Smooth lighting control. LED brightness adjustment. All about dimmers for LED lamps. Which LED lamp brightness control should you choose?

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 4 minutes

Switches with a brightness control or dimmers (from the English dim - dim, darken) are a device that can regulate the voltage at the consumer in the range from 0 to 100% of the nominal. Most often, dimmers are used instead of conventional switches to smoothly adjust the brightness of light.

Dimmer purpose

The main purpose of such devices is to regulate the brightness of incandescent or halogen lamps. Halogen lamps that operate at reduced voltage are controlled using a dimmer connected through a step-down transformer. These devices can be purchased separately, but it is better to buy a dimmer with a built-in transformer.

Attention! To work in lighting circuits with LED and fluorescent lamps, it is necessary to use special dimmers.

To control energy-saving lamps, devices are used whose design includes an additional element - an electronic starter.

Using the brightness control as a light switch, you can arbitrarily change the lighting intensity from maximum to dimmest. In this case, there is no need to use double or triple switches to control the operation of chandeliers with several lamps. In addition, it makes no sense to purchase expensive lamps equipped with their own voltage regulators.

Dimmer classification

There are currently several types of monoblock dimmers on the market:

Dimmers with a mechanical regulator, which is made in the form of a rotary disk. The design of such products is relatively simple, which explains their quite reasonable price. There are dimmers with push or turn switching. In the first case, to close the electrical circuit, you need to lightly press the control knob; devices of the second type always turn on the light, starting from its minimum intensity.

Dimmers with push-button control. They are more complex devices, but their functions are significantly expanded due to the possibility of combining such regulators into groups, which can be controlled from the remote control.

Touch dimmers. They are quite expensive, but also the most prestigious devices that fit perfectly into the interiors of rooms decorated in a modern style. In addition, touch-sensitive models, like dimmers of the previous type, are equipped with signal receivers that allow you to change the lighting intensity using an infrared remote control or via radio.

In addition to monoblock dimmers, there are devices with modular control, which is carried out using a remote button or a key switch. Such regulators are used to control lighting in public places, as well as for installation in distribution boxes.

As already mentioned, most dimmer models are designed for use in circuits with incandescent or LED lamps.

When choosing a dimmer, you need to pay special attention to its power, which must exceed the total maximum power of all consumers connected through this device. Today, in electrical goods stores you can find light controllers with a power of 40 W to 1 kW.

As for the design, there are single, double and triple dimmers on the market. Moreover, the vast majority are single models.

Additional Dimmer Features

In addition to its main purpose - smooth adjustment of light, some dimmer models can be equipped with additional elements that allow you to perform a number of useful functions, which include:

Creating the effect of presence.
Various dimming and flashing modes.
Automatic on and off.
Voice and remote control.

Design of switches with dimmer

The main element of the dimmer design is the electrical circuit, which is designed to reduce the effective value of the voltage supplying the load.

Ensuring reliable operation of this circuit is carried out using several types of protection, which include protection against short circuit, overvoltage and overheating.

Like a regular light switch, the dimmer has a metal frame that allows you to easily install it in a standard socket box.

Device diagram

The main element of the electrical circuit on which the dimmer switch is built is a bidirectional triode thyristor - a device that is an electronic switch controlled by a short pulse.

One of the most common brightness control circuits is shown in the figure.

The signal to open and close the thyristor is supplied using a capacitor of a certain capacity, which accumulates charge during the passage of the first half-wave of the supply voltage.

Principle of operation

Modern dimmers are not consumers of electrical power. This is their fundamental difference from earlier analogs that operated using an active or capacitive voltage divider circuit.

Previous generations of voltage regulators were either rheostats connected in series with the load or autotransformers. In both cases, the manufacture and use of such devices turned out to be extremely expensive. The use of a rheostat, in addition to significant financial costs, led to a significant increase in the weight of the light controller. In addition, when current flows through the rheostat, it becomes very hot, which leads to significant power losses and forces the need to consider the need to cool this device.

Unlike a rheostat, an autotransformer is not a consumer of energy, but it has an extremely large mass and dimensions.

