Featured in Professional Electrician, December 2025
Joshua Hammerton, co-founder of Enkin and former electrician, provides some technical insight for the modern professional.
The lighting industry is evolving faster than ever. Traditional control systems are being replaced by intelligent, connected networks that not only enhance user comfort but also help achieve energy efficiency and regulatory compliance. For electricians, understanding the technology and standards behind smart dimming is now essential to professional practice.
Smart systems, practical solutions
Smart lighting has moved beyond novelty. Customers now expect lighting that integrates seamlessly with voice assistants, mobile apps and home automation systems. However, installers still face challenges when integrating smart technology. These include compatibility issues, reliability concerns and the need for simple installation methods.
Enkin’s ZEMOS Inline Zigbee Smart Dimmer represents a new generation of solutions designed with electricians in mind. This dimmer module is compact, robust and compliant with the latest standards, but beyond the product itself is a broader discussion: what controls the design and installation of smart dimming systems in the UK?
The standards behind smart dimming
As lighting control systems become more intelligent and integrated, compliance with safety, installation and performance standards is vital.
EN 60669-2-1
Governs the performance of electronic switches, including dimmers, used in fixed installations for residential and commercial environments.
EN 55015 and BS EN 61000 series
Define electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) limits and immunity. While not product datasheets, Enkin devices are CE/UKCA marked and designed to meet these EMC expectations.
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
Enkin dimmers are suitable for use in installations compliant with BS 7671, supporting Section 559 (Lighting installations) and 775 (AI Lighting).
BS EN 15193-1
While not a direct product certification, Enkin dimming modules contribute to energy-efficient lighting control in buildings assessed under this standard.
Building Regulations Part L – Enkin’s smart dimmers support energy-efficient lighting strategies, aiding compliance with new and retrofit projects.
Adhering to these standards ensures that smart dimmers not only operate reliably but integrate safely into lighting systems without compromising electrical safety or causing interference with other devices.
Smart connectivity and system compatibility
Modern lighting systems depend on communication protocols that determine how devices interact. For electricians, understanding these protocols helps ensure correct design and troubleshooting.
Zigbee, for example, operates as a self-healing mesh network, allowing connected devices to extend range and reliability. This offers long-term stability, which is particularly beneficial in commercial or retrofit projects where flexibility for future expansion matters.
Other relevant communication standards include:
• DALI-2 (IEC 62386): Widely used in commercial lighting control for digital communication between luminaires and controllers.
• Matter and Zigbee 3.0 (CSA Alliance): Open frameworks designed to promote interoperability between different manufacturers and ecosystems.
Understanding these frameworks helps professionals design lighting systems that remain adaptable and future-proof as the market continues to evolve.
Energy efficiency and regulation
Smart dimming plays a direct role in reducing energy consumption under Building Regulations. By enabling adaptive lighting control, smart dimmers reduce unnecessary energy use and support compliance with Part L.
Installation and practical considerations
Successful installation of smart dimming relies on thoughtful installation practices. Electricians should confirm:
• Load compatibility – Confirm the dimmer supports the connected lamp type and total wattage
• Neutral availability – Unlike some dimmers, Enkin inline dimmers do not require a neutral, making retrofit installations easier
• Space constraints – Compact module designs allow installation behind switches or in ceiling voids
• Manual control – Retaining local control ensures functionality during network outages
• Commissioning – Secure pairing via apps or hubs must follow manufacturer guidance to avoid interference and connectivity issues
Attention to these details can significantly reduce callbacks and improve user satisfaction.
The electrician’s role in the smart era
Electricians are no longer just installers – they now bridge the gap between electrical safety, digital connectivity and user experience. As clients increasingly expect advanced and app-controlled lighting, professionals must understand the governing standards, protocols and considerations that enable safe and seamless installation.
Smart dimming is not just about convenience; it’s about control, efficiency and compliance.