Overview

The Vimar VM16556.B is a 230 V AC rotary dimmer module for controlling the brightness of incandescent and halogen lighting on board. It is rated for 230 V~ 50-60 Hz and supports 60-900 W lamp loads, plus 60-300 VA when dimming through a ferromagnetic (magnetic) transformer.

It is part of the Vimar IDEA modular switching format and uses a white front that suits most cabin, saloon, and guest-area interiors. The control is a rotary potentiometer, and the control point is visible in darkness so it is easier to find during night watches.

Because this is a 230 V device, it belongs on the vessel's AC distribution (shore power or inverter output), not on a 12 V or 24 V DC lighting circuit.

Key features

• 230 V~ 50-60 Hz rotary dimmer module for AC lighting circuits
• Rated for 60-900 W incandescent and halogen lamp loads
• Supports 60-300 VA ferromagnetic (magnetic) transformers for low-voltage halogen circuits
• Control and regulation via rotary potentiometer
• Visible-in-darkness locator feature for low-light cabins
• White finish in the Vimar modular style for consistent panel layouts

Compatibility and load guidance

This dimmer is intended for traditional incandescent or halogen lamps, and for low-voltage halogen circuits when the lamps are fed by a magnetic transformer. It is not the right choice for circuits using electronic transformers, CFL, or LED lamps unless the lamp and driver are specifically rated to work with this dimmer type.

The minimum connected load starts at 60 W. On very small lighting loads, expect limited adjustment range or unstable dimming behavior.

Installation and onboard notes

Install it as part of a 230 V AC circuit with power isolated at the breaker and shore power disconnected. On boats it is typically mounted in a dry interior bulkhead or panel, behind a compatible Vimar modular frame and cover plate, then finished with the matching knob and trim.

This is a good match for yachts that already use Vimar IDEA hardware and need straightforward dimming for 230 V cabin lighting or transformer-fed halogen runs.