Are you thinking of getting a LED dimmer switch for your home? Dimming in either an indoor or outdoor space will not only allow you to control the brightness, but it can also allow you to create the ideal atmosphere for your home.
As an extra handy feature, getting a dimmer switch for LED lights can also help with saving energy.
If you’re new to purchasing an LED dimmer switch and not sure where to start, we’re here to help! Below, we’ve curated a list of 10 of the dimmer switches for LED lights to get you started.
Before that, however, we’ll talk a little bit about what you should look for when it comes to selecting your dimmer switch for LED lights, and talk about the various dimmer types that you can choose from.
What are the Different LED Dimmer Switches?
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When it comes to choosing a LED dimmer switch, there are a couple of different dimmer types that you can choose from. The dimmer type that you go for is mostly dependent on what you currently have right now at home.
If you’re currently remodeling, however, you may have more flexibility in the dimmer type that you select.
- Single pole dimmers – This is the most common dimmer type. It essentially means that you’re able to control everything from that one location.
- Three-way dimmers – This is also a relatively common dimmer – especially if you’re in a room that has more than one entrance. A three-way dimmer switch will most likely be positioned at one location, and the regular light switch will be at another. Occasionally, there’s also four-way dimmers, but they’re less common.
- Multi-location dimmers – This is when you’ve got more than one dimmer controlling the same lights.
- Wall plug-in dimmers – As the name suggests, you’ll plug these into your wall, and you’re good to go. There are various types of wall plug-in dimmers that you can choose from, so it really depends on what you need.
What to Look When You Pick A Dimmer Switch For Led Lights
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Now that you’ve got a better idea of the different dimmer switches, below are some of the things you look for when it comes to selecting the ideal LED dimmer switch.
Type
As mentioned above, you’ll need to consider the type of LED dimmer switch you need. While some can control a single room, others will be able to change the lighting in multiple rooms.
If you choose to go for an LED dimmer switch that can adjust the lighting of numerous rooms, you’ll need to make sure that they’re compatible. Do note as well that the electrical setup can be a little tricky so you’d need to take that into consideration.
Control
You’ll also have to consider the dimmer control style that you’d like to go for. Some of the options are:
- Toggle dimmer – These usually have a small slide lever on the side of the switch so you can toggle the lights on and off but also adjust the dimness level.
- Rotary dimmer – For these, you’d use a knob to either dim or brighten the light. A quick note, however, that these are usually not available in an LED option.
- Slide dimmer – This is the most common type of dimmer control style and is an excellent option if you plan on changing the dimness of your lights often.
- Rocker dimmer – These are similar to a toggle dimmer; perhaps the only difference is that you’ll be adjusting a rocker switch to turn the lights on and off instead. This is an ideal option for those that want to keep their lights on at a particular style most of the time.
- Tap dimmer – These work similar to a rocker dimmer but instead of having a rocker switch, you’ll tap the dimmer to turn it on and off.
LED Dimmer Switch vs. Regular Switch
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Efficiency
A dimmer light switch allows the homeowner to modulate the light output from the bulb. This can end up saving you money on utilities even if the lights are lowered slightly. In reality, dimming the lights saves energy. With regular usage of the dimmer switch and the right setting, homeowners can save up to 10% on their monthly energy expenditure.
Lifespan
Since most homes don’t use their dimmer switches constantly, they help extend the life of the light bulbs. The life of a light bulb is believed to be considerably increased by dimming it by 25 percent. For example, a four-year light bulb can now last up to six years. This reduces the number of light bulbs a household must buy.
Light control
Choosing a dimmer light switch allows the homeowner to adjust the illumination in any room of the house. Turning a knob, sliding a switch, or even utilizing a remote control can swiftly dim or brighten a space.
A homeowner can rapidly change the mood of a room. For a romantic evening at home, softer lights are appropriate, but for a football party, brighter lights may be required. The easy remote-control technology prevents family feuds about who should turn off the lights.
Do Smart Bulbs Need a Dimmer Switch?
