Dimmer Switches

Finding the right dimmer switch is quick and easy at Downlights Direct. We recommend the Varilight V-Pro series that are LED compatible, capable of dimming up to 120 watts of LEDs with zero minimum load. Read More Below

LED Compatible Dimmer Switches

Choosing an LED compatible dimmer switch used to be difficult and a bit of a lottery. This was because dimming technology differs from LED to LED and the wattage is much lower than incandescent. Varilight solved this problem many moons ago with their V-Pro series of LED compatible dimmer switches.

The Varilight V-Pro has no minimum load and will dim up to 120W of LEDs, without needing to be de-rated for LED. You just need to ensure that you've got no more than 10 LEDs on the circuit.

If you do have more than 10 LEDs, we've also got the V-Pro high wattage dimmers which will dim up to 30 LEDs with a maximum of 300W. Or the Varilight V-COM series which will dim up to 60 LEDs with a maximum of 600W. These higher wattage dimmers are also useful for dimming longer runs of LED tape with.

The Varilight V-Pro is also programmable which allows you to fine tune the dimming settings to meet the demands of the exact LEDs of on your circuit. If you're experience some nuisance flickering at the low end, you can trim it. Programming is done by rotating the rotary knob in a specific sequence, requiring no tools or technical know-how.

Over the years Downlights Direct has worked closely with both lighting and dimmer switch manufacturers to provide expert advice and pre-sales support. Our advice is based on extensive testing, research and feedback from our customers. Incompatible dimming has now been cured, with the Varilight V-Pro antidote.

Trailing Edge Dimmer Switches

Trailing edge dimmer switches have a much lower load than leading edge and inductive dimming modes. This is no longer a concern with the zero minimum load of the V-PRo. The Varilight V-Pro contains both trailing edge and a modified leading edge mode in one, these modes can also be programmed. On initial startup, the V-Pro will initialise itself and adapt to the exact LEDs that are on the circuit. Programming only needs to be done to fine tune the dimming results if required.

You can also reprogram it if you change the wattage on the circuit.

Trailing edge technology tends to provide much smoother dimming function with particularly lower LED loads, and because it contains no transformer or coil, they're virtually silent. No buzzing whatsoever!

Leading edge dimmer switches can buzz slightly as they operate on TRIAC and contain a small transformer with a coil. If you're just dimming a few LED lamps or downlights, don't get caught up too much with the technicalities of trailing edge vs leading as V-Pro will work out of the box.

By choosing a Varilight V-Pro you can make sure your installation is future proof. So far we've not found an LED brand that the V-Pro isn't compatible with. Its become the industry standard for LED dimming compatibility. Manufactureres invest more time and effort in making sure their dimmable LED lamps and integrated fittings will work with V-Pro.

Smart Switches

If you're looking for smartphone controlled or voice activated lighting, the Lightwave Smart Series is a great choice. Their easy to use App allows you to dim, switch, set scenes and timer functions. You can combine actions for multiple lights at the touch of just one button.

Analogue Dimming 0-10V

Although used less frequently due to the arrival of mains dimmable LED drivers; 0-10V dimmer switches are still commonly used with ballasts. We offer them in plate switch and grid switch format.

Grid Switch Dimmers

A grid switch system is made of various mounting and switching components which allow you to mix many types of switches all on the same plate. This can be effective when you want a dimmer switch and an on/off switch on the same face plate.

However, this doesn't look good and can work out expensive, a better way of mixing dimmers with switches is to order 2 gang dimmer switch and replace one of the dimmer modules with a 'dummy dimmer module'. This type of module looks like a dimmer switch but performs the same way as an ordinary on/off switch. This combination can is ideal for use in bathrooms with one switch used to dim the lights and the 'dummy dimmer' used to switch a fan.