Some luminaires reach their full potential not just when switched on or off, but also when they can be dimmed to adjust the lighting atmosphere and brightness to suit the mood. Furthermore, with a dimmable luminaire, the light colour can also be adjusted by selecting either tunable white or RGB. Dimming is a key element of lighting control and lighting design.
There are a wide variety of dimming options available for luminaires, such as DALI, CASAMBI, 0-10V and many more. Below, we provide an overview of the names of the dimming types, their areas of application, what they can do and the on-site requirements that must be met.
SATTLER’s luminaire product portfolio offers a wide range of dimmable luminaires, depending on the customer’s requirements, intended use and choice. When using DALI or CASAMBI, for example, various lighting scenes can be individually programmed and implemented to create different atmospheres in the room and selected simply at the touch of a button.
Arguments in favour of dimmable luminaires:
- Brightness control: Adjusting the amount of light to suit the mood or requirements
- Impact on atmosphere and well-being
- Control of light colour, required for tunable white or RGB
- Prerequisite for implementing HCL (Human Centric Lighting) principles
- Energy efficiency & sustainability: Dimming can reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of LEDs.
Standard dimming options for SATTLER luminaires
- No dimming = On/Off
- 0-10 V dimmable
- DALI dimmable
- CASAMBI dimmable
- Gesture control
- Push-Dim / Touch-Dim/ Push Button for dimming
Further dimming types for luminaires & lamps
- Phase control and phase cut-off dimming, such as TRIAC
- ENOCEAN
Dimming variants are identified in our data sheets by a two-digit code. Please enquire about dimming variants that are not listed as standard options in SATTLER’s data sheets. Below is a brief overview of what each dimming type means to help you make your selection.
Analogue vs. digital applications
When is it best to use analogue, and when digital? We definitely recommend a digital solution for B2B customers. The type of dimming is often dictated or influenced by the existing building layout.
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1. Complexity
< 5 luminaires => analogue is often sufficient
> 10–20 luminaires => digital is almost always advisable
2. Flexibility
Subsequent conversion to digital control without altering the cabling → digital
3. User experience
“One button = one light” → analogue
“Scenes / atmosphere / automatic” → digital
4. Cost vs. benefit
Digital: more expensive initially, but more efficient in the long term
Common sources of error:
- Cause of flickering / poor dimming range <= analogue dimming with high-quality LED lights
- Retrofitting more expensive than digital planning from the outset
- Chaos in the control system <= mixing systems without a concept
Analogue is a simple and cost-effective solution without complex control logic. Dimming is achieved via voltage variation or phase cut-on/cut-off.
Digital is worthwhile where greater flexibility, more control, greater convenience and better scalability are required.
Certain prerequisites should be in place to use digital control.
Analogue dimming (traditional & simple)
How it works:
Brightness is controlled via a continuous electrical signal, i.e. via voltage (e.g. 1–10 V) or phase control (230 V). Colour control is not possible. Uniform dimming of all lights connected to a single control line.
Analogue dimming modes:
- Lead-edge / trailing-edge (230V) → standard wall-mounted dimmer
- 1–10V interface → separate control line with voltage signal
- Features:
- Simple and cost-effective
- Direct signal (e.g. voltage determines brightness)
- No "intelligence" in the system
- Each light reacts individually to the signal
- Lack of flexibility
- Prone to interference over long cable runs
- No feedback from the light source or the system (no status, no feedback)
Common issues:
- Flickering with LEDs (if not properly synchronised)
- Limited dimming range
- No scenes or automation
Making good use of analogue dimming:
- Small projects (living areas, simple offices)
- Small to medium-sized installations
- Traditional control (rotary dimmer)
- Only simple dimming required; no scenes or automation needed
- For existing systems that already operate on an analogue basis
- Low budget
Digital dimming (modern & connected)
How it works:
Control is carried out via digital signals (data protocols), often via a bus. Each light can be controlled individually or as part of a group. Dimming and colour control are possible.
