Hello,
we are currently working on the lighting design. We are considering installing a fixed dimmer for the living/dining room lighting.
The problem is that not all lights, especially "smart" capable ones, might be compatible with it.
Would it be better to use a traditional switch and leave the dimming control to the lamp itself?
What is your opinion?
we are currently working on the lighting design. We are considering installing a fixed dimmer for the living/dining room lighting.
The problem is that not all lights, especially "smart" capable ones, might be compatible with it.
Would it be better to use a traditional switch and leave the dimming control to the lamp itself?
What is your opinion?
Actually, the best approach is to move away from manufacturer-specific switches and dimmers and instead use universal ones that work regardless of the type of lamp connected. These switches (more like push buttons) can be, as Untergasse mentioned, basic, semi-basic, or smart.
The dimmer is often installed inside the modern electrical system, either in the distribution board or at the lamp itself. It doesn’t matter from where it is operated.
Alexa can be a helpful addition or simply another way to control the system, but it should never be the main or the only control option.
To answer the original question: yes, dimmers are more relevant than ever and are becoming increasingly functional—but not in the traditional hardwired rotary switch form.
The dimmer is often installed inside the modern electrical system, either in the distribution board or at the lamp itself. It doesn’t matter from where it is operated.
Alexa can be a helpful addition or simply another way to control the system, but it should never be the main or the only control option.
To answer the original question: yes, dimmers are more relevant than ever and are becoming increasingly functional—but not in the traditional hardwired rotary switch form.
If you choose a traditional electrical installation but want to keep some options open for certain areas of the house to allow future modifications, you could, for example, connect some push buttons/switches/dimmers to the lights via the “detour” through the electrical distribution panel. This way, you preserve one or two possibilities for changes, such as later installing dimmers or other control devices centrally in the sub-distribution.
However, such options can quickly lead to additional effort. For 12V/24V systems (e.g., LED strips), larger cable cross-sections to the lights may be helpful (with the transformer in the electrical distribution), possibly also shielded cables and extra wiring for sensors. In the end, each person must decide individually which option makes sense for them.
When in doubt, running some extra cables inside the walls is always a reliable approach to gain peace of mind in the present.
However, such options can quickly lead to additional effort. For 12V/24V systems (e.g., LED strips), larger cable cross-sections to the lights may be helpful (with the transformer in the electrical distribution), possibly also shielded cables and extra wiring for sensors. In the end, each person must decide individually which option makes sense for them.
When in doubt, running some extra cables inside the walls is always a reliable approach to gain peace of mind in the present.
Similar topics