Dimmer switches provide a relatively inexpensive and uncomplicated way to vary the intensity of light in a room. Dimmers can be used to great effect in living and dining rooms where dramatic changes of mood can be created. They are also of benefit in bedrooms, especially in those of small children who are afraid of the dark.
The dimming of bulbs can also save energy, as dimming a bulb's light output will normally reduce its energy consumption.
Dimming a light fitting
There are several methods of dimming a fitting:
Touch Dimmer: This is a safe, modern way of dimming lights and works by “induction”. Touching the light either dims the light to off or dims the light in stages (eg full, medium, dim and off). This is also available on modern switch plates and works in a similar way.
Switch Dimmer: This may be an “in-line” dimmer switch affixed to a floor or table lamp and worked by hand or foot. Alternatively this could be a rotating switch also commonly found on wall switch plates.
Remote Dimmer: This is generally a wall plate with a touch sensitive switch which will also work by remote control. The remote control will normally control more than one remote dimmer switch and can be “trained” to remember the lighting level on each one