We get it - dimmer switches can offer a great way to introduce mood lighting into your home. And when they work well, it's a great experience! As with all technology though, when they don't work well, it can be frustrating! Lets explore what there is on the market in 2023, how to fit a new dimmer, our favourite dimmer brand, practical alternatives to dimmer swithes to achieve mood lighting in your home, and what to look out for to identify a failing dimmer switch. Let's go!

Types of Dimmer Switches

Rotary Dimmers

Rotary dial dimmers are among the most common, and what most people in the UK picture when they say 'dimmer switch'. They use a rotary knob that you turn to raise or lower the light level. Rotary dials allow for precise control but can be hard to calibrate to a specific brightness. 

Smart Home Dimmers

Smart dimmer switches represent an advanced option that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, voice assistant, or smart home hub. This allows you to dim lights even when not physically present near the switch. Smart dimmers are more expensive but provide added functionality like scheduling and automation.

remote dimmers

Slide dimmer switches have a linear slider for adjusting the light intensity. They provide easy at-a-glance light level visibility. However, slide dimmers can be prone to mechanical wear over time from the sliding action.

Touch Dimmers

Slide dimmer switches have a linear slider for adjusting the light intensity. They provide easy at-a-glance light level visibility. However, slide dimmers can be prone to mechanical wear over time from the sliding action.

 2-way Dimmers

2-way dimmers allow you to have a second light switch which turns the same light on and off. This arrangement is often found on light switches at bottom and the top of a staircase. Almost all dimmers come with this function as standard. 2 way dimmers, much like 2 way light switches, can also simply be used as a 1 way dimmer, too.

1 gang, 2 gang, 3 gang, and 4 gang dimmer switches

This is terminology the electrical industry uses to describe how many rotary dimmer modules are found on the one single accessory. What can make this terminology a mind bender is the physical size/shape of the accessory, which directly relates to the size and shape of the hole in the wall...

The size and shape of the actual accessory, which follows single socket outlets and double socket outlets to a Tee, can also be described in gangs. 1 gang being a square shape and being the most standard of all electrical accessories you'll ever find in a building. An accessory that is longer in one direction, and takes on a rectangle shape, is known as two gang.

You've got to be careful with these terminologies so double check what you're describing is exactly what you mean. for instance, you can usually get 1gang and 2gang dimmer modules on a 1 gang accessory, but you have to upgrade to a 2g accessory in order to fit 3 and 4 gangs of dimmers.

Thats enough confusion for today, it's just something to be aware of (and quick use google image search to see what we're talking about!).

Choosing the Right Dimmer Switch

Matching Dimmer Switch to Light Bulbs

When selecting a dimmer switch, it's crucial to match it with compatible bulb types. LED, CFL, incandescent, and halogen bulbs often have specific dimming compatibility needs. For example, LEDs require LED-compatible dimmers, CFLs need CFL/LED compatible dimmers, incandescents usually work with standard dimmers, and halogens require halogen/incandescent dimmers. Mixing incompatible dimmers and bulbs can cause flickering, buzzing, and other issues.

LED Compatible Dimmers

LED compatible dimmers are designed to work with LED and CFL bulb types. Key features include optimization for lower LED wattages and prevention of LED flickering with soft-start technology.

Dimmable bulbs

CFL compatible dimmers work well with CFL and LED bulbs. Benefits include ability to accommodate lower CFL/LED wattages and avoid issues with CFL bulbs like flickering.

How To Wire A Dimmer Switch

1. Do your due diligence First, make sure your new dimmer will fit into the backbox in the wall. dimmers tend to be quite a bit bulkier at the back than normal light switches, so keep that in mind. If the dimmer doesn't fit the hole in the wall you can use purpose made stand-offs to bring the dimmer away from the wall slightly. Also, make sure you read the Manufacturer's Instructions (MIs) and follow them.
2. Turn Off Power at Circuit Breaker The safety critical step when installing or replacing a dimmer switch is to turn off power at the circuit breaker. You have got to be careful that all the breakers supplying the light switch you're working on are off. You could well be dealing with an upstairs lighting circuit on the downstairs light switch, for example.
3. Take note of the current wiring in the old dimmer and take a photo! The last thing you want to do is be stood there, scratching your head, wondering which wire went into which terminal. This step becomes increasingly more obvious when you're dealing with multiple dimmer switches, and 2 way switching, especially.
4. Install new dimmer switch  Next, remove the old light switch/ dimmer switch and map the cables from the old dimmer switch to the new one. Make sure there is no copper visible outside of the terminals, and dimer switch terminals are infamously small and fragile, do not overtighten these terminals because they will break. Remember to connect all earths (cpcs) together, and if the dimmer is a class 1 (metal) accessory, make sure it is adequately earthed.
5. Restore Power at Breaker Do your checks to make sure the wiring is correct and there are no short circuits you've accidentally introduced into the wiring. Restore power at the circuit breaker panel and turn the electricity back on.
6. Test Dimmer Operation Finally, test that the newly installed dimmer switch works correctly by operating it to raise and lower lighting levels. Our favourite dimmers are programmable which makes them very versatile. Read the MIs and adjust your dimmer accordingly.

