Toggle: These look like standard toggle light switches, but you can raise and lower the toggle to dim and brighten your lights instead of flipping on and off in two binary positions like you would with a traditional light switch. In other cases, the toggle itself acts as an on/off switch, and you adjust the illumination level with a very small slider that’s located right next to the toggle. These are best for applications where you won’t need to adjust the illumination level every day.

Dimmers aren’t all about setting the mood though, and Sampayo says installing them in your home can save you money, too. “Practically speaking, the human eye can't distinguish between 90 percent and 100 percent light brightness, but your energy bill can,” Sampayo advises. “Being conscious of energy consumption means you could set your lights to never exceed 90 percent, ensuring a 10 percent energy saving without compromising on brightness.”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)

The Kasa app works with both Android and iPhone, and it allows you to operate the switch remotely as long as you have internet access, so you technically don’t even need anything but this switch and your phone to get started. It does work with both Alexa and Google Home though, so you can operate the switch with voice commands if you have a compatible smart speaker. Smart home integration also lets you include the switch in daily routines, like turning the lights on or adjusting the illumination level at dusk.Tap: This type of dimmer uses a tap control to switch the lights on and off, and then another method to adjust the illumination. There are no 4-way dimmer switches, but this kit from Leviton is functionally what you’re looking for if your goal is to operate and dim your lights from three or more locations. The reason 4-way dimmers aren’t possible with traditional switches is due to the way that light switch circuits work, and this kit gets around that problem by not using a traditional light switch circuit. Instead, it uses a primary switch, a companion switch, and a plug-in bridge unit that allows them to connect wirelessly. 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. 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.

Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of light bulbs. They adjust the amount of voltage that reach the bulbs. So, for example, the more voltage the bulb receives, the brighter it will be. What to Know Before You Get Started Despite their advantages, it’s relatively uncommon to find inductive dimmer switches in regular domestic settings. Using Dimmer Switches With Fluorescent Fittings 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.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.