Dimming is a useful function that allows you to save on electricity consumption and make lighting convenient. The first variants of such a device appeared almost immediately after the release of incandescent lamps and gained great popularity.
There is no home in the United States that does not have this product. The dimmer did not appear on the Russian market immediately. Even after the first models were released, the demand for the product was negligible. Over time, everything has changed and now more and more people are discovering this useful unit.
In order to choose the right model and not fall for marketing gimmicks, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best dimmers for incandescent lamps for 2020.
Content
Dimmer features
The word "dimmer" itself, translated from English, means "dim". Other names for this device are variator, dimmer. The fixture changes the power of the light bulb, which causes the light to fade, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The product is in great demand not only among incandescent lamps, but also actively used for LED-lamps, halogen, etc.
The principle of operation is based on changing the parameters of the current that moves through the electrical network. First, the signal comes in the form of a sine, then the dimmer changes its shape to a cut sinusoid. The latter option reaches the light bulb, which makes it possible to change the brightness of the glow at the discretion of the owner.
Most often, together with the variators, a choke is installed, which is a special coil of a specific shape. It is made using a coiled wire. The presence of this element helps to reduce the occurrence of interference. Therefore, the bulbs will not blink at minimum and maximum power.
There are hundreds of options in stores, however all dimmers are divided into three main categories:
- Thyristor. This is the simplest option, which has a low cost and is often made at home. Of course, for this reason, it will have much less functionality. This option is best suited for people who understand wiring. Then they will have a great option at a minimal price, in addition, they will install it in any convenient place.
- Triac. Such models are manufactured in factories on a large scale. The main difference between such a product is the presence of triacs. The principle of operation of these devices is similar, but the factory device is capable of passing current in two directions, which the thyristor version cannot do. Also a nice addition is the absence of a diode bridge. Therefore, the power will not change over time and will be at the same level. Dimmers are rarely installed in conjunction with switches, they are often replaced. When purchasing such a device, it is already designed for installation in fittings, which is also an advantage.
- Transistorized dimmer. These models are many times better than thyristor ones.Although they have a high cost, which is not liked by most users. But, according to buyers, such dimmers are more efficient and more ergonomic. In addition, virtually all transistorized products are compatible with incandescent lamps. Due to the fact that there is no capacitance and inductance, the device does not curl from the shape of a sinusoid, which is also a big plus, which affects convenient operation.
Advantages and disadvantages of variators for incandescent lamps
Dimmers became famous for a reason. Compared to a conventional switch, it has a number of positive aspects that make it easier to use and save electrical energy.
Main pluses:
- The light is not only dimmable, but the owner is able to turn it off and on. This function allows you to install devices instead of switches, which will make control convenient and comfortable.
- The ability to change the brightness of the light is also a great advantage because it saves energy. After all, not all people want to use the maximum brightness for some, 30-50% of the lighting is enough.
- A certain intensity is adjusted for each room, which opens up the possibility of adjusting each room to the needs of a person. For example, make it lighter in the kitchen and living room, and darken the light in the bedrooms to make it easier to fall asleep.
- To adjust, you do not have to get up from the couch; most modern models support remote control. This is very convenient when a person comes tired from work and is not able to get up from a soft bed.
- Dimmers prolong the service life of incandescent lamps, which is also a big plus, since they do not have to be changed often. This is made possible by adjusting the load level.
- When installing a dimmer, the owner will save on the purchase of additional lighting sources, since he will no longer need them.
But besides the advantages, this device has a number of disadvantages. Although they are not so significant, it is important to know about their existence.
Main disadvantages:
- Some lamps do not support operation with regulators, which will make them impossible to use. A person can turn on and off the light without difficulty, but adjust the brightness - no. Therefore, achieving savings and a long service life will not work.
- Each regulator is purchased according to the loads it is capable of handling. Failure to comply with this rule negatively affects the product, which will disable it after a couple of years of active use.
- If the device overheats, it will immediately break, since all regulators are sensitive to this. If this happens, then it is better to buy a new product, it is not recommended to do repairs, especially on your own.
What to look for when choosing?
Selection criteria are an equally important point when purchasing dimmers. Knowing the pros and cons is good, but it's important to use this information correctly. So a person will buy only that product that will last a long period, and will not break after a short-term power surge.