It's important to always consult the Manufacturers Instructions, especially the wiring diagram provided, for the new dimmer switch to ensure functionality and safety.

Best Dimmer Switches

There's one particular dimmer switch that functions head and shoulders above the rest

 (We're going to go a little informal here because we can't contain our excitement)

And that is the Varilight dimmer ranges. We don't actually make any money from raving about these dimmers, but we really should look into that! In fact, we might have to look into purchasing shares... Anyway, we digress. We've tried a whole plethora of dimmer models over the years, and it was always a dark art to find a particular dimmer that worked well with a particular light. That was til we came across these dimmers, which we get very excited about, and for good reason. Absolutely exceptional bits of kit, and we can almost guarantee our clients, with 95% confidence, these are the best dimmers on the market and they'll be exactly what you're looking for. Why? Because 95% of the time, they never experience issues that most dimmers suffer from:

Flickering light on a dimmer

Flickering is one of the most common and darn right inconvenient and annoying of the dimmer issues. Many dimmers can cause connected lighting to flicker, even the falling edge / trailing edge technology which is what the Varalight dimmers incorporate. Varilight dimmers offer several programmable features such as 3 different driving modes, offering a lot of flexibility to accommodate all different technologies and power ratings of lights. (we've used all three, but generally find driving mode 2 the mutt's nuts!)

Dimmer makes buzzing sound

It's not unusual for cheaper dimmer switches to emit audible buzzing or humming noises, particularly on LED loads. Varilight have either hit the dimmer fluke jackpot again, or they've spent a lot of resources designing dimmers that remain buzz and hum-free, even at the lowest dimming levels. I don't we've ever witnessed even one buzz yet.

Dimmer hardly dims / small dimming range

A Limited dimming range is frustrating when you can't get lights dimmed down sufficiently. Some dimmers will be able to take the light down to 80% and that's it. A fair majority can get the light levels down to maybe 30%, 20%. Every now and again the stars will align and you'll find a perfect match that takes you down to 1%. 

But what if we said Varilight's dimmer modules are around 80% likely to take your lights right down to the faintest glow? We're not making this up, now you can probably see why we get so excited over these things!

In summary, Varilight dimmer switches really stand out by practically eliminating the most common dimmer issues like flickering, buzzing, and poor dimming range. We've found them to be the most reliable and highest performing dimmers across many lighting types.

Dimmer Switch Troubleshooting

If a newly installed dimmer doesn't work, likely causes include incorrect wiring connections, not meeting minimum power requirements, selecting the wrong dimmer type, an overloaded dimmer wattage rating, or loose/faulty wire connections. Carefully re-checking all wiring against the dimmer diagrams and verifying the voltage matches your electrical system can help identify any installation problems.

Fixing Buzzing or Humming

Common solutions for resolving buzzing or humming noises from a dimmer switch include installing a noise filter module, replacing the dimmer with a higher quality model, using only dimmable LED bulbs is a seemingly an obvious, but sometimes overlooked fix, and keeping the dimmer wiring separated and distant from other wires inside the electrical box or walls. Buzzing is often caused by electromagnetic interference, so these measures help reduce that interference. Alternatively, you could just Send in the Verilight!

Preventing Flickering Lights

Light flickering from a dimmer switch can have several causes - incompatible bulbs and dimmer, exceeding the dimmer's maximum wattage rating, having too many bulbs on the dimmer circuit, using old worn out bulbs, or loose wiring connections to the dimmer. Flickering is often fixed by replacing all bulbs on the circuit with modern dimmable LED bulbs, and installing an LED-compatible dimmer switch. This resolves the root incompatibility between bulb and dimmer that frequently causes flickering. If that doesn't work send in the Varilight!