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Is it safe to use an old-fashioned dimmer with a smart bulb? Doubtful. The smart bulb is smart due to the functionality packed into the tiny microprocessor inside the light.
This microchip may also dim the smart lamp. It can be done via a smartphone app, tablet, or digital assistant. You may regulate the brightness with your voice or a slider on your screen from anywhere in the house.
If you use an external dimmer switch with a smart bulb, the two dimmers’ signals or wiring can clash, causing unattractive and unpleasant bulb flickering. It is sometimes accompanied by a buzzing sound.
Smart Home Features
The final thing to consider is whether you’d like your dimmer to be integrated with other technological home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. That way, you’ll be able to control your lighting with a simple command.
Insteon Smart Dimmer Wall Switch
This particular LED dimmer switch comes in a total of four different colours for you to choose from. In terms of switch type, it has a rocker switch, and it’s also easy to install. What’s great about this particular switch is that you’re able to control it remotely, and it has both a programmable on-level and a fade on/off speed.
It also works with both Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant so you can control your lighting at your convenience. You can also control if from your Smartphone, and even create schedules that’ll make your life easier.
You can have your bedroom lights fade on in the morning to help you wake up, and configure schedules that suit your needs. Customers mentioned that this LED dimmer switch was simple to program, and they like how it’s reliable.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Works with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant
- You can configure schedules
- Reliable
Cons:
Adorne 700-Watt Single Pole and 3-Way Slide Dimmer
This LED dimmer switch is exactly what you need for your home. It’s a wall-mounted dimmer switch that has both classic and elegant lines to fit seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic. You can select two colors – magnesium or white, depending on what works for you best.
While you can turn your lights on and off with ease, the slide will allow you to adjust the dimness with no issues at all. Thanks to its construction, it’s also long-lasting and is an excellent solution to all of your lighting issues.
It comes with an auto-calibration feature that’ll automatically set the minimum voltage for any lamp – a nifty feature that’ll help eliminate problems such as flicker and poor performance.
It also has an integrated locator status light that’ll provide some illumination, so you won’t have to fumble around for your switch in the dark. Customers really love this switch and adore how it accents a room and is easy to install.
Pros:
- Classic and elegant
- Easy to install
- Long-lasting
- Auto-calibration feature
Cons:
Philips Hue Multi-Location Push Button Light Switch
Another great LED dimmer switch, this particular product is incredibly convenient as you can control the lights from anywhere in your home thanks to its home automation system.
As the switch works as both a normal wall switch and a dimmer, you’re welcome to place it anywhere in your home, all you’ve got to do is use the screws or the adhesive tape at the backplate of the switch.
With the battery-powered wireless hue switch, you’ll be able to adjust the intensity and colour of your bulbs to whatever level you prefer. Customers really like this product and mentioned that it’s easy to install. They also noted that it works well, works great, and all the lights come on with a single click.
Pros:
- Control the lights remotely
- Works as both a normal wall switch and a dimmer
- Easy to install
- Convenient
Cons:
- Some have had issues telling the buttons apart
Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer for Dimmable LED
This particular LED dimmer switch comes in various colours for you to choose from. For easy operation, the switch comes with a rocker paddle that’ll allow you to turn the lights on and off, while the discrete slider will allow you to brighten and dim the lights accordingly. What’s great about this particular switch is that you can use it in single-pole or 3-way applications.
Installation is simple, and you’re able to install your switch in as little as 15 minutes. You’re also able to set the optimum dim range for your bulbs with this switch, and it works with LEDs. Customers who have purchased this switch mentioned that it works really well, doesn’t flicker and is just an all-round great LED dimmer switch.
Pros:
- Comes in a range of different colours
- Can use it in single pole or 3-way applications
- Simple installation
- Doesn’t flicker
Cons:
- According to some customers, it doesn’t look that great aesthetically
Cloudy Bay in Wall Dimmer Switch for LED
This particular LED dimmer switch comes in two colours of black and white. It’s also compatible with both single pole and 3-way dimmers. You can use it with all sorts of household lighting, so LED isn’t an issue, and you won’t need any screws to fasten the wall plate. To eliminate flickering, this switch also comes with a fine-tune adjustment dial.
