In modern homes, recessed downlights are a popular choice for illuminating spaces like living rooms and dining rooms. Their contemporary appearance and ability to be pointed in different directions are just two benefits of this type of lighting. What's more, these lights are often dimmable, enabling homeowners to create the perfect ambience in the room, depending on the situation.
If you're thinking about installing dimmable lights in your home - whether as part of a recessed lighting scheme or with any other fixtures - you may also want to make the most of the latest energy saving technology.
And with the latest improvements in low-energy lighting technology, it's safe to say that LEDs are probably top of your list. After all, these bulbs now boast bright illumination and excellent colour temperature. Plus, they are flicker-free, use significantly less electricity than other lighting options and can last for years without being replaced.
Indeed, while LED bulbs are certainly a good choice for any room in the home, if you're using them with a dimmer switch, it's essential to choose products that are suitable for dimming.
Alastair Ramsay, sustainable development manager for electrical installation company Legrand, explains: "Unlike incandescent lamps, specific types of LEDs need to be selected if dimming controls are to be used."
He says that a European standard is currently being developed and that specifications have not yet been agreed upon. Therefore, it is necessary for consumers to match the dimming control to the LED lamp.
"It's likely that the dimmer required will often be of leading-edge technology but this needs to be carefully checked, both from the perspective of the lamp and the dimming control," says Mr Ramsay.
He adds: "Care must also be taken to ensure that the new lower total load of the LED lamps fitted to the controlled circuit is above the minimum power requirement of the dimmer control." In existing installations, he warns that this may not be the case and it could result in the LED lamps not performing properly, or not functioning at all.
