Know the basics of dimmer selection

Know the basics of dimmer selection

• December 2, 2017

Dimmers are some of the most loved components in a home lighting system, performing and irreplaceable task in the circuit. All said, you know that the best dimmer depends on the person selecting it, and how you select your dimmer could make or break the deal. A few years back the process of selecting the right dimmer was as simple as ABC simply because there were just a handful options available, you could still close your eyes and pick the right one for your needs. But times have changed, technological advancements have moved so rapidly and today the market is laden with more than enough options.

While this is in the interest of the diverse tastes and preferences that exist, it complicates the whole process of getting a dimmer appropriate for your home. Add on that power save option and the whole thing gets a little murky. Yes, saving energy isn’t just about the light dimmers. The kind of resource you use also matters. If you have residential solar panels (which can be installed with the help of a Jacksonville solar panel company or one near your place), you might be able to save money on your electricity bills, improve your home value and even reduce your carbon footprint for the betterment of the planet. The overall energy usage also depends on the functionality and maintenance of different home applications.

Coming back to light switch and dimmers, before you land the right dimmer for your house, assuming you are not trying to use probabilistic methods here, you will have to know a few basic guiding rules that will apply in the selection process. These rules are not the alpha and Omega of choosing the right dimmer, because even then you will end up with several options where you can pick the best. However, they provide the fundamental way to distinguish between wanted and unwanted before you zero in on the top two or three, where am sure personal preferences will take precedence and nail the deal.

Consulting a professional electrician is highly recommended during this process. They have the expertise and knowledge to assess your specific electrical setup and provide valuable insights into the dimmer options that will work best for your home. By involving a professional electrician (like the ones that provide electrical repair in Riverside, CT), you can ensure that the chosen dimmer is compatible with your existing wiring, meets safety standards, and optimizes the lighting experience in your house. Their guidance and expertise will help you make an informed decision, taking into consideration factors such as load capacity, compatibility with different types of bulbs, and any specific electrical requirements that may exist. That being said, here are some of the other things you need to consider if you are looking out to turn the day into a success.

• The type of lighting is important – this comes on top of the list, because even before you put your dimmer in that cart you have to be aware of the lighting technology you will use. Again, a few years back we had only one or two options, that is not the case today. Halogen lights and the traditional incandescent lights do work well with dimmers, but there are also the new light emitting diodes and CFLs that have proved themselves to consumers to be a worthy bet, especially if you consider their relatively long life span and outstanding energy saving benefits. To put things straight, LEDs and CFLs lead the way in light saving benefits, with CFLs able to dim down to 15% of their initial output and LEDs capable of coming as low as 0.5% after the dimming option is activated.
• Know the wattage load – The wattage load provides important specifications on the capability of the light and more so places sanctions on the kind of dimmers you can install on this system. Most times the rating appropriate for home use is around 600 to 1000 watts, but the dimmer installed should not exceed a quarter of the maximum wattage loading indicated.
• Location and style – finally, there comes the issue of style and location, and when you are talking about style then there are just as many as there are diverse tastes. You can choose from single dimmers to those that can be located in multiple positions, all depending on your specific taste.