Those who purchased this switch are impressed with its capabilities. One customer mentioned that they like how the dimmer comes with an easy to use impedance matching control knob so the load can be adjusted to full-scale movement of the dimmer control whether you’ve got two or twenty bulbs. Another like that it’s not overly expensive and appreciate how it blends seamlessly into the walls of their home.
Pros:
- No screws needed to fasten wall plate
- Comes with a fine-tune adjustment dial
- Easy to use impedance matching control knob
- Aesthetically-pleasing
Cons:
- Some customers mentioned that it doesn’t dim as well as they had hoped
Lutron MA-R-WH Maestro Companion
This fantastic LED dimmer switch comes in various colors that you can choose from. It’s highly rated, comes with a tap switch style and is made of durable metal material. This particular dimmer is suited to both three-way or multi-location dimming applications. While the tap switch will allow you to turn the lights on and off, the rocker is where you can dim and brighten your lights.
In terms of smoothness, the lights fade up and down smoothly – allowing your eyes to adjust. It can also help with enhancing both the ambiance and decor of your home. Installation is easy, all you need is about 15-minutes, and you’re good to go.
Customers are a fan of this switch and mentioned that it comes in a sleek and simple design and operates quietly. The only downside is that these lights are compatible with home automation systems, but either than that they work great.
Pros:
- Comes in various colors
- Made of durable metal material
- Lights fade up and down smoothly
- Installation is easy
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with smart home systems
Lutron P-BDG-PKG1W Caseta Wireless Dimmer Kit
This LED dimmer switch is exactly what you need if you’re looking for something that’ll be connected to your smart home devices. It’s compatible with everything from Amazon Alexa to Google Assistant. If you’d like, you can also control it through the app, and you’ll also be able to create personalized schedules for when you’d like the lights to turn on.
To install it, you’d just have to mount it on the wall, and you’re good to go. One smart switch can also control multiple bulbs at once, so you won’t have to spend additional money on another.
Customers are a fan of this product, and they’ve given it a plethora of rave reviews. One customer, in particular, liked how it’s responsive and reliable, comes with smooth dimming and there’s no neutral wire required. They also like how it’s completely silent and easy to setup.
Pros:
- Can be connected to smart home devices
- Easy to install
- Reliable and responsive
- Smooth dimming
Cons:
- You can’t control non-Lutron devices with the bridge
Leviton DW6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Wi-Fi 600W Universal
This smart LED dimmer switch is exactly what you need for your home. Not only will you be able to control your lights from anywhere through the app, but you can also schedule lights to fit in with your needs – such as creating lighting scenes or using the auto-shutoff feature. It’s also compatible with smart home devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
While installation does require a neutral wire, it facilitates multi-location and can dim up to 4 remote units. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty in case you run into any problems. Customers who have purchased it like it for numerous reasons. Some have mentioned that it’s easy to set up through the Android app, and others like how the Wi-Fi switch works great.
Pros:
- Control your lights anywhere
- Schedule lights to fit in with your needs
- Compatible with smart home devices
- Facilitates multi-location
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with specific lightings – like track lights
Lutron S-600H-WH LIGHTING DIMMER
This simple and functional LED dimmer switch comes in two colors of white and ivory. It comes with a slider knob where you’ll be able to dim the lights to your desired preference.
It’s suited for single-pole applications and can replace any decorator style switch. Material wise it’s made of plastic, and it’s a 5-way switch that will require a recessed mount.
Customers are happy with this product as it’s inexpensive and works well. They also like how it’s both simple and modern, and there’s no flickering or humming noise.
While it has a plastic surface, customers also mentioned that it looks more expensive than it is, and they liked how the installation is simple, and it seems sturdy and secure after it has been installed.
