Overview

The Vimar VM16603.120.B is a 120 V~ 60 Hz rotary MASTER dimmer for controlling compatible AC lighting on board, with a white finish and a plastic body.

It supports 40-500 W incandescent loads, 40-300 VA electronic transformers, 10-200 W dimmable CFL loads, and 3-200 W dimmable LED loads. On and off is handled by the built-in push button, while the rotary knob sets the light level and allows a minimum brightness setting so lamps do not drop out at the low end.

This is an AC dimmer intended for interior lighting circuits fed by shore power or an inverter. It is not for 12 V or 24 V DC lighting.

Key features

• 120 V~ 60 Hz phase-cut dimming with leading-edge or trailing-edge mode selection (LE/TE).
• Rated load ranges: 40-500 W incandescent, 40-300 VA electronic transformers, 10-200 W dimmable CFL, 3-200 W dimmable LED.
• Built-in push button for ON/OFF with rotary potentiometer dimming.
• Supports control from normally-open peripheral push buttons wired in parallel (avoid push buttons with pilot lights).
• MASTER-SLAVE function supports up to 3 SLAVE devices when configured as the MASTER, with system load limits that depend on lamp type.
• Soft start and soft end behavior, plus flash start support for CFL loads.
• Short-circuit and overheating protection with a flashing indicator.
• Visible in darkness for easier night adjustments; not suitable for Isoset enclosures.

Compatibility and fit

This dimmer is meant for 120 V AC lighting circuits. All connected lamps and drivers must be marked dimmable, and when multiple lamps are controlled together they should be the same type so the dimming response stays consistent.

Check each lamp or driver for the recommended dimming method: LE (leading edge) or TE (trailing edge). Where the load supports both, selecting the mode that matches the lamp is the usual way to reduce flicker and nuisance shutoff.

Installation and setup

Typical installs use a 3-wire connection with neutral present at the device. In retrofit situations where neutral is not available in the box, a 2-wire setup is possible but requires an adapter load installed close to the lamp and wired in parallel.

For multi-point switching, use normally-open push buttons in parallel and keep control wiring between the dimmer and the push buttons, or between MASTER and SLAVE devices, within 100 m.

Protect the circuit with a quick-acting 5 A fuse (F5AH, 250 V~) upstream of the dimmer, and treat installation like any other 120 V AC onboard work: isolate power at the breaker, verify with a meter, and secure conductors so vibration does not loosen connections.

Use on board

This dimmer fits boats that run 120 V AC cabin lighting and want a knob you can find and adjust in the dark, such as in a salon, stateroom, or galley. It is specified for dry, dust-free locations from 0 C to +35 C, so it belongs in interior spaces rather than cockpits, wet heads, or areas that see washdowns.