What is a remote dimmer?
By Matthew Alvarez
What is a remote dimmer?
A remote dimmer switch is a switch which remotely controls the level of light emitted by a lamp. Such switches can be used to control mood lighting and to adjust the level of light in a room for comfort and may be mounted in the wall or integrated into the workings of a lamp which plugs in.
Can you put a dimmer on any lamp?
Most light fixtures will work with standard dimmer switches, including those with halogen and incandescent lamps. If you install line-voltage track and rail lights with incandescent bulbs, you can use dimmer switches to control their brightness. Just be sure to use a line-voltage dimmer as well.
What are ELV dimmers?
Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) Dimmers were originally designed to control Electronic Low Voltage Transformers used in low voltage (12V) MR16 type fixtures. ELV dimmers and transformers are more expensive but offer quieter operation, better control and tend to last longer than Magnetic Low Voltage Transformers (MLV).
What are the two basic types of dimmers?
The two basic types of dimmers are electronic and autotransformer.
How do I know what type of dimmer I have?
Determine the number of switches that control the light group. If only one switch controls the light, purchase a single-pole dimmer. If two switches control a single light or a group of lights, you will need a 3-way dimmer. Then look at the bulb type you are going to be using and pick the right type of dimmer.
How do you make a regular lamp dimmable?
Caleb’s trick of converting a table lamp into a dimmable LED light is pretty simple. Add some Velcro to the socket adapter and screw it in instead of the light bulb. Add the other piece of Velcro to the LED light, so you can attach it to the socket adapter inside the lamp. And that’s pretty much it.
Why do I need an ELV dimmer?
Basic Dimmer Types CL: This is a specific dimmer type developed for smoother usage of CFL and LED bulbs. Electronic Low Voltage (ELV): Like the MLV dimmer, the ELV dimmer is designed for us with an electronic driver. This is also the driver required for most dimmable LED fixtures.
Do more with Wemo dimmer?
Your Wemo Dimmer can do so much more than dim. With the Long Press feature, you can set any number of other Wemo devices to respond to a two-second press of the Dimmer button. You can use Long Press to turn all Wemo lights and devices on or off. Or put all your Wemo lights into Away Mode when you leave for vacation.
Can I use single dimmer switch to control multiple lights?
If you want to dim a light from one switch location, you just simply install your dimmer, but if you want to dim your light from more than one switch location, you just pair the dimmer switch with an accessory dimmer or a companion dimmer (manufactures uses different names for these “extra” dimmers).
How to replace a dimmer switch?
Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel.
Can a dimmer switch be added on any light?
A dimmer switch can be installed anywhere that an existing on or off switch is in place. Replacing the current toggle switch with a dimmer switch will allow you to change the lights’ brightness, so long as you are using a light bulb that is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.
