We're well into planning our kitchen remodel. I was looking over new lighting and fixtures and read something about digital dimmers. I'm used to dimming ballast, but have no experience with digital. Is there a greater control capacity with digital ballast and is it worth the higher cost?
Mark M. ~ Anaheim, California
Old style dimmers had a potentiometer (variable resistor) which controlled a semiconductor in the switch. New and old dimmers are about the same. The main difference is the semiconductor technology has become much more efficient, thus causing the switches to use less electricity give off less heat. The actuation of the switches has changed as well, from knobs and slides, to touch plates and remote controls. Dimmers have a wide range of prices from $5 to $70. A 600w dimmer is a 600w dimmer, how much you want to spend is a matter of opinion.