Digital dimming methods (examples):
- DALI (bus system)
- Casambi (wireless control)
Features:
- Slightly higher costs and planning effort
- Each light can be individually addressed and controlled
- Scenes, groups and timers possible
- Very precise dimming (even with LEDs)
- Highly flexible and expandable
- Scenes, schedules and automation possible
- Less prone to faults in larger systems
- Feedback available (e.g. status, errors)
Risks:
- Greater planning complexity
- Dependence on the system (e.g. the choice between DALI and Casambi)
Making effective use of digital dimming:
- Large buildings & professional projects (offices, industry, public buildings, architecture, hospitality)
- For complex lighting systems / numerous luminaires / large areas
- When lighting scenes & flexible use, automation or smart building features are required
- When future-proofing is important
- Energy efficiency & smart building features are important
- A building management system is already in place
Good-to-Know:
Protected monuments and/or historic buildings:
- In such cases, the building’s structure often cannot be altered, but only old wiring is available.
- In such situations, a digital wireless control system is recommended, for example.
Tabular overview of individual ANALOGUE & DIGITAL dimming modes
ANALOG
Basic function
Control options
Connection requirements
Programming required
KNX integration possible
Participants per network
Applications
1-10V/0-10V
Analogue - Dimming
- On/Off via light switch
- Dimming via potentiometer
0–10 V supply cable (3-core) + separate control cable
No
Yes, with
KNX to 1-10V/0-10V gateway
1 device
- Private homes
- Small offices
- ndividual rooms
(TRIAC/) Phase control and phase cut-off dimming
Analogue - Dimming
- On/Off via light switch
- Dimming via triac
3-core supply cable
No
Yes, with
KNX to triac actuator
1 device per channel
- Private homes
- Small offices
- Individual rooms
- Old buildings, refurbishment
DIGITAL
Basic function
Control options
Connection requirements
Programming required
KNX integration possible
Devices per network
Applications
DALI
- Dimming and switching
- Tunable white / RGB
- LichLight switch
- Touchpad
- Lighting control systems
- Presence detectors
- Automation control
5-core supply cable
YES
via programmer
Yes with
KNX to DALI gateway
64 devices, 16 groups
- Private homes
- Larger offices
- Larger rooms
CASAMBI
- Dimming and switching
- Tunable white / RGB
- On/Off via light switch
- App (Smartphone)
- Bluetooth switch
3-core supply cable
YES
by user
Yes, KNX to Casambi gateway
125 devices
- Private homes
- Small exhibition spaces
- Historic buildings
- Small offices
- Individual rooms
DIGITAL
Basic function
Control options
Connection requirements
Programming required
KNX integration possible
Devices per network
Applications
DMX
- Dimming and switching
- Tunable white / RGB
- On/Off via light switch
- Lighting control systems
- Automation control
3-core supply cable + control cable
YES
via programmer
Yes, with
KNX to DALI gateway
32 devices with KNX gateway
512 devices with pure DMX controls
- Exhibition halls
- Event venues
- Stages
Enocean
- Dimming and switching
- Tunable white / RGB
- On/Off via light switch
- Wireless switch
3-core supply cable
No, a push-button is programmed
Yes, via a programmer
For complex projects
limited
Up to 4 per switch
- Private homes
- Historic buildings
- Churches
- Individual rooms
- 3-wire supply cable only
More information on selected dimming options
CASAMBI
CASAMBI – The lighting control system allows for seamless brightness adjustment via Bluetooth using the app on a mobile phone or tablet, for example, or a wireless Casambi switch. It can be used anywhere, regardless of the technical setup, and it is also possible to control multiple lights as a group.
DALI
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a standardised digital bus system for intelligent lighting control in building automation.
DALI dimming allows you to control individual luminaires or groups of luminaires. Complete lighting scenes can be programmed, which in turn respond to motion and light sensors to enable efficient daylight-dependent control. This requires an existing building control system on site.
- 64 addresses for DALI drivers
- 64 addresses for control units
- 16 scenes for DALI drivers
- 16 groups for DALI drivers
- 16 (DALI) / 32 (DALI2) groups for control units
The next-generation DALI2 offers the following in addition to the features of DALI:
- Correction of errors and gaps in "V1" (communication via ‘application controller’ for collision detection and monitoring)
- New commands and new functions: fade time, switch-on brightness, energy data
- Control devices (standardised): Mandatory certification for manufacturers
- Mandatory certification => Improved interoperability of products from different manufacturers
- It controls up to 64 DALI devices in up to 32 groups, instead of the previous limit of 16 groups.