There are 4 types of devices in the store, which differ in the way of control:
- Swivel - classic models that can be found in the budget segment and in premium versions. They are based on a rotary mechanism that allows you to adjust the shutdown and shutdown process by simple rotation. In demand with 70% of buyers.
- The turn-push device is a more modified product. So, in order to illuminate the room, you must first press the button, and then change the position of the mechanism, achieving a certain intensity.
- The keyboards are presented in the form of two buttons: + and -.There are also models where the change in the intensity of the luminous flux occurs by a long press. Such devices have not received much distribution, I often use them to emphasize the individuality of the apartment.
- Touch devices occupy a separate niche. It is a modern mechanism that will impress the user with its unique design and ease of operation. To adjust the lighting, just touch the product and set the required parameter by moving left or right. There are no extra buttons, everything is simple and easy. Installation will take the same amount of time as the standard version.
When choosing a dimmer, you need to look at the following parameters:
- Dimmer compatibility with indoor light bulbs. This is the main factor, not observing it leads to the uselessness of the purchase. After all, not all bulbs support the change in light and can quickly burn out, because I will not be designed for this.
- Design also affects usability and comfort. It is more pleasant when the switch emphasizes the room, and does not look intrusive, which is why guests begin to pay attention to it when examining it. It is important to choose a product that fits perfectly into the interior and matches the design of the room.
- On the market there are models for 500 rubles, and maybe for 5,000 rubles. Therefore, it is important to calculate the budget. So a person will not overpay for unnecessary functions.
- The manufacturer is an important criterion. It is he who is able to influence the final choice of a person. This is especially noticeable when choosing from a certain price range. In stores, only popular models are often sold, because they have managed to establish themselves over the decades.
Top 3 mechanical dimmers
TDM SQ1804-0016
An excellent inexpensive product that is suitable for installation in a country house or apartment. The body is made of durable plastic, which is covered with gloss. Contacts comply with safety standards. The adjustment is quick and does not require long waiting times. The caliper is made of galvanized steel for increased corrosion resistance. The degree of protection against moisture and dust is IP 20. A rotary mechanism is used for adjustment.
Sold at a price of 250 rubles.
Advantages:
- Good quality at an affordable price;
- High-speed adjustment;
- Heat-resistant housing;
- Current strength - 2.7 A;
- Convenient use.
Disadvantages:
- There are none for this price.
WESSEN SR-5S0-18
A popular branded device that has hundreds of positive reviews from customers. The description of the device on the manufacturer's website is fully true. No parameters are overestimated or underestimated.
The housing is made of ABS plastic, which shows high resistance to mechanical and thermal stress. The maximum power with which the device is able to operate without fail is 300 W. But it is important to remember that it is necessary to leave 20% in reserve, so that during overloads the model does not fail and can continue to function.
The average cost is 1,230 rubles.
Advantages:
- Famous brand;
- High-quality performance;
- Reliability;
- Trouble-free work.
Disadvantages:
- Withstands low power.
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BLNSS040011
A proprietary device that will allow you to customize the light to your own needs. The adjustment is carried out using a rotary mechanism. Suitable for incandescent and halogen lamps. The dimmer is made of high quality plastic, which does not leave scratches or prints. The maximum power is 400 watts. The model has a beautiful design that will fit into almost any room interior.
The average cost is 1,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- Beautiful external performance;
- Durability;
- Value for money;
- Smooth adjustment;
- Two-year warranty, and a service life of 7-9 years
- Simple installation.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Dimmers with electronic (touch) control
Livolo EE-D-B
An excellent option for a top-end manufacturer, which is suitable for installation in all apartments and houses. It can be installed in place of a standard switch.The design is made in such a way that it allows you to install equipment for any interior.
Adjustment takes place with a light touch. For convenience, there is LED backlighting, which will allow you to easily detect the device at night. The product is capable of operating at a power of up to 500 W. The service life is 100,000 operations.
The average cost is 1,850 rubles.
Advantages:
- High-quality assembly;
- Stylish design;
- Easy adjustment;
- Responsive sensor;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Neon-Night 96W
Not a bad Chinese device that is designed for small use. Withstands loads up to 100 watts. The panel is made of quality material that is easy to use. The only caveat is that the product retains fingerprints well. Fastening - screw, which provides maximum reliability. The design is modern, which will allow the device to easily fit into any room.
