Among the huge variety of lighting devices, the LED lamp is the most profitable both in terms of the generated flow to the consumed power, and in relation to its cost over the period of operation. But even with such operating parameters, many users do not miss the opportunity to install a light intensity controller.
Alas, an ordinary energy-saving lamp will not work this way, the dimmer does not give the desired result and the lamp simply turns on later, and at full power. To achieve dimmability you will need a special dimmable LED lamp.
Purpose and capabilities of the dimmer
Many people still don’t know what a dimmer and dimmable lamps are.
A dimmer is a device that allows you to regulate the light output of a lamp. The terms “dimmer, dimmer” are also used.
Dimmable lamps are light-emitting devices with variable luminous flux.
Rheostats have the ability to regulate the brightness of lamps, but they have significant weight and a lot of thermal energy is dissipated and lost on them.
Modern technologies make it possible to use dimmers designed on the basis of semiconductor elements - triacs or transistors.
The functions of dimmers include: smooth switching on and off of the lamp, timer, manual or automatic switching on of the flicker (blinking) mode, remote control of lighting intensity via wireless home Wi-Fi networks, remote control, voice or other acoustic signals, as well as a device controlled by a photocell that responds to the level of natural light in the room.
The use of dimming allows you to reduce energy consumption, extend the life of lighting fixtures by dimming the light, and fully relax after a busy day.
Longer service life
The positive aspect and advantage of constantly operating LEDs in low light mode is that they increase their service life.
For example, if you initially take a light bulb that is twice as powerful as needed and turn it with a dimmer to the required brightness, then such a lamp will last 100% not only for the period stated by the factory, but also much longer.
But with halogen lamps the situation could be the opposite. In addition, darkening results in less heat generation.
Based on the above, experts always recommend buying dimmers and lamps for them in a store, with a visual check of the compatibility of their functions. In this case, you will 100% not have to face surprises and problems.
Using dimmers with LED lighting
The operation of dimmers is based on cutting off sections of the input sinusoidal voltage. So-called “cuts” are formed.
LED lamp power supplies (drivers) react negatively to changes in input voltage parameters and in some cases stop functioning normally.
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Dimming problems with LED lamps
The operation of incandescent lamps when using a dimmer is not satisfactory. The same cannot be said about LED lamps, which either stop functioning or do not reach the rated light output and can produce an annoying squeaking sound.
Dimmer operating principle
Dimmers make it possible to change the intensity of artificial lighting. Regulation of electrical power in a dimmer occurs by changing the voltage in a rheostat or transformer. Special dimming devices are produced for diode lamps.
Externally, dimming devices are no different from conventional ones. You can identify a dimmable device by the inscription on the packaging - “dimmable”
Dimmable lamps sometimes do not work well with some dimmer models. This manifests itself in a sharp change in brightness during adjustment or in extraneous noise - hum, crackling.
Sometimes a device conflict manifests itself in the flashing of all LED lamps in the chandelier at full power immediately after switching on. Replacing one of them with an incandescent lamp can solve the problem.
You need to purchase those dimmers that are designed to work with diode lamps, and also select the appropriate model among them. It is better if they are from the same manufacturer
How do dimmable lamps work?
Specially designed modified power supplies for these lamps vary the current in proportion to the input voltage.
It is noteworthy that the color flow temperature most often does not change when using dimmers.
Externally, it is impossible to distinguish between regular and dimmable LED lamps. You can distinguish them by the inscription “dimmable” or by the logo. Photos of various dimmable LED lamps can always be found on the Internet.
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Casambi
Casambi controls lights that can be interacted with via Bluetooth. To do this, you need a special application that can be installed on a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. Unlike DALI, there is no additional wiring required.
Using Casambi, you can adjust the brightness of the light, its color and color temperature. You can combine luminaires into groups and create templates for lighting scenarios. You can connect sensors (for example, motion sensors) to a common network and program light changes depending on their signals.
Operation of dimmable LED lamps
To use dimmable LED lighting devices, you need to select a lamp with the appropriate base, which should not cause difficulties.
There are dimmable lamps with different types and sizes of base.
Risks when purchasing dimmable LED lamps
It is impossible to determine in advance whether the purchased dimmable lamp will work with the existing dimmer.
When purchasing LED dimmable lamps for your home, you should agree with the seller about the possibility of returning the purchased dimmable lamp with unsuitable parameters.
You should buy LED lamps made by reputable manufacturers, which, among other things, will increase the chances of matching the parameters of the lamp with the dimmer.
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Buying low-power lamps, less than 10 watts, will cost less, but you may be disappointed by the low luminous flux, insufficient adjustment range and unpleasant cold light.
Selecting a dimmable LED lamp yourself carries uncontrollable risks. To avoid them, you should consider consulting experienced professionals in a specialized shopping center and carefully study the accompanying documentation and technical features of the device.
With the relatively high price of dimmable LED lamps, one should not forget that their long service life and light output with low power consumption are incomparable with other light-emitting devices.
The use of such devices allows you to save on lighting in the future and is a profitable investment.
Possible compatibility issues
When purchasing an LED lamp and a dimmer for it, you should pay attention to the protocols, which may vary. After all, if you buy incompatible devices, they simply will not work together. There are only 4 dimming protocols - TRIAC, 1-10V, DALI and Push DIM. Each of them has its own characteristics, but 1-10V and Push DIM are not worth considering. They are extremely rare in Russia, and the chance of finding such devices on the shelves is very low. If we talk about TRIAC, its peculiarity is the need to check the functionality of the lamp and dimmer in the store. Even if both devices have this protocol, it is not a fact that they will work correctly in pairs. Possible troubles include a noticeable hum, even a sensation of vibration.
The DALI dimming protocol is the most common option that can be found on the shelves of electrical stores. Its operation is the most stable, and devices work on it for a longer time. All well-known manufacturers that have proven themselves well in the Russian market adhere to it. However, there are also disadvantages that are worth mentioning. Among them are the rather high cost and the need to call a specialist for initial setup. The DIYer himself (if he is not familiar with such a protocol) is unlikely to be able to complete it.
Technical characteristics of dimmable LED lamps
There are different types of dimmable LED lamps. The coating of the bulb can be matte or transparent, the brightness adjustment range is from 10 to 100%, the input voltage is from 40 to 250 V; as the brightness decreases, the color of the radiation can become warmer or remain unchanged.
Technologies from some manufacturers with a built-in ventilation system can extend the service life of dimmable LED lamps up to 40 thousand hours.
Advantages of dimmable equipment over conventional equipment
If we compare these two types of LED lamps, then the first one can find many advantages with the only disadvantage - a slightly higher cost. Otherwise there are only positive qualities, including:
- Simple design and easy control.
- Saves up to 90% energy compared to a conventional LED lamp.
- Standard bases that do not require cartridge replacement.
- Dimmable LED ceiling lights are more durable by reducing the load on them.
- The ability to create an atmosphere that will be comfortable for the eyes.
- Change in temperature. If the light of the lamp is cold, then by turning the knob it will warm up a little.
You can learn a little more about them in the following video:
Photo of a dimmable LED lamp?
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