Rating of the best dimmers for incandescent lamps for 2020

Bright light in an apartment is not always needed. It remains to either change the lamps to low-power ones, or install additional lamps or nightlights. If you do not want to constantly switch the light, you can install a special device.

Dimmer - what is it

In simple words, a dimmer is a dimmer. Depending on your wishes, it can be connected to one or more lighting sources.

The main advantage is that you can adjust the light intensity in one movement, creating any lighting scenario.

What are

Depending on the functionality, type of installation and control, dimmers can be divided into several categories:

1. Modular dimmers are a complex system, they are mounted on a DIN rail directly in the switchboard. Suitable for furnishing houses with a large number of light sources, institutions, schools, etc. For domestic purposes (installation in ordinary standard apartments) are practically not used.
2. Built-in devices are most popular due to their simple installation (on conventional socket boxes). A wide selection of rulers with different body designs allows you to choose a device that matches the general style of the apartment.
3. External devices are standard functionality, but unpresentable appearance (especially inexpensive models sin with this). Used for apartments made in retro style, wooden buildings with open wiring.

There are also devices that connect to a regular outlet. Suitable for lighting fixtures equipped with a plug (sconces, various lamps).

Classification by control method

Depending on the type of construction, dimmers can be divided into several groups:

• swivel - simple design, easy installation, the brightness of the light is adjusted by turning the wheel;
• rotary-push - switch on / off with a button, adjustment - the same rotation
• keyboard - based on the name, you can adjust the brightness with the keys, often combined with a switch
• touch - the brightness of the glow is adjusted by lightly touching the information board, equipped with
• dimming indicator.

Modern models, in addition to the manual control panel, are equipped with remote controls.

What are the types of installation

Dimmers are manufactured for both outdoor and indoor installation.In the first case, the dimmer is mounted on the wall, in addition to the practical one, it also performs a decorative function. In the second, it is installed in specially designated niches at the stage of wiring installation.

How to connect with your own hands:

It is not difficult to connect the dimmer to the lighting system, the main thing is to understand the design of the device (there are 2 or 4 terminals). Monoblock, for example, are designed for 2 terminals. They are usually installed instead of switches.

Important: all work is carried out with the electricity turned off using tools with intact insulation.

Stages:

1. To begin with, the switch box is removed, the wires are disconnected.
2. After that, you need to determine the phases (incoming, outgoing). You can look at the terminal markings or check with a tester.
3. Connect the dimmer terminals to the wires remaining in the socket (polarity must be observed).
4. Install the box (frame), fix with self-tapping screws.

After connecting the electricity, it remains only to check the operation of the device - to turn the mechanism, adjusting the light intensity.

When installing a 4-wire device, 2 are mounted directly to the broken phase (in the socket of the socket), the control button is brought out to the remaining 2.

Advantages and disadvantages of light control devices

The advantages of installing dimmers include:

1. The ability to create your own lighting scenarios. If the device comes with a remote control, you can do this without leaving the couch.
2. The load on the lamps is reduced, which means that the service life is extended. True, this only works if high quality devices are installed. Otherwise, ripple (typical for inexpensive dimmers) will have the opposite effect. It is also worth choosing high quality lamps. Cheap ones burn out quickly.

But about saving energy is a moot point. Yes, the regulator can reduce the efficiency of the lamp, but it is clearly not worth counting on a significant decrease in the light bill.

Disadvantages:

1. Demanding on the temperature indicators in the room. The standard maximum value is 25 degrees; if the temperature is exceeded, the manufacturer does not guarantee the correct operation of the device.
2. Incandescent lamps with an increased length of the spiral, when dimming, can make unpleasant sounds, "singing".
3. Flickering of lamps is possible (at low output power).
4. A sharp drop in brightness causes noticeable discomfort to the eyes.

Also dimmers can cause radio interference.

Helpful hints on how to choose a dimmer

In addition to the appearance, type of installation, it is worth paying attention to the following characteristics:

• the maximum permissible load is indicated on the device case and in the attached instructions (calculated - the total estimated load plus 20% of the operating margin);
• Rated voltage;
• a possible connection type, for example, an icon in the form of a circle with lines diverging to the sides means that the device can be used to adjust the power of the electric motor;
• protection class of the case against dust and moisture - must be at least IP20
• the presence or absence of its own protection, for example, fuses that protect the device from burnout;
• price - in itself is not a guarantee of quality, but it is still better to choose devices at an average price
• segment from well-known manufacturers;
• body material - usually heat-resistant plastic is used, from additional options - protection against burnout and mechanical damage (you should especially carefully choose devices with touch control).

When installing with your own hands, be sure to follow the safety measures and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Review of the best manufacturers

• Simon is a Spanish company. Offers a wide selection of dimmers in different price categories - from budget to premium models with backlighting. Regardless of the cost, the devices are of high quality. Plus a wide range of models - from classic to modern.
• Berker is a German brand with its own production in Germany.The devices are presented in a strict, classic design, without any frills. The prices are moderate, but at the same time, consumers are offered real German quality - a durable plastic case, resistant to fading and a long service life.
• Makel is a manufacturer from Turkey that has been producing electrical engineering for over 40 years. Products are manufactured on German equipment and undergo strict quality control. The devices are of good quality and affordable.
• TDM ELECTRIC is a Russian company registered in 2007. The founder is businessman Vadim Morozov. The company specializes in the production of electrical goods. The products are of reasonable price and good quality.

