Overview

The Vimar VM01867 is a DIN-rail master dimmer module for 230 V AC lighting circuits that use dimmable electronic transformers. It handles 40 to 500 VA on 50 Hz systems, and 40 to 400 VA on 60 Hz systems.

This unit is made to live inside an electrical panel, where it takes control commands from a By-me bus connection (29 V). In a master and slave setup, it can drive the main load directly and synchronize additional dimming channels through compatible slave dimmers.

Key features

• 230 V AC dimmer for dimmable electronic transformers: 40-500 VA at 50 Hz, 40-400 VA at 60 Hz
• DIN rail mounting on 60715 TH35; occupies 4 modules of 17.5 mm
• By-me bus supply: 29 V, 10 mA consumption, 4 W power dissipation
• Master function for slave dimmer 01868, with support for up to 4 slave units
• Maximum cable length between master and slave dimmers: 100 m
• MOSFET dimming stage with an integrated protection fuse (F2.5AH)
• LED indications for operation status and configuration feedback
• Not intended for motor loads such as fans and exhaust blowers

Installation and setup

Mount the module on a standard TH35 DIN rail inside a protected distribution cabinet. Plan for 4 DIN modules of space, and keep it away from spray, washdowns, and direct salt air since it is intended for indoor electrical enclosures.

Operating temperature is -5 C to +45 C in dry, dust-free locations. On boats, that typically means behind the main AC panel, inside a sheltered technical space, or within a sealed cabinet with appropriate ventilation.

Electrical and system integration

The dimmer is controlled from the By-me bus and can be assigned to groups and scenes through the system configuration workflow. It also stores the lighting level when turned off, unless there is a blackout.

Status LEDs provide quick fault checks in the field, including indications for overload, overheating, or a short circuit, which helps when troubleshooting intermittent lighting issues at sea or at the dock.

Compatibility and fit

This is a 230 V AC device for dimmable electronic transformers, commonly used to feed extra low voltage halogen lighting through a transformer. Confirm that the transformer is marked as dimmable and that the connected load stays within the VA limits for your frequency.

It is not a 12 V or 24 V DC dimmer, and it is not meant for motor loads. If your vessel is wired for 120 V AC lighting control, this model will not match the supply voltage.

Use cases on board

This setup makes sense on yachts and commercial vessels that run cabin or salon lighting through electronic transformers and want centralized, bus-controlled dimming from keypads or automation logic. It also fits refits where multiple lighting circuits need synchronized dimming behavior through a master and slave arrangement.

Maintenance and service

If the protection fuse opens, replace it only with the same fuse type and rating (F2.5AH). Before working on wiring, make sure the circuit is properly isolated at the panel, since the load side should be treated as live whenever the upstream supply is present.