It is possible to avoid power losses in the dimmer due to an electrical circuit that allows you to supply power to consumers by “cutting off” the front or rear part of the half-wave of the supply voltage. This operating principle is called phase control with cutting off the leading or trailing edge.

The operating principle of a dimmer that cuts off the leading edge of a half-wave of a voltage sine wave:

The figure shows the shape of the supply voltage in a circuit whose circuit contains a controlled thyristor, which is automatically turned on when the voltage reaches zero.

Depending on the operating mode, which is determined by the response time (from 0 to 9 ms), it is possible to achieve a smooth change in the power consumed by the lighting device.

Dimmer installation

The connection of a single brightness control is carried out according to the same scheme as the installation of an ordinary key switch. Thus, when installing a dimmer instead of an existing switch, there is no need to make any changes to the electrical wiring design.

The connection diagram, as well as the dimensions of the socket box and the marking of the terminals are absolutely identical.

Some difficulties may arise only if the light dimmers are connected as pass-through switches or combined into groups controlled by a remote control. A diagram of their connection of three outputs for connecting electrical wires.

Advantages and disadvantages of using dimmers

Advantages:

The ability to arbitrarily change the brightness of light in a room not only greatly increases the ease of use of the lamps, but also provides wide scope for interesting design solutions.
Reducing the voltage at the consumer without dissipating power allows for significant energy savings.
When operating at reduced voltage, the life of the lamps is significantly extended.
Using a dimmer can to some extent protect the consumer from voltage surges, which are one of the main reasons for the failure of incandescent lamps.
The lamps are turned on at the moment the supply voltage sinusoid passes through zero, which prevents a sharp increase in the current in them.

Flaws:

The relatively high price of these dimmers compared to conventional key switches.
If it is necessary to replace a double or triple switch with a dimmer, significant difficulties arise associated with the purchase of an expensive double dimmer model or equipment of additional points for installing two or three such devices.
Distortion of the supply voltage curve. This drawback does not greatly affect the performance of active energy consumers such as incandescent lamps. At the same time, the use of dimmers can have an extremely negative impact on the operation of electronic consumers.

Thus, the use of dimmers as lighting regulators is completely justified in cases where a smooth change in the brightness of the light is really necessary. At the same time, due to the high cost of these devices, using them instead of all switches in the apartment seems impractical.

The ability to change the brightness of lighting and create different lighting scenarios is becoming as necessary for a modern home as connecting to an electrical outlet or the Internet. Therefore, it is recommended to install luminous flux regulators or dimmers for LEDs every time you update the wiring in the apartment.

Dimmer functions

The functionality of dimmers depends on the complexity of the device. The simplest ones, which you can do yourself, are used only for stepwise or smooth changes in the intensity of the lamp. More modern models equipped with microcontrollers can perform other tasks:

Fine-tuning lighting. A dimmer helps to adjust the comfortable brightness of lighting fixtures depending on the intensity of natural light throughout the day, the orientation of the room to the cardinal points, the design of the window opening, and the habits and preferences of the owners. This is much more convenient than selecting lamps of the required power for each group of lamps.
Automatic shutdown at a specified time. This feature saves the owner from having to check each room before going to bed/leaving and helps reduce electricity bills.
Saving money on lamps. Working in reduced brightness mode, LED lamps and incandescent lamps are able to perform their functions 3–5 times longer than planned.
Simulation of the presence of owners. The device turns on and off, and also changes the brightness of the lamps connected to it, imitating the actions of people living in the house. The program is designed specifically for those who regularly leave their homes and are afraid of burglars.
Remote control of light: via remote control, voice commands, application on a smartphone. This is convenient not only in large rooms, but also in bedrooms when you don’t want to get out of bed in the evening.

Dimmers can be installed both for an individual lamp/chandelier and for a group of lamps. More often, a separate dimmer is provided for each group of lighting fixtures in each functional area.

In addition to living rooms, concert venues, theater halls, circus arenas and other rooms where smooth adjustment of lighting is necessary for visual effect are equipped with devices of this type.

How does an LED dimmer work?

