What does dimmable mean? Meaning, definition and applications

If you have ever wondered what ‘dimmable’ means when you come across the purchase of a light bulb or luminaire, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post we will explore the meaning of dimmable, its various applications in modern lighting, and how to recognise dimmable bulbs and lamps.

dimmable symbol

Index:

What does dimmable mean?

The term ‘dimmable’ refers to the ability to adjust the light intensity of a light source.
In other words, the light can be adjusted to emit more or less light depending on the user’s preference. This is possible through the use of a device called a dimmer, which adjusts the amount of electricity supplied to the lamp.

dimmable lamp

Dimmable lamp

A dimmable lamp is simply a lamp that can be used with a dimmer to control the intensity of the light it emits.
This can be especially useful in rooms where you want to create different lighting moods, such as living rooms, bedrooms or restaurants.

What is a dimmer?

A dimmer is a device used to adjust the luminous intensity of an electric bulb or group of bulbs. It is usually connected to the power supply circuit of the lamp and allows you to vary the amount of electricity supplied to the lamp, thus allowing you to increase or decrease its brightness.

Dimmer types

Wall-mounted dimmers

There are different types of dimmers available on the market, each with its own characteristics and mode of operation.

The two main types of dimmers based on installation are wall-mounted and flush-mounted dimmers.

  • Wall-mounted dimmers are mounted directly on the wall and are controlled manually via a switch or button. There are also more advanced models that can be controlled by remote control or via smartphone.
  • Wired dimmers, on the other hand, are installed directly on the house’s electrical system and are controlled by an external device such as a remote control or home automation system.

In relation to the method of current control, the most commonly used are Triac dimmers and IGBT dimmers:

  • Triac (Triode for Alternating Current): It controls AC current by cutting parts of the AC waveform. It is commonly used with incandescent and halogen bulbs, but can cause problems with LED bulbs unless they are specifically designed to be compatible.
  • IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor): It modulates the pulse width of the waveform, allowing more precise control of the current. Is more versatile and can be used with a wide range of bulbs, including LEDs, without the risk of flickering or overheating.

Dimmers are widely used in domestic, commercial and industrial environments to adjust lighting according to specific needs, creating different moods or saving energy when full brightness is not needed.
They are available in a wide range of sizes and designs to suit different applications and furnishing styles.

Dimmable light bulb: how to recognise it

To recognise a dimmable light bulb, it is important to check the packaging or product specifications.
Those bulbs are designed to be compatible with dimmers and will usually have a label or symbol clearly indicating this.

Dimmable light symbol

Also, it is important to note that not all bulbs are dimmable, so be sure to check if they are before making a purchase, especially if you plan to use them with a dimmer.

Dimmable adjustable floor lamps

In addition to bulbs, there are also floor and table lamps with dimmable functionality.
These lamps allow the light intensity to be adjusted according to the needs of the environment and the personal preferences of the user.
They can be particularly useful in environments where dimmable light is needed for reading, working or creating a relaxing mood.

Why choose LED dimmable chandeliers

LED dimmer lamps offer a number of advantages over traditional incandescent lamps. First of all, LEDs are extremely energy efficient, consuming significantly less energy than incandescent light bulbs. This means that you not only save money on your energy bills, but also help reduce your environmental impact.

LED dimmable chandeliers

In addition, LEDs have a much longer lifetime than conventional bulbs, which means they do not need to be replaced as often. This makes them an economical long-term choice and ideal for environments where lamps are difficult to reach or replace.
Finally, LED dimmable chandeliers offer unprecedented flexibility and control over ambient lighting.
Thanks to this technology, the light intensity can be adjusted according to the needs of the moment, thus creating the desired mood with ease and precision.
In conclusion, the meaning of the term ‘dimmable’ can be summarised as the ability to adjust the light intensity of a light source.
Dimmable bulbs and lamps offer unprecedented flexibility and control over room lighting, allowing users to create customised atmospheres and save energy.

If you are looking to upgrade your lighting system, consider switching to dimmable light bulbs and lamps for a better and more efficient lighting experience.


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