Lighting dimmers and drivers

Control the light levels in a room with a lighting dimmer switch. This is a useful tool in a range of commercial, professional, and domestic settings, from hospitals and classrooms to spas and hotels. Whether you need to plan the lighting for a project or you're working on a full-scale update, adding a lighting dimmer or driver allows flexibility and an element of fluidity.

At RS, we have a have a broad choice available in stock, including LED drivers and dimmer switches, toggle dimmer switches, and standard lighting drivers. Use the comprehensive filter options to select the ideal dimmer switches and drivers for the task. One way to whittle down your options is to search by manufacturer. We pride ourselves on providing customers with leading brands. Take your pick from EuControls Corp, NTE Electronics, Leviton, and our own brand RS PRO.

When you find what you need, you can easily add your items to your cart and head to the online checkout. Ready to find out more about dimmer switches and drivers? Read on.

What are dimmer switches?

Dimmer switches are used to adjust the light levels in a room. They're an easy way to remove any harshness or glare and can quickly change the ambience. As well as allowing the user to change the lighting to suit their requirements, dimmer switches can improve the lifespan of the bulb and reduce energy consumption as more electricity is needed to make the lighting brighter.

A standard lighting dimmer switch uses the leading-edge phase principal. Here, as the current is activated, the dimmer blocks the current that flows to the lamp.

The dimmer is controlled by an adjuster. This can be a rotary adjuster or a toggle dimmer switch, which is a combination of a switch and light control. As the adjuster is moved, the block that's been put in place is gradually released, allowing the flow of the current to change, sending more power to the lamp until it's at full capacity. As the dimmer is adjusted back, the current powering the lamp is reduced, dimming the light from the bulb.

What are the types of dimmer switches?

There are different types of dimmer switches available, so it's worth researching the ones that are on the market. For the most energy-conscious, cost-effective dimmers, look for ones that have on/off functionality.

Typically, you can select from the following types:

• Integrated dimmable light switches - These can be operated either manually or using Wi-Fi. They are found in smart homes and offices and LED dimmer switches are particularly popular with this set-up.
• Touchscreen dimmer switches - Unlike the traditional manual versions, these offer a modern way to control the light. Here, a control panel is fixed to the wall and adjustments can be made with a few swipes of a finger.
• Rotary dimmer - Probably one of the most common types of switch. When you turn the dial, it turns the light level up. When you reverse this action, you can dim the light until it's completely switched off.
• Slide dimmer - Instead of rotating a dial, the switch is moved up and down.

What are lighting dimmer drivers?

A lighting dimmer driver converts the voltage. It alternates the current flow to a lower voltage and is a key part of a dimmer, especially LED dimmer switches.

When to use lighting dimmer switches

There are various uses for lighting dimmer switches, from domestic applications to commercial settings. Some examples of these include:

• Hospitals and public buildings - In a space where the lighting must be gently reduced, such as a library or medical room, a dimmer can be the perfect alternative to a standing lamp or the full beam of a ceiling light.
• Architecture and interior design - Dimmed lighting can showcase an interiors project and provide soft illumination.
• Hotels, health spas and hospitality - From bars to treatment rooms in a spa, having a changeable light setting via a dimmer creates an ambience.
• Offices - Meeting rooms that regularly play host to presentations benefit from dimmer switches.

Why choose RS for your dimmer light switch?

Being able to control the lighting in a space is a useful option in many different settings. Whether you're working on a hospitality project or reassessing the lighting in a corporate office building, you need high-quality, reliable components. Choose from our selection of lighting dimmer switches and drivers to be certain of getting the best possible product for the job.

Contact us today for help with your search and take a look at our expert advice hub for plenty of industry information and tips.