{"id":3006,"date":"2022-02-11T12:05:02","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T06:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bringuptodate.com\/?p=3006"},"modified":"2022-02-26T13:52:54","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T08:22:54","slug":"can-you-put-a-dimmer-switch-on-any-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bringuptodate.com\/can-you-put-a-dimmer-switch-on-any-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Put a Dimmer Switch on Any Light? Yes, You Can!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Often the journey to a smart home begins with lights. People want to play with their lights and create different ambiances to suit their varying moods. Therefore, a question comes to their mind – “Can you put a dimmer switch on any light<\/em><\/strong>?”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now for the uninformed, a dimmer switch is a device that controls the intensity of your lights. For example, if you are in a somber mood and don’t want too much brightness, you can lower your lights with a dimmer switch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"lower<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Honestly, dimmer switches have been around for a long time, and having just dimmer switches doesn’t make your home smart; after all, these devices regulate the voltage supply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the decision to move to dimmer switches from regular On and Off switches shows that you want more choices in life. For instance, many people (like me) get the rather expensive Philip Hue lights to enjoy their fantastic color spectrum and light up our dinner parties and events. While they may be a bit hard on the wallet, they last for a long time if used properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Philips also has an exciting range of outdoor lights<\/a> that work wonders for your exteriors. Wait! I digress; let’s go back to talking about dimmer switches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of digressions, do you remember that dialogue from Thank You For Smoking<\/em> where Nick explained the power of argument to his son Joey? If not, then here is the clip<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Let’s move on; enough tripping already! Keep reading to discover a clear answer to the question that been going around in your mind; “Can I put a dimmer switch on any light<\/strong>?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Install a Dimmer Switch On Any Light?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yes! That’s the straight and short answer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, before installing a dimmer switch, you need to check whether the lights are dimmable or not!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, at the same time, not every light can be dimmed. I have put together a small table to highlight the dimming ability of different kinds of bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kind of Bulb<\/strong><\/td>Dimmable?<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Incandescent Bulb<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Halogen Bulb<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
CFL<\/td>May Be<\/td><\/tr>
LEDs<\/td>May Be<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Not every kind of light bulb is dimmable!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So it is clear from the table that if you have CFL or LEDs at home, you need to check the outer packaging to ensure that the lights are dimmable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another aspect worth mentioning is that every bulb has a different dimming range. On the one hand, where incandescent bulbs have a very high dimming range, from usually 10% to 90%, CFLs have a comparatively lower dimming range. It is not uncommon to see CFLs shut off completely at 30% light.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So now you know that you can add a dimmer switch to any light. However, before rushing to the market to buy one, read on to understand what factors you need to consider to make the right choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Add a Dimmer Switch to Any Light? Here Are a Few Things to Consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I hope that now have a clear answer to the question; “Can you use a dimmer switch on any light<\/strong>?”  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my experience as an interior decorator who believes in making spaces beautiful, there are 3 factors to consider before zeroing down on the switch to buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neutral Wiring Requirement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most dimmer switches require a neutral wire along with the line, load, and ground wires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shouldn’t be an issue in all probability, but it is advisable to check it once. If you are unsure about this, here is a video to teach you the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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