmable LED lamps and light fittings cannot be dimmed. Any attempt to use dimmer switches with these non-dimmable LEDs could result in damage to the dimmer, lamps, or both.

On the other hand, mains voltage dimmable LED light bulbs and LED light fittings can be comfortably controlled using standard resistive dimmer switches. LED lamps are particularly appealing due to their low energy consumption and high energy efficiency.

However, these attributes can pose a challenge when selecting the correct dimmer switches. For instance, if you are trying to dim a small number of LED lamps, the total wattage might not be sufficient to load the dimmer.

As an example, four 5w LED lamps in a compact room will only total 20w, while a 250w dimmer switch requires a minimum load of 25w. In this case, the dimmer switch simply won&#;t operate. Therefore, a low-load dimmer switch rated at 5 &#; 50w would be more suitable in such circumstances.

Under normal circumstances, provided the minimum load is surpassed, dimming mains voltage LED lamps using dimmer switches isn&#;t an issue. For example, this British made Varilight V-Pro programmable dimmer is our default choice when dimming LED&#;s.

Dimming low voltage LED lamps is easily accomplished with dimmer switches by either adjusting the driver on the primary (mains) side or on the secondary (low voltage) side. Of the two, primary side dimming is preferable and easier to achieve. However, it&#;s essential that the LED driver is of a constant current type and dimmable.

Conclusion

When choosing a transformer or low-voltage light fitting, selecting the appropriate dimmer switches is crucial. While dimming most domestic light fittings can be fairly straightforward, you must make sure you&#;re choosing the right dimming module for the job &#; either leading edge or trailing edge. It can be challenging to determine this information when purchasing dimmers from general high street retailers, as it&#;s often not clearly stated, so to ensure you&#;re getting the correct fittings, we recommended consulting with or making your purchase from a specialist in lighting or electrical products.

Due to the large variety and different applications of dimmer switches, we do not offer them for sale online. This ensures that you do not accidentally select the wrong dimmer for your application as this can cause expensive and irreversible damage to transformers or the dimmer itself.

Should you wish to purchase a dimmer together with your light fitting we are more than happy to advise you and we supply all available types of dimmers in every finish available to match your existing switches and sockets.

Please use the contact us tab at the top of this page or -650- for further information on selecting the right dimmer.

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