Why use a dimmer?
Patio light dimmers provide a convenient and versatile way to control the brightness and ambiance of your patio lights, allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a lively gathering or seeking a cozy and intimate setting, patio light dimmers offer the flexibility to adjust the lighting levels to suit your desired mood. Dimmers are also a great way to cut energy consumption and reduce maintenance costs. These are some helpful tips to use when pairing a dimmer with your patio lights.
1. Make sure your lights are compatible with dimmers
Not all lights can be paired with dimmers. BSL’s G30s, G20s, C9s, C7s, Edison bulbs, and Spiral bulbs are all dimmer compatible. Other light types that are NOT compatible with dimmers include fluorescent, CFL, and other LED types. If you're wondering about whether an LED is dimmable, try to find out what kind of LED technology they use. For example, LED bulbs using SMD (surface-mount technology) chips can be dimmed, but DIP (direct in-line) LED bulbs cannot.
Though our bulbs are dimmable, our mini-light strands are not. They can be paired with a dimmer, but you may experience some issues similar to those listed below.
These are some signs that your lights are not dimmable:
- Buzzing, humming, or other white noise from the lights
- The lights go out completely before the end of the dimming range
- Dimming is inconsistent throughout the dimming range
- Flickering or pulsing
- The lights don’t respond to the dimmer at all
2. Find the right dimmer for you
If the lights you're installing will be attached to an outlet that’s controlled by a dimmer switch (i.e. a hard wired light switch) then you're good to go! If you don't have a dimmer switch installed at home, it's easy to find a plug-in dimmer that can be attached to your lights at your local hardware store.
Different types of non-hard wired dimmers can be purchased from hardware stores for indoor and outdoor use. Most will be a slider-style dimmer, but you may find some with different settings based on a click of a button, or a rotary-style dimmer.
Whether you're installing patio lights in the summer, or decorations over the holidays, you'll want something that can stand up to the test of time. When shopping for a dimmer, try to find one with a good IP rating - we recommend an IP of 65 or higher. Regardless of its IP rating, it’s best to keep the dimmer in a place where it won’t get too worn out (i.e. out of direct sun and rain).
In conclusion, patio light dimmers offer a range of benefits for controlling the brightness and ambiance of your outdoor lighting. They provide the flexibility to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion, whether it's a lively gathering or a cozy evening under the stars. By using patio light dimmers, you can cut energy consumption and reduce maintenance costs. However, it's important to ensure that your lights are compatible with dimmers to avoid any issues such as buzzing, flickering, or inconsistent dimming. With the right dimmer and your patio lights, you can effortlessly set the mood and make your outdoor space shine.
