For more information on staying safe when working around electricity, see our electrical safety project here. What is a Dimmer Switch?

However, if it is to be a newly installed switch where all wires and cabling needs to be run from scratch then this is not possible to do as a DIY’er and can only be done by a Part P registered electrician with the knowledge and skill to do the work correctly, test it fully and then issue a minor works certificate.Both of these types of dimmer have their own distinct characteristics, but on the whole, trailing edge dimmers are seen as slightly better as they have a smoother operation and tend to make much less noise. LED dimmer module has auto-detect function for either leading edge or trailing edge with 5-150W load, 230-240V 50Hz

Modern dimmer switches use this cycle to determine when to turn the light off. At the point that the switch from positive to negative happens there will be zero voltage and this is when the switch cuts the power. With the old switch out of the way, take your new dimmer switch and connect the wires in the same place as the old one; brown live to COM and blue switched live to L1 To fit a dimmer switch in place of a standard light switch you will need the following tools and materials:Once done, put the 2 screws to one side and pull the faceplate away and turn it to reveal the internals on the rear of the face. For the purpose of this project we will be swapping and existing 1 gang 1 way switch for a similar 1 gang 1 way dimmer switch. Step 1 – Isolate Circuit

As we have now looked at what a dimmer switch is and how it works, it’s now time to see how they are fitted. Aside from the main differences in how they operate, dimmer switches are also available in several different operation: Intuitive Automations: Craft custom 'Automations' to suit your lifestyle. Set your lights to mimic your presence, creating a lived-in look even when you're away. Explore timers, scenes, and the power to create a master switch for your entire home. our dimmer switches cannot be used in conjunction with each other. We recommend using one dimmer switch per circuitTraditionally, dimmer switches used a variable resistor that essentially restricts the flow of electricity by converting it to heat. This not only caused the resistor to get hot but also, this was a massive waste of electricity. If the new dimmer switch has a metal faceplate then you will also need to connect the earth to the earth terminal on the faceplate.

Once the power to the circuit and switch are isolated, the next job is to use a flat blade screwdriver to unscrew the 2 screws on the front of the faceplate. In accordance to the Building Regulations and the BS 7671 wiring regulations, if you are simply exchanging an existing standard 1 or 2 gang light switch for a dimmer switch then this is entirely possible to do on a DIY basis, as long as you have the knowledge to do so. Once correctly positioned, pop each screw through each hole and then screw it up tight, ensuring that it’s level. Step 6 – Test Switchour dimmer switches have a soft start function that slowly brings the lights to the set level in about 1-2 seconds, prolonging the life of your bulbs Upgrade your lighting experience with Lightwave Smart Dimmers. These innovative devices transform your standard switches into incredibly versatile smart home controllers. Say goodbye to the same old light switch and embrace the future of smart lighting. Fitting a dimmer switch in place of an existing standard light switch is a fairly easy and straight forward job as long as you know what you are doing.