Best mechanical dimmers

TDM SQ1801-0209

Budget device. Suitable for installation in any premises, including wooden buildings. The body is made of high quality plastic. The base is Bakelite. The material of the contacts of the sockets is phosphor bronze, which guarantees fire safety and reliable contact. Switch contacts - cermet.
Available in 4 colors. Packing - individual blister with markings and detailed installation instructions.
Protection degree - IP 20, current strength - 2.5 A, installation - open installation.

The price is about 300 rubles.

• price-quality ratio;
• fire safety - suitable for apartments, wooden houses;
• the case does not fade over time.

• not.

ABB

It is presented in several versions, laconic, simple design. Compatible with 60 - 200 V incandescent bulbs.
The body is fade-resistant plastic, so you can safely choose any colors, including dark ones.
A design feature is the ability to connect a switch. That is, you can turn on and off the light from two devices, but to adjust the lighting - only from the main one.
Built-in memory function, the device will "remember" the last command, and when turned on, restore brightness automatically.

Price - about 1000 rubles (the cost may vary depending on the built-in functions).

• reliable work;
• compatible with lamps of different wattage;
• easy installation;
• additional connection of the switch is possible.

• no significant ones.

Best monoblock dimmers

Schneider Electric Blanca

The glossy white body is made of thermoplastic material for safe operation. No special protective coating.

Functionality - compatible with presence and motion sensors, "remembers" the last lighting scenario.
Concealed screw mounting, turn-and-push control mechanism.

Available in white and beige.

The price is about 1800 rubles.

• even glow without flickering and "hum" of lamps;
• you can set a constant minimum brightness;
• frame included;
• provides smooth ignition.

• when switching to the minimum value, it first brings the brightness to medium - this is unpleasant for the eyes and
• inconvenient, for example, if you turn on the light at night;
• reacts to commands for a long time.

BTicino AXOLUTE

Touch regulator. The body is laconic, square. Available in anthracite color. There is a backlight.
Built-in fuse, soft start and stop functions to reduce arcing.
Material - thermoplastic body, control - touch, no remote control. Delivered without frame, decorative covers can be purchased separately if required.

Price - from 5000 rubles.

• attractive appearance;
• reliable work;
• simple installation and easy operation.

• price;
• no remote control.

 

The best built-in dimmers

Lillium

From the Turkish manufacturer Makel for 220 V incandescent lamps. Presented in white, compact. Body - thermoplastic, glossy, without protective coating. Laconic design, easy installation.
Rated voltage - 250 V (suitable for installation on one light source). Control mechanism type - rotary.

Price - about 700 rubles

• good build quality;
• matches the manufacturer's description;
• smooth switching of brightness;
• affordable price.

• the frame (post) needs to be bought separately, which is not very convenient, the colors may not match.

EKF PROxima

Super budget device. Supplied in white only. Glossy body, mounting type - spur, with screws. Controlled by turning the button. There are no additional functions like timer or "memory". Not compatible with motion and presence detectors.

The price is about 200 rubles.

• price;
• suitable for installation in industrial premises, change houses;
• copes well with switching brightness.

• perhaps the "hum" of the lamps, so it is not worth installing in rooms.

Simon 15

Embedded device from a Spanish manufacturer. Suitable for incandescent, halogen and LED lamps of 200 V. Swivel design - control and brightness adjustment is carried out by smoothly turning the knob. Three-wire connection diagram.

The body is made of thermoplastic from the German manufacturer Bauer, resistant to fading, scratches. Subject to the operating conditions, the device will serve for a long time.
Supplied without frame.

Price - 600 rubles.

• reliability;
• extinguishes the "singing" of the lamps;
• UV-protected housing;
• excellent technical characteristics.

:

• no significant ones.

Best electronic dimmers

Nero II 8421 UPM

For remote control of light sources. Suitable for 220V halogen and incandescent lamps. The total power of all connected lamps must not exceed 0.3 kW.

It is controlled by the remote control (depending on the brand of the remote control, an additional installation of a decoding device is required).

Additional functions - compatible with motion sensors, can be paired with external (street) sensors. If necessary, you can program the on / off time period.

Equipped with fuses, it independently reduces the power consumption (reduces the brightness of the lamps) when overheating.

It is mounted either in a specially designated box; for outdoor installation, an additional sealed casing is used.

The price is about 6,000 rubles.

• reliability;
• not picky about the room temperature;
• built-in smooth switching functions;
• several lighting modes.

• mount it yourself is unlikely to work;
• additional installation of a decoder is required if you plan to use the device with a radio remote control.

 

Best modular dimmers

HAGER

EVN and EV line. DIN rail mountable. Automatic distribution and recognition of the type of load (capacitive, inductive). Compatible with any bulbs (incandescent, halogen, dimmable LED). The maximum permissible load power is up to 1000 W.

Control - using the remote control. Setting - from the panel on the device body, or remotely. The maximum distance is 50 m.

Regardless of the model, it is equipped with built-in protection against overloads, surges and burns.
Dimmers of the EVN004 series are additionally equipped with a remote control with backlit buttons
Separate programming of different light sources is possible.

Main functionality:

• power indicator;
• suppression of noise;
• overheating indicator;
• memory function and smooth descent

Price - depending on the functionality from 11,000 rubles.

• reliability;
• built-in protection against burnout;
• the ability to program various lighting scenarios;
• work offline;
• compact, weighs only 120 g.

• not.

The dimmer can be assembled by yourself. Detailed diagrams with step-by-step guidance can be found online. Components can be purchased from specialized stores or ordered online. By assembling the dimmer yourself, you can expand the functionality of the device according to your own preferences.