If it weren't for the push to AC current, today's world would have been different to what we're used to today. There wouldn't be as advanced devices and appliances would not be as efficient. Thanks to AC current we are able to enjoy a lot of commodities nut just switching on a light bulb, although even that is changing nowadays.
With the invention of new technologies, the birth of new devices is inevitable which is the case with dimmer light switches. A dimmer light switch is able to run in a way so that it shuts off the bulb's circuit every single time the current being sent to it reverses its direction. Whenever there is zero voltage running through its circuit the switch shuts off the circuit of the bulb. This allows uses to adjust the brightness of the bulb usually thanks to a rotary knob.
Benefits of Dimmer Switches
source: krmlight.com
Cost-Effective
The most important reason why people go for dimmer switches and their respective lights is that they are a cost-effective solution. Since dimmer controllers allow you to set the brightness of your lights, they don't use the same amount of power all the time. This way a proper dimmer control switch allows you to not only control how bright your lights are but how much electricity is used by them too.
Ambience
If you want to add some ambience to your room then dimmer controlled switches are exactly what you need. You can even program dimmer switches to change the brightness of the lights in a certain room at a certain time. These are more advanced than the regular dimmer lights as they work relying on wireless controls usually through an app on your phone.
Sleep
If you have trouble falling asleep the morning after can be a literal nightmare. But with a dimmer light switch, you are able to fall asleep a lot easier. By dimming your lights you're telling your body that it's time to go for a kip. There are other things you can do but having your bedroom lights dimmed is one of the more important ones.
Control
Back to more sophisticated dimmer control switches. They can even come with programmable control systems that will allow you to switch from one group of lights being dimmed to another. Instead of dimming lights one by one you can dim multiple ones at once. With a dimmer switch light control is something you definitely have even if it's not a sophisticated one.
Types of Dimmer Switches
source: bryantelectricservice.com
Rotary
The standard dimmer switches are also known as rotary switches and they are the oldest type of dimmer switch ever made. Rotary dimmers work much like a spigot on a hose. By turning the knob you decrease or increase the power that reaches the bulb and thus the amount of light generated by it is either low or high.
Trailing Edge
In the category of resistive dimmers, there are two options with trailing edge switches being the more advanced option. With a trailing edge dimmer light switch, you are able to rely on LED as your light “bulb”. The needed wattage for a trailing edge dimmer is way lower than its more popular counterpart and they can be used to dim normal lights too.
Leading Edge
With a leading edge dimmer switch you can have a higher wattage range at your disposal. Anywhere between 250 and 1000 W. This is what makes them non-compatible with LED lights. If you use normal halogen or incandescent lights at home it's best that you to for leading edge dimmer light switches.
Inductive
While an inductive dimmer is not found in households it is still an important simmer switch. Why? Because an inductive dimmer switch is used on the secondary side of usually either an LED or low voltage lighting scheme. This is why inductive dimmer light switches are rated in VA (Volt-Amps) and not watts.
Universal
With a universal dimmer switch, you're able to control all kinds of bulbs from halogen and incandescent to CFL and LED. Universal dimmer controllers allow for a soft start-up, maximum-range dimming, and help eliminate any flickering. When you use CFL or LED light with a universal dimmer make sure that the bulbs are able to be dimmed otherwise the dimmer switch is going to be a waste of money.
ELV
Also known as electronic low voltage dimmer controllers are made to control track lighting. Low voltage transformers, LED power supplies, LED strips and under cabinet lighting. These dimmer controllers usually require a neutral wire when being installed.
MLV
Magnetic low voltage dimmer controlled switches are meant to be used with recessed lights. These lights are often magnetic and low voltage too. You can tell if a light is a magnetic and low voltage when it's both larger and heavier than your usual electronic low voltage lights.
Integrated
Remember the lights that can be programmed since they rely on a system of their own? Well, these lights are controlled by an integrated dimmer switch. Often times this type of dimmer switch offers controls that work only with the set of lights you're purchased it with. Integrated switches can be extremely customisable and give you a unique experience but because of that, they are not nearly as affordable as some of their older counterparts.
