- Level 2 Electrical Newcastle
Submitted by: Chris Horridge
Depending on which type of light you want to dim, choosing a dimmer switch can go from being a fairly simple task to a very complicated one. If you are dimming halogen or incandescent lighting loads then this is straightforward as most will function perfectly well. However, dimming Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) can be complicated as both the dimmer switch and the light must be compatible. LED in particular is the hardest as there are many different types available, all containing different types of dimming technology. Downlights Direct works closely with both lighting and switch manufacturers to provide the most up-to-date advice and pre-sales support.
Leading Edge or Trailing Edge Dimmer?
Leading edge and trailing edge are two different types of dimmer technology. Leading edge is the most popular because it is cheaper. Leading edge contains a triac and a coil. Leading edge may buzz slightly when in operation and the minimum load is quite high. This is not a problem when dimming incandescent or halogen but can be when dimming CFL or LED. Trailing edge dimmers are now available that have a minimum adjustment dial, turning the dial down to its lowest setting allows less lamps to dimmed and a wider range of dimming i.e. 100% down to 10%.
Trailing edge technology uses solid state components like insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT). It has no triac or coil providing a silent, smoother dimming action. The other advantage of using trailing edge is that the minimum load is lower. When dimming some LED lights, such as the Halers EvoLED downlight the load is rated at 10W instead of 50W if using trailing edge. This allows for far more lights to be dimmed, potentially up to 30x lights on one switch.
When dimming CFL you must ensure that the lamp is dimmable. There are very few dimmable CFL lamps on the market mainly because LED has overtaken it. The most popular is the Megaman 11W GU10. This lamp needs to be turned up to full brightness on start up for a few minutes before it is dimmed or the life expectancy of the lamp will be reduced. Depending on the minimum and maximum wattage, the ECU range, GRID500 or MP500 are compatible. Although cheaper in price, dimming CFL is not worth the hassle; LED is better in every way:
Like with CFL, you must ensure that the LED you choose is dimmable as most are not. LED technology has developed rapidly over the past few years however, dimmer switch manufactures have reacted slowly, if at all, to the change. There are many different types of dimmable LED bulbs and LED downlights available. Consequently, consumers are often challenged to understand which combinations of LEDs and dimmers are compatible.
LED bulbs are harder to dim than complete LED downlights. Downlights Direct recommends Philips branded dimmable LED bulbs for use with Richmond leading edge dimmers such as the ECU range, GRID500 or MP500 – this is a tried and tested solution that works successfully.
Complete LED downlights such as the Halers EvoLED will dim with both leading and trailing edge dimmers but not with all makes!
Having decided on which LED you want to install, selecting the correct LED dimmer switch should be based on the following:
1. Compatibility; ideally, the LED manufacturer will have a list of recommended dimmer switches. Selecting a random dimmer switch may work perfectly well however, a dimmer switch that is incompatible can cause flickering and in some cases, permanent damage to the LED.
2. Quantity of LEDs; dimming results can vary depending on how many LED lights are in the circuit. LED loads are not rated the same as halogen, for example 10x5W LEDs is not the same as1x50W halogen. De-rating factors may need to be considered and vary from brand to brand. Selecting a compatible dimmer for the wrong quantity of LED lights could cause flickering and reduce the range of dimming, i.e. the lights won t dim down to 10%.
3. Aesthetics; if you like the look of your current dimmer switch but it is not compatible and causes your LEDs to flicker; modules such as the MP500 can be easily swapped. Keep the look, upgrade the technology.
To summarise, Downlights Direct has spent a lot of time and effort researching this task and can confidently advise on the best LED and dimmer switch combination for your lighting installation.
Advanced Dimming
Our range of dimmer switches doesn t end with compatibility; we offer some of the most advanced types of dimming systems available anywhere in the world. From remote control operated dimmer switches to wirelessly controlled lighting solutions. We have components available that can allow you to dim or control the lights in your living from anywhere in the world, using a PC, iPad or iPhone.
Visit Downlights Direct.co.uk for a total dimming solution.
About the Author: Chris Horridge is the Internet Marketing Specialist for
Expert-electrical.co.uk
If you wish to find out more about downlights or low energy lighting as well as information about Downlights Direct, go to
downlightsdirect.co.uk
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
isnare.com/?aid=926139&ca=Home+Management