The average price is 2,030 rubles.
Advantages:
- Easy installation;
- Beautiful execution;
- Responsive panel;
- Guarantee.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
Arlight Sens CT-201-IN Black
A reliable brand device that can withstand high loads. Made of material that is pleasant to the touch. The sensor is of high quality, does not lag, which simplifies operation at times. Works at temperatures from -10 to +40 degrees. The product is reliably protected from dust and moisture, which increases the safety of operation. The product is covered by a two-year warranty.
The average cost is 3,400 rubles.
Advantages:
- Convenient adjustment;
- Durable body;
- Leaves no prints;
- Easy installation;
- Warranty - 2 years;
- Small size.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Best modular devices
Hager EVN100
An excellent universal dimmer with automatic control, which is suitable for installation in the "Smart Home" system. The adjustment is smooth and does not require operator intervention. Suitable for working with any type of lamp, including LED and gas discharge. For greater reliability, there is electronic overload and overheating protection. The maximum power is 1000 W.
Sold at an average price of 13,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Many additional features;
- High-quality assembly;
- Works with the Smart Home system;
- Automatic adjustment.
Disadvantages:
- Dimensions.
Niko Modulaire 350 W
A versatile option that will work with all types of lamps. Installation is carried out on a DIN rail. The device is capable of operating in phase and reverse control modes. The assembly is done with high quality.
The maximum voltage is 350 W. When installing a dimmer, it is important to check the temperature of the electrical cabinet, if the value exceeds 35 degrees, then you first need to put additional ventilation, only then install the product in a prepared place.
Sold at a price of 10,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Professional assembly;
- Reliability;
- Durability;
- Quality.
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to find in a regular store, only on the Internet.
RFDEL-71M / 230V
A versatile product suitable for any home where an electronic cabinet is used. The device quickly and smoothly changes the brightness level, adjusting to the user's preferences. There is also the possibility of remote adjustment, which will simplify the use at times.
The average cost is 8,400 rubles.
Advantages:
- High-quality assembly;
- Reliability;
- Universal application;
- Durability;
- Value for money.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
The best built-in devices
FIBARO DIMMER 2
A reliable built-in dimmer that can withstand loads up to 250 W, which makes it possible to operate the device in every apartment. Suitable for all types of lamps. Memorizing the type of source connection is a nice bonus. For safety, there is high-quality overheating protection.
Sold at a price of 5,400 rubles.
Advantages:
- Enlarged terminals;
- Fifth generation chip;
- LED lights;
- Takes into account energy consumption;
- Reliable security system.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Arlight SR-2202-IN White
An excellent built-in controller that is suitable for installation in a country house. Production is carried out in Russia. The body is made of a material that is resistant to moisture and dust. Sold in white. The rotor mechanism is made in silver color, which gives the device a beautiful appearance.
The average price is 3,200 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Guarantee;
- Assembly;
- The material can withstand mechanical stress.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Dimmer Swith
The best device in terms of design, control and value for money. Matches with Yeelight fixtures. No long cables or wall drilling required for control. It is enough to install the device and start using it. Bluetooth is used to control the light intensity.
The average price is 1,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Easy control;
- Simple installation;
- Stylish design;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Monoblock variators
ARL-FINE-DIM Black
A simple product that supports remote control. The maximum output power is 120W. Installation method - invoice. A minimum of effort is required to adjust. The design is standard for this type.
The average price is 800 rubles.
Advantages:
- Remote control capability;
- Durability;
- High-quality assembly;
- Reliability.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
ARL-MINI-DIM-1x11A
A popular device that is small in size but high in efficiency. Made of durable material that withstands all negative influences. A special remote control with a clear interface is used for control.
The average price is 2,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Small size;
- Easy connection;
- Nice interface;
- Smooth adjustment.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
SMART-D32-DIM
A great option for incandescent lamps. The body is made of ABS plastic. Resistant to minor mechanical stress. It is controlled using special panels that are supplied separately, which is important to consider when purchasing equipment.
The average cost is 2,200 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliable build;
- Simple installation;
- Withstands power surges;
- Durable body;
- Nice design;
- Cost based on functionality.
Disadvantages:
- The control panel is supplied separately.
Finally
A dimmer is a type of device that can facilitate everyday activities several times over. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting options, tell us about it in the comments.