The principle of operation of the device is based on changing the current voltage in such a way as to cut off the leading (“leading edge adjustment”) or trailing (“falling edge adjustment”) edge of the alternating current sinusoid (“phase cutoff principle”). Thus, when dimmed at 50%, the lamp uses only half of its possible power.

Leading edge dimming is used with low voltage lamps, fluorescent and 230V LED lamps complete with electromagnetic type transformers. Trailing edge dimming is used for the same lamps in tandem with electronic transformers.

The task is performed using a rheostat or a complex of electronic elements. Rheostat-type dimmers are characterized by low efficiency (efficiency factor) and do not reduce energy consumption when lighting decreases, so they are gradually falling out of use. Electronic dimmers work by using a bidirectional thyristor and a PWM (pulse width modulation) system that delays the load activation signal. There is no delay when operating at full power; at 10 percent luminosity it is 9 milliseconds. Thus, the dimmable lamp is constantly turned off and turned on with a slight delay.

For normal operation, the device is equipped with protection against overheating and short circuit.

A dimmer is able to prevent damage to the lamp due to regular voltage drops.

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages

pros	Minuses
Allows you to reduce the energy consumption of the room.	They are expensive, especially programmable models with touch and remote control.
They extend the life of lamps by reducing the intensity of operation, as well as smooth starting when turned on.	They lead to malfunctions and destruction of lamps if the devices are selected incorrectly.
Protect the premises from intrusion by strangers.	Low-cost devices generate electromagnetic interference, which impairs the performance of radio devices.
Provide a decorative effect and eye-pleasing illumination in any room.	Not suitable for use with fluorescent/energy-saving/halogen lamps, since the latter are equipped with a compensation system for a stable glow.
They make the lighting design of the room more interesting and varied.	If the load on the dimer becomes less than the minimum permissible (for example, an incandescent lamp is replaced with an LED), the device will quickly deteriorate without the possibility of replacement under warranty.

If you decide to use a dimmer in your home or office, try not to skimp on devices and use the advice of a sales consultant to choose the best dimmers and lamps for each other. Then you are guaranteed to avoid unpleasant effects.

Types and characteristics of dimmers for LED lamps

When buying a dimmer, keep in mind that devices for incandescent lamps, energy-saving lamps and LEDs differ from each other. Therefore, you need to take either a specialized device, or select LED lamps marked “DIMMABLE”/circular icon to match the standard one.

This icon on the box means that the LED lamp will work with a universal dimmer. Minimum luminosity level may vary or not specified

Demonstration of working with different types of lamps

Classification of regulators

Depending on the control principle of the devices, dimmers for LED lamps are:

Turn-push. The most common type of dimers, such devices are easy to operate, have a low price and simple design. The controls are intuitive: the brightness is changed by turning the knob, turning on/off is done by pressing. Users appreciate the ability to turn lights on and off without changing the selected brightness setting.
Keyboards. The devices resemble ordinary switches, which allows you to choose the most suitable dimmers, switches and sockets for your design. The desired degree of brightness is set with the +/- key, switching on and off with the I/O button (or the unlabeled key).
Sensory. The devices are controlled using a tactile-sensitive screen, on which auxiliary information can be displayed. Dimmers of this type are distinguished by a modern, sometimes even futuristic design, and therefore are often installed in modern interiors.
Remote. Such devices are not installed in the user’s direct access area; they are mounted near the lamp or in the electrical panel of the apartment. Control occurs using a remote control or from any gadget via WiFi (you will need to download and install the appropriate application).

Choosing the right type of dimmers depends on your convenience, the design of the room and the budget allocated for the devices.

Devices are also classified according to installation method:

Modular ones are designed for installation in a distribution panel on a DIN rail (next to circuit breakers). Such devices can be installed or replaced at any time; you only need to provide a separate wire for it during repairs.
Wall mounted ones are installed in the same way as sockets and switches directly in the room where the light flux will be regulated. Installation is carried out upon completion of repairs simultaneously with the specified devices. Adding such a dimmer after renovation is very difficult, since it will require chipping the wall and destroying the finish coating.
Remote ones look like miniature (2–3 cm long) blocks with three control sensors. Since they can be controlled remotely, they are installed under a suspended/stretch ceiling next to a chandelier or inside the housing of a lighting fixture. Dimmers of this type can be installed simultaneously with the lamp (there is no need to ditch the walls, so no repair work is required).