TRIAC
TRIAC – The most common type of dimmer used in residential buildings is the TRIAC leading-edge/trailing-edge dimmer. This is primarily because older buildings often still have 3-core lighting circuits, and the TRIAC is compatible with these. Phase-lead and phase-cut dimming is a classic, well-established method of analogue dimming. It involves a delayed current flow by ‘cutting off’ the leading or trailing edge of the AC voltage.
These older TRIAC dimmer models are only partially compatible with new luminaires, offer limited options for modernisation and allow only simple dimming, but not additional colour temperature control.
Special dimming options
The following dimming options are only available in selected SATTLER luminaires.
Push-Dim
Pressing a built-in switch (push-dim) briefly turns the light on or off; holding it down dims the light. This dimming option is particularly suitable for floor and table lamps.
SLIM TABLE
380
FINO FLOOR
22
INSOSPESO FLOOR
700 mm
PALADIO FLOOR
1,333 mm
AVVENI TABLE
200
AVVENI FLOOR
TYPE 1
1,260 mm
AVVENI FLOOR
TYPE 2
1,760 mm
AVVENI FLOOR 3
320 mm
PALITO FLOOR
1,150 mm
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Andreas Körner | bildhübsche fotografie
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PALITO
|
PALITO
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Palito Linea
|
Palito Linea
Gesture dimming
With gesture dimming, simple hand movements in front of the sensor are all it takes to control the light.
"Wave"
On/Off / Dim / Change light temperature/colour with tunable white.
The pendant lights in the PALITO product familiy are also available with gesture dimming/control:
PALITO
1,240 mm
PALITO
1,550 mm
Palito Linea
1,250 mm
Palito Linea
1,750 mm
You decide which dimming options your chosen light fitting should have. Please refer to the light fitting’s technical data sheet. Most of our light fittings offer a wide range of different dimming options. Further options are also available on request; we have currently removed some from our standard range as they have become less common, but please do not hesitate to ask about Enocean, for example.
FAQ Section
Frequently asked questions about dimming methods and dimmable lights
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Dimming means adjusting the brightness of a light fitting continuously. This involves altering either the electrical power or a control signal to reduce or increase the light intensity. Modern LED light fittings use special dimming methods for this purpose, such as analogue or digital control systems.
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No. Not every LED light is dimmable.
Important:- the light must be labelled as "dimmable"
- the dimmer and driver must be compatible
Problems often arise, particularly with analogue dimmers.
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In analogue dimming, brightness is controlled by varying the voltage. Each light reacts directly to this signal.
(Examples of dimming methods: TRIAC, 0–10 V)
Digital dimming, on the other hand, sends specific commands to individual lights. This allows light groups, scenes and automations to be controlled. Digital systems are more flexible and precise, particularly with LED lighting. In addition, colour temperature can usually be controlled alongside brightness.(Dimming types, e.g.: DALI, CASAMBI)
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In some cases, yes, but:
- Requires compatible control units / gateways
- Planning should be carried out by professionals
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Look out for:
- Light source type (LED, halogen, etc.)
- Dimming method (phase cut, etc.)
- Power (watts)
- Manufacturer’s specifications
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Yes, but:
- The light fitting must be dimmable
- The dimmer switch must be compatible with the light fitting
- The installation should be checked by a qualified electrician
- For LEDs, it is essential to choose a compatible dimmer switch
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The light dims without any visible flickering – important for:
- Offices (ergonomics)
- Video recordings
- High-quality lighting
- Flickering poses a health risk. It can trigger epileptic seizures and have a negative effect on the human heart.
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Flickering is usually caused by:
- unsuitable dimmers (e.g. old phase-cut dimmers)
- incompatible drivers
- poor coordination between the light and the control system
Digital systems such as DALI generally offer significantly more stable and flicker-free dimming performance. -
Yes. More and more households are using digital dimming systems or have a smart home. The installations should be carried out by experienced professionals and are best planned for during the construction phase. Many people use DALI dimming, for example.
For private users, the simplest and most convenient solution is to use CASAMBI-dimmable lights and the corresponding CASAMBI control app for your smartphone or tablet.