Pros:
- Simple and functional
- Inexpensive
- No flickering or humming
- Simple installation
Cons:
- You’ve got to use a bit more force when adjusting the slider
Lutron Credenza LED+ Plug-In Lamp Dimmer Switch
Finally, we’ve got this LED dimmer switch that comes in three colors of white, brown and black. It has a slide switch style and features a wall mount. What’s great about this particular product is that no wiring is required, all you’ve got to do is plug it in, and you’re good to go.
Customers have had no issues with this switch, and one of them even mentioned that it works really well with dimming LED bulbs. It’s also compatible with a wide variety of lights, has a very smooth slider, and has a great solid overall feel to it.
Pros:
- Easy to use – just plug it in
- No wiring required
- Compatible with a wide variety of lights
- Has a smooth slider
Cons:
- Some individuals have had to deal with the light flickering
Frequently Asked Questions About LED Dimmer Switches
Can You Put Any Light on a Dimmer Switch?
Regardless of the type of light fixture you’re replacing or installing, a smart dimmer can manage the brightness of the lights. This is a better solution if you want to manage standard light fixtures without having to purchase additional suitable bulbs. A smart dimmer can be used to regulate any type of light, as long as the bulb placed is dimmable.
When Should You Use a Dimmer Switch?
The benefits of installing dimmer switches are numerous. Lights that aren’t fully functional conserve energy and bulb life. Dimming lights can improve a room’s comfort and contribute to a party’s mood.
What Type of Dimmer Switch Is Needed for LED Lights?
LED lighting has recently taken over a number of industries where it was previously considered a novelty, one of which being the market for residential lighting. LEDs have gotten significantly cheaper over the last two decades and exceed fluorescent or halogen lights on a variety of levels.
Keeping this in mind, they do require the employment of specialized equipment, such as drivers, to ensure proper operation. In the same fashion, in many circumstances, standard dimmers will not operate with LED bulbs, necessitating the use of an LED-specific dimmer switch.
While many LEDs available today are dimmable, you should still use a dedicated dimmer switch for these types of bulbs to avoid some of the frequent issues associated with mismatched dimmers. Due to the fact that typical dimmer switches are accustomed to operating light bulbs with a different wattage than LED light bulbs, you might notice the bulbs don’t react to the dimmer.
Additionally, you may encounter issues such as a diminished capacity to dim the lights, flickering lights, or LEDs that do not turn off completely when the dimmer is reduced to the lowest setting, as the LEDs will take so little power that the dimmer will not detect it.
Can a Dimmer Damage LED Lights?
When certain fluorescent lighting systems are regularly dimmed, it has been observed that their dependability and lamp life may suffer. However, this is not the case with LEDs.
The junction temperature has a significant effect on the life and light output degradation, with higher temperatures leading to decreased life characteristics. Because dimming, whether by current reduction or pulse width modulation, leads to lower total junction temperatures, it has no adverse effect on LED life; in fact, it may even prolong it.
Is There a Difference Between a Dimmer Switch and a LED Dimmer Switch?
Yes. You’re likely to notice a difference in how your LEDs dim compared to standard bulbs. The primary distinction is that you have a narrower dimming range (generally 70 to 90 percent range vs. 100 percent with halogen or incandescent).
LED bulbs, unlike traditional bulbs, may not turn off at the lowest dim level. This occurs when the dimmer believes the bulb is fully off due to the LED’s low wattage consumption. In conventional dimming systems, you simply reduce the voltage/power supplied to the bulb, which dims it.
With LED bulbs, you cannot restrict the driver’s power supply, as this would cause the bulb to flicker or simply shut out. A dimmer for LED lights is a device that is specifically intended to supply power and control signals to different types of electronic LED drivers.
Best LED Dimmer Switch: Bottom Line
We hope that this tutorial helped you select a LED dimmer switch that suits your needs. When it comes to choosing the right LED dimmer switch, the most important thing to consider is what type of dimmer you’d like.
After all, the last thing you’d want is to accidentally purchase a dimmer that only works with one location when you wanted one that’ll work with multiple lights.
from Best Chandeliers And Home Lighting in UAE – Homenoon https://www.homenoon.com/reviews/the-best-led-dimmer-switches-control-the-brightness-of-lighting-home-lighting-ideas/
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