March 18, 2025

Push DIM, SwitchDIM, Touch DIM: An alternative to DALI.

When looking to save the cost on DALI dimming on your office fit out or commercial lighting project, then Push DIM, SwitchDIM and Touch DIM offer a great alternative to the the more complex and more pricey DALI system.

Modern office lighting should include lighting controls to ensure functionality, ease of use and well-being of the occupiers. Push Dim, SwitchDIM and Touch Dim are the most recognised types of dimming, providing straightforward and efficient methods to manage dimmable lighting systems. These LED dimming light switch options are designed to eliminate the need for complex setups, making them accessible and user-friendly for a wide range of applications. By integrating these professional dimming switches, we ensure clients enjoy seamless control over their lighting. Let’s delve deeper into what these dimming light switch options entail and explore the mechanics behind their operation.

What Are Push Dim, SwitchDIM, and Touch Dim?

All three types refer to closely related techniques that use a single dim switch for LED to control both power and brightness. Though naming varies—Push Dim, SwitchDIM, or Touch Dim—they share a unified concept: simplicity.

The setup relies on a retractive (momentary) push-button connected to a compatible LED driver through an additional mains-rated control wire, alongside standard live and neutral lines—please refer to to a basic dim switch wiring diagram. A quick press turns the light on or off; a sustained press adjusts brightness seamlessly from 0-100%, typically following a logarithmic curve for smooth, human-eye-friendly transitions.

How Do They Work?

The system is based on the driver’s ability to interpret signals from the dimming switch for LED lights. Here’s the breakdown:

Push-Button Mechanics: A short press (under 0.4 seconds) toggles the light on or off. Holding the button (over 0.4 seconds) ramps brightness up or down, reversing direction with each hold. The driver detects voltage via the control wire to execute commands.
Rotary Alternative: Some setups replace the push-button with a rotary dimmer switch for LED lights. Twisting the knob adjusts brightness, while a press (on push-rotary models) switches power, maintaining compatibility with the same driver tech.
Technical specifics: Dimming is achieved via pulse-width modulation (PWM) or current amplitude modulation (CAM). PWM switches LEDs on and off at high frequencies (above 300Hz to eliminate flicker), while CAM adjusts power intensity. Both methods work over a standard two-wire power feed plus the control wire, supporting cable runs up to 350m (using 1.5mm² CSA wire, per 2025 standards).

This approach keeps wiring minimal and installation intuitive, leveraging modern driver tech for reliable LED light dimming switch performance, see the SwitchDIM wiring diagram below.

Switch Dim Wiring Diagram

THINGS TO BE AWERE OF WHEN USING THIS TYPE OF DIMMING:

If you are going down the route of using the a dimmer switch, you have to be mindful of compatibility. Make sure the control gear inside your light fittings are compatible with your selected type of dimming. This is when talking to experienced lighting engineers can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays on site.

Why choose these types of Dimming?

Enhanced Ambiance: Dimming lets you tailor lighting to mood or task, creating inviting, adaptable spaces.
Energy Savings: Lower brightness reduces power use, boosting efficiency in any project.
User Comfort: Smooth control minimizes eye strain and enhances wellbeing, perfect for dynamic environments.

These benefits make it a smart choice for projects where flexibility and simplicity matter most, delivering impactful results with minimal complexity.