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Dimmer Switches

A dimmer switch varies the power reaching a light fitting so its brightness can be set anywhere between off and full output. This range includes Knightsbridge intelligent, trailing-edge and leading-edge dimmers in 1G to 4G versions across the SF, FP, CL, CS and CU plate ranges, pull cord dimmers, grid dimmer modules and matching dummy modules and plates, with a single Mercury dimmer switch.

Choosing Dimmer Switches

Choose a dimmer by the lamps it will control, how many circuits it switches, how it is operated and the finish of the switches around it.

Load and edge type

The SF2192AT and SF2194BN intelligent dimmers are each rated 10-200W with 5-150W for LED, and the SF2192AT works in trailing-edge or leading-edge mode. The CU2162 is a 2G leading-edge dimmer. The 8301MB, 8301MW, 8301PC and 8301SB pull cord dimmers are rated 5-100W for LED, so check the LED figure on the model chosen.

Gangs and 2-way switching

A gang controls one lighting circuit, and intelligent dimmers run up to four gangs, as on the 4G FP2194PB and SF2194BN. Most intelligent dimmers are 2-way, so a light can be dimmed at one position and switched at another, as on a staircase.

Pull cord operation

The 8301 pull cord dimmers, rated 10-150W, are worked by a cord, for rooms where a wall switch is not wanted, and the 8301MB is certified to EN 60669-2.

TypeRatingExample
Intelligent dimmer, 1G to 4G10-200W (5-150W LED)SF2192AT
Leading-edge dimmer40-400WCU2162
Pull cord dimmer10-150W (5-100W LED)8301MB, 8301PC
GDM150 grid dimmer module10-150WGDM150IAB, GDM150IMB
Dummy dimmer module6AGDM022AB, GDM022MB

Finishes and grid modules

Dimmers come in finishes including brushed chrome, polished chrome, matt black, antique brass, polished brass, brushed brass, anthracite, black nickel, smoked bronze, matt white, gunmetal, pearl and white, so a dimmer matches the switches beside it. Grid modules fit a grid faceplate, and the GDM022AB dummy dimmer module gives a 6A push on/off switch the same knob as the working dimmers on the plate.

Brands we stock in Dimmer Switches

Knightsbridge and Mercury.

The range is Knightsbridge apart from one Mercury dimmer switch.

Related categories

Dimmers mount in a standard box; see back boxes and pattress boxes. For fused supplies on the same circuits see fused connection units and spurs, and for dimmable display lighting track lighting.

Frequently asked questions

Will a dimmer switch work with LED bulbs?

Yes, when the lamp is marked dimmable and the dimmer has an LED rating. The Knightsbridge SF2192AT intelligent dimmer is rated 10-200W with 5-150W for LED, and the 8301MB pull cord dimmer 10-150W with 5-100W for LED. Add up the LED wattage on the circuit and keep it inside that band.

What is an intelligent dimmer?

It is a dimmer that works in trailing-edge or leading-edge mode, such as the Knightsbridge SF2192AT. Knightsbridge intelligent dimmers come in 1G to 4G versions and most are 2-way, for switching from a second position; the SF2192AT is rated 10-200W with 5-150W for LED.

Can I dim a light from two places?

Yes, with a 2-way dimmer. Most Knightsbridge intelligent dimmers are 2-way, such as the SF2191AB and FP2191GM, so the light is dimmed at one position and switched at the other, as on a staircase. A 2-way dimmer takes the place of one of the two 2-way switches on the circuit.

Is there a pull cord dimmer switch?

Yes. The Knightsbridge 8301 pull cord dimmers are operated by a cord instead of a wall knob and are rated 10-150W; the 8301MB, 8301MW, 8301PC and 8301SB are rated 5-100W for LED. Finishes include antique brass, anthracite, brushed chrome, black nickel, matt black, matt white, polished chrome and smoked bronze.

What is a dummy dimmer module?

It is a grid module, such as the Knightsbridge GDM022AB, that works as a 6A 2-way switch while looking like a dimmer. It sits on a grid faceplate beside working GDM150 dimmer modules so every knob on the plate matches.

How many lights can a multi-gang dimmer control?

A gang controls one lighting circuit, so a 4G dimmer such as the Knightsbridge FP2194PB or SF2194BN controls four circuits from one plate. The SF2194BN is rated 10-200W (5-150W LED); add up the lamps on the circuits and keep them within that rating.

What is the difference between trailing-edge and leading-edge dimmers?

They cut the mains waveform at different points, so the two suit different loads. Knightsbridge intelligent dimmers such as the SF2192AT work in either mode and are rated 10-200W with 5-150W for LED, while the CU2162 is a 2G leading-edge dimmer.

What finishes do Knightsbridge dimmer switches come in?

Finishes include brushed chrome, polished chrome, matt black, antique brass, polished brass, brushed brass, anthracite, black nickel, smoked bronze, matt white, gunmetal, pearl and white. Matching dimmer plates and grid dimmer modules mean a dimmer can sit on the same plate style and finish as the switches and sockets beside it.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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