Stopping Light Flashing on and off

If the lights connected to a dimmer switch begin flashing on and off, this usually indicates a loose neutral wiring issue, or a back feed is being introduced somewhere. Checking for good continuity on the neutral and correcting any problems can stop the flashing.  If those measures don't resolve it, Send in the Varilight or consult a qualified electrician to fault find and fix flashing lights on a dimmer.

What To Do If Dimmer Gets Hot

A dimmer switch that gets excessively hot during operation can signify several possible issues - an overloaded circuit, defective dimmer that needs replacement, improper wiring connections, or use of an incorrect dimmer for the bulb type being used. For example, using a low power dimmer with CFL bulbs can cause overheating. Carefully inspecting the dimmer's load rating, wiring connections, and replacing the dimmer with an appropriate model can all help address an overheating dimmer switch.

Troubleshooting Lost Dimming Range

If a dimmer switch seems to have lost its ability to dim lights down to lower brightness levels, there are a few things to try - is the dimmer knob you're twisting just spinning and not holding onto the spindle? Or i the spindle snapped inside? Replacing any old bulbs on the circuit, ensuring all light fixtures connected are dimmable models, installing a higher quality dimmer switch Send in the Varlight, or you could add a dummy resistive load to bring the circuit up to the minimum wattage threshold for dimming (not the greatest use of wasted energy). Proper dimming performance often depends on the quality and compatibility of the dimmer controls and the lights themselves.

Warning Signs of Issues

Faulty or failing dimmer switches can exhibit several warning signs that signal the need for immediate inspection and repair. Being aware of these signs can prevent potential electrical hazards and bigger problems down the line. In particular, it is when these signs havn't been there before and have just recently developed that you might want to start thinking about monitoring and maintaing the dimmer:

• Buzzing or crackling noises coming from the dimmer switch points to electromagnetic interference issues, a failing dimmer or possible arcing. Persistent buzzing and certainly crackling should not be ignored.
• Flickering or flashing of lights when dimmed indicates compatibility issues between bulbs and dimmer or faulty operation. Flickering should be addressed quickly before bulbs or dimmer fail.
• Excessive heat from the dimmer switch or lighting fixtures it controls can mean an overloaded circuit or improper dimmer. Prolonged overheating creates a fire risk. On white plastic, look for yellowing, bulbing and blistering of the plastic.
• Smoke smells or burning odours signal a severely overheated dimmer or electrical connection problem. This dangerous issue requires urgent troubleshooting.
• Sparking visible inside the dimmer or at wire connections is a sign of unsafe conditions and wiring faults. Sparking and arcing can precede electrical fires.
• Lights staying dim even when turned up fully may mean the dimmer needs replacement due to failure.
• Difficult or jammed slider operation can signal internal issues with slide dimmers.
• Popping or tripping circuit breakers when using the dimmer indicates short circuit or overload issues, and the dimmer would have likely failed.

If you are noticing any of these warning signs that have suddenly started occurring with a dimmer switch, have a qualified electrician thoroughly inspect for faults and make any repairs needed immediately. Prompt response helps correct issues before major wiring failures, fires, or safety hazards occur.

Dimmer Switch Alternatives

Playing devil's advocate, you may just want some Google or Alexa enabled light bulbs!

It sounds like a very simple fix to the dimmer switch problem! We have heard some great things about smart light bulbs from our clients! We are still yet to fit any to see them working - I mean most people don't hire an electrician to change a light bulb! 

As long as you're tech savvy enough to follow the manual to set the smart lights up on your WiFi, get the app on your phone, and have a tinker and a play, they could be the no-brainer solution to getting mood lighting throughout your home! They seem to have features such as:

• You can group certain lights together so you're creativity is no longer constrained by the fixed wiring of the light switches and lights.
• You can put them on timers, which is very convenient to make sure lights really are out by 1am, or to make it look like someone has sneaked downstairs to make a sandwich in the middle of the night to put off would-be thieves, and again if you're on holiday you can achieve the same effect!
• you can change the colour of the lights if you get RGB variants
• You can get PIR-integrated smart bulbs on the market that only light up when they detect movement, further reducing your energy bills
• You can potentially control the with your voice!
• They couldnt potentially have features that allow them to 'dance' to music!

The downsides to doing it this way, could be some of the following:

• if you're lax on the security side, there's scope for your neighbour to log into them and start pranking you.
• if you leave the light switches as they are, and accidentally stop the power to the lights by trciking to manually flick them on, they'll potentially have a period of rebooting and reconnecting to the WiFi before you can control them again.
• Again, if you're a technophobe, they might end up causing you headaches and you might need assistance to get them working how you like.