There's 101 ways to construct a system to do what you need. But I'll summarise into 3 concepts.
1) Standalone dimmers
2) Wireless dimming system
3) Networked dimming system
None of these are cheap. If you want cheap, then stick with knob-on-wall dimmers. I guess it really depends on what you're interested in paying.
Standalone Dimming
There are several solutions, like the
Lutron Grafik Eye, for multi-channel "wallbox" dimmers. Apart from Grafik Eye, which is a very nice but also quite expensive dimmer, there are
ZEN,
Mode, and perhaps others (which I wouldn't recommend)
Standalone = not networked, and therefore you can't control everything form one place. Also, the big "control panel" isn't to everyone's liking. Remote dimmers, with a normal single-gang control panel is usually preferred. But if you want that, then there's little point buying a standalone dimmer.
As a very rough guide, it's £100 per circuit. But you can google for online pricing easily.
Wireless Dimming
I think everyone here has heard of
Rako. A very nice product, and easily obtainable (everyone's selling it). There's also
GET plc
Wireless stuff tends to be designed to be idiot-proof, and therefore not as flexible as you might want, but it can easily control all of your circuits. The benefits are NO WIRES. But you have to replace batteries in the panels. Not that often, but if you have a dozen panels to do each year or 2, it's something to consider.
As a rough guide, panels and dimmers are around £100 each
Networked Dimming
Networked dimming is the most flexible, in terms of function possible, and likely to be the most expensive.
Lutron Homeworks is I guess an industry benchmark. But it comes at a high price. How high? If you need to ask, you can't afford it
You can network the Grafik Eye, but it's not likely to be a DIY solution.
Other networked dimming systems are
iLight,
Mode,
Dynalite,
Clipsal,
Helvar, and several others.
Networked dimming systems generally use CAT5 cabling to connect it all together, using DINrail dimmers (small loads), or rack dimmers (larger loads). Most of them will allow and button ony any panel to control any/all circuits. So if you want an "ALL OFF" button at your bedside or front door, a networked system is probably the best choice. One advantage over wireless, is that the panels usually have LED tellback (and no batteries). As I said above, it's the most flexible system, but at a price. However for a 24 channel system, you might find that the costs difference is minimal.
If you'd like control of the whole house from one panel, a good solution is a touchscreen. Examples:
iLight,
Helvar,
Dynalite
Other benefits include, but exclusively for networked dimming, integration with other devices, such as audio, heating/aircon, blinds/curtains, etc.
Guide price is £120-240 per panel, and around £50-100 per circuit depending on size/number.
Alarm system integration is possible, but it's generally restricted to contact-closure "remote setting", or "turn all lights on if alarm triggered". Anything else, like a keypad to deactivate the alarm from a touchscreen at the front door, is possible but not NACOSS approved, and therefore not a good idea for insurance reasons.
In summary, the options are:
1) 5 or 6 Grafik Eye type dimmers - around £3K
2) 24 wireless dimmers, 12 wireless control panels - around £3K
3) 24 circuits of DINrail networks dimming + 12 control panels - around £3.5K
4) 2 x 12 channel rack dimmers, 12 control panels + touchscreen - around £4.5K
Prices are "list price" and not including VAT.
Think about what you want to pay, what you want it to do, then go get some prices. If you want any comment/advice on the prices you get, you're welcome to PM me.
I've tried to give a balanced view of what's available
Links provided for information only, and are not an endorsement of any specific company/product.
Linear Mode