If you are planning to equip a smart home system, modular models are suitable for you; If you are planning a renovation without a smart home, prefer wall-mounted ones; if the repairs have already been made, only remote ones can be installed without any risk to the finishing.

Popular dimmer manufacturers

Legrand (Legrand). The French company offers products of European quality, certified according to GOST. Advantages of Legrand dimmers: ease of installation, reliable operation, attractive design (colors: ivory, white, aluminum). The manufacturer offers models of rotary, push-button and touch types.

Schneider Electric (Schneider Electric). The German manufacturer is known for the quality and high reliability of its dimmers. Several series of devices have been developed with different designs and seven color variations. The devices are equipped with mounting tabs and guides that facilitate the installation procedure.

Makel (Makel). The Turkish brand has a more loyal pricing policy than European manufacturers. Experts recommend using devices of this brand in low-load areas, where they demonstrate sufficient reliability.

Each manufacturer includes information on their dimmers about their compatibility with various types of lighting devices. It is usually provided by brand representatives or point-of-sale consultants.

How to choose a device

When selecting a dimmer, it is necessary to take into account the following parameters:

Planned load (total power of connected lamps). The documentation for the dimmer indicates the load power of the device; it should be one third greater than the sum of the powers of the lamps it controls. It is no longer worth making a power reserve, as this will lead to damage to the dimmer.
Mains voltage. LED lamps are designed for 220V or 12V circuits (operate through a transformer). Dimmers for them are produced differently, so make sure that the box is marked 220V.
Compatible with lighting fixture. The instructions for the device should state that it works specifically with LED lamps (not diodes or strips), and not with incandescent lamps.

The choice of dimmer by type of installation and brand is described above. For maximum compatibility of devices, we recommend buying a set of dimmers and lamps at the same time and checking their joint operation in the store.

DIY connection

Installing a dimmer is not difficult for an ordinary electrician or even a person who is only slightly familiar with such work. To connect an external dimmer, it is enough to connect the wires, connecting one side to the wiring, and the opposite side to the lamp (so that the “phase” and “zero” do not get confused, all wires are marked). Modular, as already mentioned, are mounted on a DIN strip in the electrical panel. It is better to entrust this work to a professional so as not to accidentally disrupt the operation of neighboring elements.

The procedure for installing a wall regulator is similar to working with a regular outlet. Let us describe in more detail the operating rules and safety requirements:

identify the phase wire with an indicator screwdriver;
turn off the power supply to the room/apartment (depending on the capabilities of the panel);
connect the phase conductor and the dimmer wire with the “L” marker, and connect the neutral conductor to the wire marked “N”. This can be done by twisting (provides a larger contact area for the conductors) or with special clamps (more convenient and faster, especially for beginners).
place the device in the socket and adjust its position using the adjusting bolts;
install the decorative cover;
connect the power and carry out the experiment.

If your dimmer allows you to turn the light on/off, it is installed instead of a standard switch; if the model only supports the mode of changing the degree of illumination, it is mounted in series with the switch (in front of it).

Detailed instructions for connecting a dimmer (video)

With this knowledge, you can easily find the right dimmer and make your home more comfortable and technologically advanced.

Ecology of consumption. Home: Dimmers not only bring convenience to the environment, but also help save up to 30% of electricity

After the advent of incandescent lamps, manufacturers almost immediately came up with a device that would regulate their brightness. The first dimmers were devices that absorbed electricity. Today everything is much simpler. On the market you can find a wide range of this product that you will definitely like. LED dimmers are also considered common and are used for LED lighting fixtures.

In this article you will find detailed information about their device. Today, these products can include a number of features that will make your life easier. In this article, you will learn how to choose the right dimmer for LED lamps?

Compatibility of LED lamps with dimmers

You should never confuse an LED bulb with simple LEDs. The LED lamp is an independent device that simply needs to be connected to electricity. Here are its main similarities with other products:

The LED lamp also has a standard E-threaded base.
You can easily connect this product in your home. It can be used to work in a standard electrical network.
The luminous flux of this device is also similar to conventional lamps.

An LED lamp will primarily consist of a diffuser for diodes. These devices may also have different power ratings. In order to find out which dimmer for LED lamps is better, you will need to know the power of the lamp. When purchasing this product, you must see what the manufacturer indicates on this device. In order for you to easily adjust the brightness of the lighting in a standard lighting system, LED dimmers were invented. Also, an LED lamp must have this function. The manufacturer usually indicates this on its packaging. Here's what might be written on the packaging:

It is possible to adjust the brightness.
The device is "Dimmable".
The lamp supports the Dimmable function.

Also, those lamps that support this function have an inscription on the box, which can be seen in the photo below.

These lamps already have a light control function. That is why you can easily control it even with a regular dimmer. Dimmable lamps are much more expensive than regular products. But here you can save on the use of dimmers. A dimmer for LED lamps will cost significantly more, since it has a special PWM control in its design.

Popular 220 Volt LED dimmers

LED dimmers today can have a huge range. Dimmers can also be divided by type of installation:

Modular dimmers for LED lamps are installed in distribution panels. These devices can not only adjust brightness, but also perform a wide range of other functions. You can easily control this device using a remote controller.

Typically, these devices are produced only for controlling LED lamps. In domestic conditions they are used quite rarely, as they have a high price.

Monoblock dimmers for LED lamps are also considered a fairly common product. This type is considered the most common.

You can install it instead of a regular lamp. In order to use this device to control an LED lamp, you will need a PWM function.

LED dimmers can also differ in the way they are controlled. Here are their main varieties:

Rotary. The control process will take place using a handle.
Turn-push. The control process in this device will take place by pressing and turning the knob.
Keyboards. By pressing keys you can increase or decrease the brightness of the lighting.
Sensory. These products are considered more modern. With their help you can also take advantage of other functions.

The dimmer circuit for LED lamps is no different from the circuits of other products. In the photo below you can see this diagram.

LED dimmers and their compatibility with lamps

Not every dimmer can work with LED lamps. In order to do this, you will need either a regular dimmer for special lamps or a dimmer that has a PWM function. But there are other problems. For example, some companies produce LED lamps that can only work with a specific dimmer. Typically, sellers of these products should have special tables to help determine compatibility.

When selecting a dimmer, you also need to take into account its power. Here are some tips to help you make the right calculations.

But the best method for verification is considered to be the empirical method. To do this, come to the store with a lamp and check its operation.

Application of dimmers

LED dimmers today have a fairly wide range of applications. Here are the main problems that can be solved using a dimmer:

With their help you can easily organize a flexible lighting system. Also, a dimmer will help to divide the room into certain zones using light.
With its help you can easily organize a design solution.

Modern devices have a fairly high efficiency. The PWM principle avoids overheating and noise generation.
Their use significantly increases the level of comfort.

LED dimmers can also be integrated with the Smart Home system. This allows the implementation of various lighting systems. The only drawback that can be highlighted is the price of these devices.

conclusions

The use of these devices is considered fully justified due to their cost-effectiveness.
The most effective way to adjust brightness is the PWM system.
When choosing these products, it is better to give your preference to well-known brands.
Before proceeding with installation, it is better to additionally check their connection.

Almost immediately, with the advent of the ordinary incandescent lamp, a device for controlling lamps appeared - this is a dimmer. It has become most used in conjunction with LED lamps. Thanks to this technology, the intensity of the light flux can be adjusted over a fairly wide range. With the development of dimmers, in addition to adjusting the light intensity, the ability to turn the light on and off using a timer was added. It has become possible to control lamps remotely using a remote control.

A dimmer is a high-tech electronic regulator that can increase the comfort of using lamps in your home or apartment. Dimming the lighting in your apartment will help you keep up with the times.

Varieties and their features

Do not mix a regular LED or strip of LEDs with an LED light bulb. These are completely different things. An ordinary LED needs suitable conditions for operation; a light bulb, in turn, is a ready-made device that has its own programmed driver. It is capable of operating from any light source and can be combined with any lamp, thanks to its standard E27 and similar sockets.

You can often find LED light bulbs with a built-in dimming function. When purchasing, you should check with the seller, or carefully examine the packaging. This designation is located next to the required voltage indicator (for example, near the 12 Volt indicator).

Manufacturers often indicate the possibility of dimming a light bulb with the following markings:

The characteristics include the item “possibility of brightness adjustment”.
The word dimmable is added to the name.
If the light bulb is made abroad, then look for the Dimmable inscription.

Such lamps are configured to work with dimmers. The driver controls the strength of the supplied current, and depending on this, changes the level of the emitted light flux. Adjustable lamps can work not only with specialized dimmers, but also with ordinary ones. Which allows you to save money. The lamp itself, of course, costs a little more than a simple LED, but this is compensated by the lower price of the dimmer. Regulators can work with lamps of any power, 12, 220 volts and others.

Dimmers are classified according to several indicators: combination with lamps, type of installation, method of adjustment.

In combination with lamps there are:

For energy-saving (there are very few lamps that support this function).
For halogen lamps.
Compatible with conventional incandescent lamps.
Used in conjunction with LEDs.

Using a regulator helps to significantly save energy and your money on room lighting. When chosen correctly, the LED lamp and dimmer consume a generally negligible amount of energy.

There are also universal devices that can independently select the desired type of dimming in automatic mode, but they are less reliable and their use in most cases is unprofitable.

Depending on the installation method, there are three types:

Panel - installed in the distribution board. They are also called modular.
Instrumentation - installation is carried out in an installation box.
Wall-mounted - installed instead of a standard switch. This type is the most convenient and most common. They are easy to install and replace, which increases their popularity.

By type of control:

Rotary – adjusted by turning the switch.
Keyboards – controlled by pressing keys.
Touch - one of the dimmers whose active zone is the sensor.

Criterias of choice

Of course, when choosing a dimmer for your needs, you should take into account some nuances so that it works without any problems. The first and most important thing is that the regulator is compatible with your lamps. Since each type of lamp requires a specialized and suitable device.

Selection criteria for different types of lamps

Today on the market there are many manufacturers producing equipment for dimming LED lamps. The most popular among them are the three favorites Legrand, Schneider and Makel.

Legrand dimmers produce different powers from 300 to 1000 W. They can also be combined with lamps designed for 12 and 220 Volts. The price indicator is also different. Regulators designed to work with 12-volt lamps cost from 1,400 rubles. And the cost of more powerful ones reaches up to 3000. Of course, the price of Legrand dimmers also depends on the type of device, for example, a touch one will cost much more than a keyboard one.

Also, when choosing a dimmer for your home, it is worth considering its appearance, whether it will fit harmoniously into the interior, whether it will be convenient for you to use a keyboard or whether you should give preference to remote control. Of course, such a comfortable device will cost you a little more, and its installation may be more complicated than conventional models.

When purchasing, keep branded brands such as Legrand among your favorites, as they have already proven themselves in terms of price-quality ratio. Legrand provides a wide range from which you can easily choose a dimmer for lamps of 220, 12 volts and others. Calculating the required regulator power is very simple. Let's say you have 12 12 W bulbs, the total power will be 144 W.

So you need a dimmer capable of providing 144 watts of power for the light bulbs. You need to add about 20% reserve to the total power so that it can withstand unexpected overloads.

Anyone who has already tried and installed a dimmer in their home will, of course, say that it is real and convenient. It allows you to significantly save energy and add convenience to your apartment. With its help, you can easily set up soft lighting for reading or watching a movie, or illuminate the room as much as possible during a feast. Once you spend money on a dimming device, you will not regret the money spent.

Summarize

Buying a dimmer is not cheap, but thanks to it you will really improve your apartment and keep up with the times. Legrand brand manufacturers will help you achieve this.

Calculation method for choosing

The variety of their products will help you choose a regulator for both 12 and 220 Volt light bulbs. Moreover, dimming a room will help add zest to your interior and make it special thanks to the play of lighting.

Energy-saving and durable LED lamps are modern technologies in lighting technology. Regulating lighting using dimmers will not only increase the economic effect, but also provide many additional opportunities for lighting control. What you need to know about LED dimmers?

By improving our home, we strive to make it convenient, comfortable and at the same time not too expensive. The visual perception of the interior and the comfortable stay of people in the house depend on lighting. The best option for organizing lighting is the ability to regulate the luminous flux of lamps depending on the situation.

Dimmers are dimmers that allow you to change the intensity of artificial lighting in a room. Regulation of the electrical power of the load occurs by changing the voltage in a rheostat, autotransformer or electronic.

Depending on the type of control signal, dimmers are:

analog;
digital;
digital-analog.

Dimmers vary in type and power of lamps for which they are intended:

for incandescent and halogen lamps with a voltage of 220 V;
for powered by transformers 12 – 24 V;
for LED and fluorescent lamps.

Dimmers for LED lamps: assessing the benefits

A dimmer for 220V LED lamps can be built into the lamp itself used for domestic purposes. Or it is a separate device and more powerful systems for theaters or light installations.

Their main difference from dimmers for incandescent lamps: to regulate the luminous flux, you do not need to lower or increase the current in the lamp.

LED lamps with a dimmer operate on the principle of pulse-width modulation, in which the LED is powered by DC pulses. The amplitude of such pulses is equal to the optimal current value. By varying their width, the brightness of the glow is changed. At a high, up to 300 kHz, pulse frequency, the human eye perceives a set of pulses as an even glow.

Dimming does not reduce the service life of LED lamps. Compared to conventional LED operation, this saves up to 35% of energy consumption. Unlike incandescent lamps, dimming LED lamps works effectively in low light conditions.

In addition, there are a number of other advantages:

reliability;
noiselessness;
light weight and compact dimensions of the dimmer;
safety;
resistance to network overloads;
smooth start;
the ability to control one or a group of lamps.

Types of dimmers: how to adjust and where to install

Dimmers vary in control method:

Mechanical: push-button or rotary, the simplest in design and control.
Electronic: touch or with a contactless trigger sensor.
Acoustic. Triggered by a voice command or loud sound.
Remote. The lighting is adjusted using the remote control.

You can save energy by using not only modern lighting fixtures and indoor devices. For these purposes, it has been widely used. The layout and installation procedure of such a device depends on its design.

Many scientists took part in the history of the light bulb. you can find out what each of them invented in their time.

Depending on the installation method they are:

outdoor installation - overhead;
internal installation - built-in;
modular – for installation in an electrical panel on a DIN rail.

Rule for sharing LED lamps with a dimmer

Not all LEDs are suitable for dimming lighting. Operating an LED lamp through a dimmer may affect its functioning. And besides, it may cause refusal of warranty service for the lamp.

Important! For the brightness control to work correctly, only LED lamps with a dimmer can be used with it.

Which LED lamp brightness control should you choose?

Stores selling electrical goods offer dimmers from well-known companies:

Schneider Electric, Philips, LEGRAND and others, products from domestic manufacturers, dimmers made in Turkey and China. This allows everyone to find the best option for themselves in terms of functionality, ease of use, design and cost.

Those who are guided by the principle “the simpler the better” can purchase a dimmer controlled by a key or a rotary wheel. As a rule, these are inexpensive models that simultaneously perform the functions of a switch and a lighting regulator.

The electronic dimmer can be connected in parallel with the switch. You can turn on the light with a switch and change the illumination with a dimmer.

The acoustic dimmer will provide independent control from different places.

Dimmers with remote control cost many times more than simple models and, in addition to adjusting the light level, provide additional features:

a wide selection of different lighting control commands;
automatic light switch-off;
simulating the presence of people in the house;
smooth switching on and off of lighting;
setting the minimum and maximum illumination levels.

The possibility of dimming over a wide range, high luminous efficiency and efficiency of LED lamps make them increasingly in demand in the lighting products market. In addition to significant economic benefits, their use will make light not only a full-fledged element of the interior, but a means of changing it.
By adjusting the lighting, you can zone the room depending on the situation, highlight and highlight individual interior details. The use of dimmers and LEDs in smart home systems is especially promising.

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