LED & Halogen Dimmer – Light that adapts

A defective dimmer doesn't mean the end of a lamp. In this collection, you will find a carefully curated selection of cord dimmers, foot dimmers, in-line/built-in dimmers, push-button dimmers, touch dimmers, and corded transformers with integrated dimmers – for table lamps, floor lamps, designer luminaires, and home lighting. Ideal for repairs, replacements, and retrofitting.

Which dimmer type is right for you? – A quick comparison

The right solution for your lamp

Cord dimmers are the flexible solution for table and floor lamps – installed directly into the lamp cord, they are easy to retrofit. Proven models include the CHIA CHIEN cord dimmer for 25–200 watts, the JING NENG TRIAC push-button dimmer for 40–100 watts, the Relco SNELLO in-line cord dimmer in black, or the transparent Relco sliding dimmer for 4–100 watt LEDs.

Foot dimmers allow for comfortable switching and dimming with your foot, without having to reach for the lamp, such as the transparent foot dimmer for floor and table lamps.

Built-in dimmers are installed as a replacement module directly into the lamp base or housing, such as the halogen built-in dimmer for 100–300 watts, the potentiometer dimmer module for 25–100 watts, the Relco trailing-edge dimmer module for 25–300 VA, or the HYTEC dimming module with potentiometer as a replacement part.

Push-button and touch dimmers are suitable for modern lamp systems and designer luminaires, such as the Relco mini touch dimmer for installation, the Relco touch dimmer for table and floor lamps with sensor control, the Eltako universal flush-mounted dimmer with automatic phase detection, or the Relco rotary dimmer, compatible with the Bticino Magic series.

Corded transformers with dimmers are suitable for low-voltage halogen lamps that require an integrated transformer with dimming function – a combination that is hard to find elsewhere, such as the transparent corded transformer with mouse-shaped dimmer.

What you should consider before purchasing

Three things must be correct: the dimmer type (cord, foot, built-in, touch), the power range in watts, and compatibility with your light source – LEDs and halogens have different requirements. Not every dimmer works with every LED light source. When in doubt, bring along the exact model number of the old dimmer or research it – many of our items are exact replacement parts for lamps for which the original dimmer is no longer manufactured.

Do you also need the right halogen transformer or an LED driver? You can find these in our respective collections.

Leading-edge or trailing-edge?

Leading-edge dimmers switch the power on later in the waveform and are usually suitable for halogen and simple LED light sources. Trailing-edge dimmers, on the other hand, switch on early and switch off later, making them particularly suitable for dimmable LED light sources, as these often show smoother dimming behavior and less flickering. Universal dimmers like the Eltako push-button dimmer automatically detect the appropriate technology – a particularly practical and popular solution, especially when you are unsure about the light source being used.

What dimming technology is available?

Leading-edge and trailing-edge are the two classic methods for standard household cord, built-in, and touch dimmers, which are predominantly represented in our collection. In the professional sector, 0–10V controls and DALI systems are also used, enabling digital, addressable control of individual luminaires, as well as push-dim, where a simple push-button is used for both switching and dimming. We do not currently stock 0–10V or DALI dimmers in this collection – our focus here is on classic leading-edge and trailing-edge solutions for residential lighting.

Why is my dimmer humming?

Humming can have several causes: the wrong dimmer type for the respective light source, a non-dimmable LED, a load falling below the minimum power requirement, or an unsuitable or incompatible transformer in the lamp. Check these four points one by one to narrow down the cause.

Why is my LED flickering?

Flickering is one of the most common issues with dimmers and usually has similar causes to humming: a non-dimmable light source, a load falling below the minimum, or a dimming method not suited to the light source (leading-edge instead of trailing-edge or vice versa). Switching to a universal dimmer with automatic detection often reliably solves this problem.

Replacing an old dimmer

If a dimmer is defective, take a look at the original component. You should pay attention to: the wattage, the minimum load, the dimming method used (leading-edge or trailing-edge), and the design (cord, foot, built-in, or touch). If these four details match, you can usually find a suitable replacement dimmer, even if the exact original model is no longer available.

Smart Home control instead of a classic dimmer

If you prefer to control your lamp via an app, voice assistant, or schedule instead of using a classic dimmer, you will need a smart-home-capable solution with Wi-Fi or Zigbee connectivity. We do not carry such models in our current range of dimmers – an alternative is a smart LED light source with integrated app control, which can be used in place of a classic dimmer.

Common mistakes when choosing

Dimming the wrong light source: Not every LED is dimmable – without an explicit "dimmable" label, flickering or failure can occur. Minimum load too low: Some dimmers require a minimum load in watts, which is easily undercut by energy-efficient LED lamps. Incorrect wattage: If the connected load exceeds the maximum power of the dimmer, it may overheat. Wrong dimmer type: A leading-edge dimmer on a lamp that requires trailing-edge (or vice versa) can lead to humming or flickering.

CE marking & safety

When purchasing, look for a CE marking, which confirms that the dimmer meets the applicable European safety requirements.

Personal lighting consultation in the Wuppertal showroom

Not sure which dimmer fits your lamp? We can help you at our showroom in Wuppertal-Vohwinkel – simply bring the old dimmer or the lamp designation with you.

Located between Düsseldorf, Cologne, Essen, and Dortmund – right in the heart of the Bergisches Land region – you will find our lamp store in Wuppertal. Many customers visit us because they are looking for a local lamp store and want to discuss their choice of dimmer in person before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions