We adjust the brightness of the lighting using a dimmer for LED lamps. Dimmable LED lamps: description, purpose

The next achievement in the development of LED technology is dimmable LED lamps. They can be installed in lamps and chandeliers that are electrically connected to a dimmable circuit. The process of adjusting the brightness of such a light bulb is no different from the usual control of lamps with a spiral. Buyers of dimmable LED lamps, first of all, want to obtain a comfortable level of illumination. Using an adjustable light source, you can darken the room, creating a cozy environment, or, conversely, provide maximum brightness for work. By reducing the luminous flux of an LED lamp, additional energy savings can be achieved.

What is a dimmable LED lamp and how will it behave if it is installed in a lamp that is connected via a dimmer? To help the buyer not make a mistake in choosing, we will try to reveal the secrets of the “dimmer and LED lamp” tandem.

Dimmer purpose

A dimmer (from English - dimming device) is designed to smoothly adjust the brightness of a lamp. Its main parameter is the output power, on which the maximum number of connected lamps depends. Most often, a dimmer is made in the shape of a switch for placement in a standard mounting box. The brightness is adjusted by rotating the knob of a variable resistor, which sets the control current of the thyristor or transistor. The initial adjustment level is determined by the dimmer's electronic circuit and, as a rule, is in the range of 10–30% of the mains voltage.
The presence of a dimmer solves two main problems:

allows you to select the optimal level of illumination, depending on the time of day and type of activity;
reduces energy consumption.

More expensive dimmer models are equipped with functions of remote control, timer and automatic operation according to a given program.

Usage problem

Inside each LED lamp, without a dimming function, there is a driver that will not respond correctly to changes in the input voltage. When rotating the dimmer knob, the behavior of such a light bulb is unpredictable:

will flash;
when the voltage reaches a certain level, it will light up at 100%;
won't turn on.

The operation of most dimmers is based on changing the sinusoidal voltage waveform by cutting out part of a half-wave. As a result, “dead zones” are formed between half-waves, which are inadequately perceived by the driver. Thus, the light bulb reacts to the absence of full mains voltage at the input.

To get away from power-hungry incandescent lamps and stay with a dimmer, you will have to purchase dimmable LED lamps. Their driver supports dimming, changing the load current in proportion to the input voltage. As with incandescent lamps, rotating the knob will change the brightness of the lamp.

However, due to the diversity of electronic circuits of dimmers and drivers of dimmable LED lamps, new problems could not be avoided. The fact is that each of the devices has its own minimum operating voltage. If at the moment of switching on the dimmer produces 60 V, then the light bulb will light up at about a third of the rated power, and the control range will be 30-100%. In turn, in some types of dimmable LED lamps the lower brightness limit reaches 5%. Such uncoordinated operation of two electronic circuits can cause other troubles:

when turned on, the driver does not start;
the driver produces an unpleasant high-frequency sound;
the maximum output voltage of the dimmer is below 210 V, which prevents the achievement of maximum brightness;
dimmer malfunctions due to the influence of the electronic circuit of the LED light bulb;
second flash at the moment of switching on.

It is noteworthy that the color temperature remains at the same level and does not depend on the brightness of the light.

Is it worth buying?

The only way to find out whether a dimmable LED lamp fits an existing dimmer is through experimentation. Therefore, before purchasing, it is advisable to agree with the seller about the possible return of the goods. To reduce the likelihood of incompatibility between two electronic devices, you need to buy branded products. Their price cannot be lower than 500 rubles. When choosing dimmable lamps costing less than 300 rubles (with a power of up to 10 W), you may additionally encounter poor light output, an uncomfortable cold glow and a shallow depth of brightness control.

Buying dimmable LED lamps today is not an easy task, which is best solved in a specialized store with a sales consultant and do not forget to read the information provided in the documentation for the product. Despite the high cost of dimmable light bulbs, they are involved in the creation of new lighting systems, and their technical capabilities are incomparable with previous light sources.

Dimmer functions

A dimmer with functional key illumination is not only convenient, but also looks stylish in the interior

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 circuit demonstrates how a dimmer converts a normal AC current waveform

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 control”) or trailing (“falling edge control”) 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

Details about the pros and cons of devices

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

Dimmers with different control principles

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, turning 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.

Types and connection diagrams of dimmers

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

Marking of dimmers produced by Legrand

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.

Marking of dimmers manufactured by Schneider Electric

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.

Marking of dimmers produced by Makel

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

Demonstration of correct wire 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.

Pay attention to the location of the contacts for connecting the wires

The installation procedure for 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.

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 requires 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

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.

A dimmer is a small device designed to smoothly adjust the brightness of one or more lamps. Most often it is a control knob, by rotating which we can change the light level. The adjustment process is called dimming. You can often find lamps, floor lamps and chandeliers with a built-in dimmer. It can also be purchased separately from radio engineering stores, it is not expensive, but it allows you to create more comfortable conditions for lighting residential and non-residential premises, because bright lighting is not always needed. You can buy a dimmer in our store.

It is important that not all lamps are dimmable. For example, you can use a dimmer with absolutely all incandescent and halogen lamps, but fluorescent (often called “energy-saving”) and LED lamps are not always dimmable. That is why, if you purchase an LED lamp and want it to work in a lamp with a dimmer, then you need to pay attention to this characteristic in the description of the lamp. When describing lamps in our product catalog, this item is called “dimmable” and if “yes” is indicated in this item of the description, then the lamp is dimmable and it suits you.

More about the dimmer

The term "dimmer" comes from the English word "dim" - to dim. In the simplest case, it can be a variable resistor (rheostat). Recently, small-sized electronic dimmers have become most widespread, where a semiconductor triac or transistor switch is used as a power element.

The simplest and most common dimmers in household appliances have only one function - smooth adjustment of illumination. However, there are much more modern and “advanced” dimmers that are capable of performing other interesting and useful functions that increase comfort and quality of life in general:

automatic switching on and off of the lamp using a timer or other electronic control program;
imitation of presence;
Various dimming and flashing modes;
remote control of lighting: via infrared channel, radio channel, acoustic (clap, noise with a given level) or with voice control.

Dimming can be carried out automatically, for example, according to the level of illumination, using a light sensor, to maintain a given level of illumination in the room. Dimming can help save energy consumption for lighting, since an automatic dimer working in tandem with a lamp always shines exactly as much as needed without wasting extra energy, for example during the day, in cloudy weather or when the room is unevenly illuminated by street light, you can even out the illumination around the room with light sensors and maintain the desired level using the dimming function.

Auto dimming can also be used as a warning function when lighting is about to turn off or when lighting is turned on to avoid glare.

Our company, in addition to selling LED lamps and fixtures, is engaged in the development, production and implementation of lighting control systems. If you have an idea on how to make the lighting in your apartment, house or office more controllable (more difficult than turning it on and off), then we will be happy to help you. You can read more about our services on our separate website on lighting control systems.

Articles about LED lighting

This article is for those who have asked a similar question for the first time and do not have a technical education. LED lighting is the lighting of something using relatively new light sources - LEDs. An LED is an industrially produced crystal that, when connected to electricity, begins to emit light. To be fair, LED cannot be called a new light source, because... it was invented several decades ago, but it began to be actively developed and used in all spheres of our lives only at the beginning of 2000, thanks to new discoveries in the technological field and a significant reduction in production costs.

Modern technologies do not stand still and scientific and technological progress does not ignore such an area of our lives as lighting. Development is taking place both in the direction of increasing lighting technical characteristics and in the direction of the emergence of additional related technological devices that increase the usefulness of lamps and lighting systems in general. We are talking about numerous varieties of LED lights with built-in sensors.

We decided to make a review in which the most interesting reviews about LED lamps will be collected. We collected these reviews both from our customers (and continue to collect) and from the Internet - from various forums, blogs, thematic portals and other resources. Having received a large amount of data, we systematized it, anonymized it, and we got a certain set of interesting opinions and advice from real people who use LED lamps at home, in the country, in the office, etc.

Customers of our online store often ask questions - which LED lamps are the best, from which companies? Why exactly are they better? Can you trust the characteristics of the lamps indicated on the packaging? Is it possible to buy LED lamps made in China? Can LED lamps be used in children's rooms? These are just some of the questions that buyers ask when choosing the best option for themselves. Moreover, such questions arise when the buyer already knows what type of lamps is needed and with what characteristics. In this article we will try to give answers to all these questions and avoid new puzzles for the consumer :-)

An LED is a semiconductor device that transforms electric current into light radiation. LED has a generally accepted abbreviation - LED (light-emitting diode), which literally translated into Russian means “light-emitting diode”. The LED consists of a semiconductor crystal (chip) on a substrate, a housing with contact leads and an optical system. The light emission directly comes from this crystal, and the color of the visible radiation depends on its material and various additives. As a rule, there is one crystal in the LED housing, but if it is necessary to increase the power of the LED or to emit different colors, several crystals can be installed.

This is, of course, the most important issue, since the world today is on the threshold of a new era in lighting technology and we need to be sure that LED lighting is not harmful to health. To date (2014), this issue cannot be considered thoroughly studied, since the period of introduction of LED lighting into human life is still quite short and the necessary amount of statistical data for analysis has not yet been accumulated. However, at the moment there is a huge amount of facts and opinions of professionals in this field, indicating the absence of any harm from LED lighting.

This article is for those who do not understand light bulbs, the types of their sockets and electricity in general, but already understand that using LED lamps is much more economically profitable than incandescent lamps and even than fluorescent lamps (they are often called “energy saving”). Selecting the right LED lamps is very simple and we will help you make the right choice by following the instructions below. Or you can call us right away and we will be happy to help you with your choice.

In this article we will talk about the benefits of using LED lamps compared to fluorescent (often called “energy saving”), halogen and incandescent lamps. In the second part we will provide an economic calculation of the payback when replacing lamps with LED ones. The economic efficiency of LED lamps is so obvious that you do not need any special knowledge to draw your own conclusions.

One of the challenges that is often encountered during deep renovation or construction of residential and office premises is the level of sufficient lighting. In a situation where ordinary incandescent lamps are used as light sources, from experience you can roughly determine the required number and power of light bulbs, but if you have an idea to make your home more modern and comfortable, and at the same time regularly save quite significant amounts on lighting, then It makes sense to take a closer look at LED lighting. So, how many and what kind of LED lamps do you need to install to make the room comfortable?

In one of our articles we talked about what an LED is and how it developed. Now we want to dwell in more detail on the current industry leaders - those who produce LEDs and LED lamps. This is not the same thing, since lamp manufacturers do not always make LEDs and, conversely, LED manufacturers do not always mass produce lamps based on them. According to official data from IMS Research, as of February 2013, LED production is concentrated in China (more than 50%), then Taiwan (about 20%), South Korea (about 10%), Japan, USA, Europe and other regions (total 20%) .

This article is a practical guide for those who are planning to make major renovations in an apartment or house and are thinking about how to make the lighting of their future home comfortable, cozy, unique, easy to maintain, but at the same time economical and environmentally friendly. Today, indeed, there is something to think about, since LED lighting is becoming very inexpensive. The choice of power, size and external design of light sources is very rich and you don’t have to limit your imagination. Where to start? How to approach the task correctly? To do this, you need to understand what exactly you want to do, and then find the most effective solutions from both a practical and economic point of view. It is not as difficult as it seems and we will be happy to help you with this.

In our online store you can purchase LED lamps and LED luminaires, selecting them to suit the task of illuminating any object. But our activities are limited not only to sales - our team also includes highly experienced engineers in the field of design, production, installation and further operation of lighting control systems. Our partners are many engineering and design companies, together with whom we can implement projects for lighting systems for objects of any scale and complexity. This area of activity of our company is presented on the market as the WLightiT project.

In this article we will touch on a very important topic - office lighting. A third of most people's lives are spent at work, so the quality of lighting in the workplace is key to well-being and productivity. That is why, when planning lighting in an office space, it is important to take into account the main factors affecting the quality of lighting. Even such seemingly trifles as the color of the walls, the arrangement and material of the furniture influence the quality of lighting. In our article, we briefly classify office lamps so that you can get a first idea of the variety of lighting solutions in office lighting, but we will focus on office lamps implemented using LEDs as light sources.

To adjust lighting, a device called a dimmer is often used. Using dimmers, you can regulate not only lighting, but also heating systems. The operating principles of dimmers used for different lamps differ. Let's look at what types of dimmers there are, their features and properties, the main manufacturers and price levels, and also learn expert advice on choosing.

Features of dimmers used for LEDs

Conventional dimmers used to control incandescent lighting are connected in series with the load and change the amount of current flowing through the lamp.

Such dimmers are usually implemented using an electronic circuit using thyristors or triacs, the control electrodes of which are supplied with the appropriate voltage. In this case, during the period of fluctuations in the alternating supply voltage, the control devices are partially closed and only part of the sinusoid of this voltage is supplied to the lamps. As a result, the average value of the current flowing through the lamp decreases and its brightness decreases.

The use of LED dimmers operating on this principle leads to a drop in the efficiency of the LEDs and a change in the color of their emission. Therefore, for LEDs, more complex dimmer circuits with current pulse width modulation are used. The pulse amplitude corresponds to the nominal current value for these LEDs. The brightness of the LEDs is changed by changing the pulse width. To prevent light flickering effect the pulse frequency is selected quite high and reaches 300 kHz.

How can I make the light turn on automatically? Read more about such features.
You can also use motion sensors for this. More details in our.
In order for the surrounding area to be illuminated automatically after dark, you will need to use it for street lighting.

LED lamps

LED lamp is a lighting device. It uses LEDs, but its design is such that it can be used on regular AC power. To do this, it has a regular E27 socket, which allows you to screw it in place of a regular lamp.

In addition, in order for such an LED lamp to work in a regular network, it has a special device - a driver that ensures the normal operation of the LEDs and performs additional functions. At the same time, it can provide adjustment of the brightness of such a lamp. In this case, the lamp must indicate that it is “dimmable.” Such lamps can be connected in series with a conventional dimmer.

Properties of dimmers for LED lamps

Due to the requirements for saving electrical energy, recently there has been an increasing transition to lighting using LEDs.

By including dimmers in the LED lighting line, you can get additional savings and additional comfort, which corresponds to the principles of the Smart Home system.

Dimmers significantly expand the capabilities of LED lamps. In particular, with the help of dimmers you can adjust the brightness and color of lamps, the time and sequence of lighting and extinguishing lamps, and control lighting from a distance.

A feature of industrially produced dimmers is that such Dimmers can be installed in place of the switch. They have the same overall dimensions as switches and are included in the electrical circuit in the same way as switches - in series with the load. A dimmer turned on instead of a switch allows you to:

save energy;
emphasize elements important for home design by adjusting the lighting;
provide comfortable lighting of the room.

Dimmers for LED lamps can have different designs. Dimmers are available for sale that have the following types of control:

mechanical;
sensory;
remote;
wi-fi control.

In mechanically controlled dimmers, lighting adjustment on the remote control is carried out by rotating the wheel or pressing the buttons. The touch system uses a touch screen for control.

Remote control is carried out using a special remote control connected to the main remote control via a wireless communication line operating in the radio or IR ranges of electromagnetic waves. At the same time, the radio channel allows you to control the lighting from any point within the coverage area of the radio line, and the IR channel requires line of sight between the main and auxiliary remote control. For lovers of smartphones and tablets, there are dimmers controlled via a wi-fi connection.

Choice

Obviously, not all dimmers can work with LED lamps. In general, the recommendation is that a regular dimmer can be used with dimmable lamps, and for lamps that are not dimmable, a special PWM dimmer should be used.

The difficulty is that not all drivers and dimmers are compatible and can work well together. In this regard, the companies Philips and Osram, which produce LED lamps, together with the main developers of dimmers, ABB, Legrand and Schneider Electric, have compiled a special compatibility table for dimmers and LED lamps.

Using this table, you can select the appropriate dimmer for existing LED lamps. Or vice versa. Every reputable dimmer seller should have such tables.

In the absence of such a table, compatibility can be checked during the process of purchasing a dimmer using an empirical method, that is, including the lamp in a circuit with the purchased dimmer.

In addition, when choosing a suitable dimmer for controlling these LED lamps, it is necessary to take into account the power of these lamps. In this case, it is recommended to reduce the power indicated on the dimmer for incandescent lamps by 10 times, and determine the maximum number of connected LED lamps by dividing the new calculated power by the power of one LED lamp.

An example of a dimmer is the LED dimmer (LED-DIMMER) type 6523U produced by the German company ABB. Type - rotary with push switch. The data sheet states that this dimmer is optimized for dimming Philips Refrofit LED lamps (with a voltage of 230 V), but can also work with other loads, including incandescent lamps. The load for LED lamps ranges from 2 to 25 W. The maximum number of lamps is 20. In this case, for incandescent lamps the load ranges from 10 to 100 W. The price of such a dimmer is 8821 rubles.

Dimmers for incandescent and halogen lamps from Legrand and SchneiderElectric are also available. Prices for these dimmers range from 3,000 to 9,000 rubles.

For comparison, we give examples of devices for controlling low-voltage LED lamps, which are dimmers with control panels from LedCraft.

Dimmer LC-12 designed for adjusting LED lamps designed for voltages of 5, 12 and 24 V, with powers of 40, 96 and 121 W. The single-channel control panel has 12 buttons. The remote control operates in the radio range at ranges up to 50 m. The price of the dimmer is 899 rubles.

Dimmer LC-13 designed for adjusting LED lamps designed for voltages of 12 and 24 V, has a power of 216 and 432 W. The single-channel touch control panel has 5 buttons, a ring and operates in the radio range. The price of the dimmer is 899 rubles.

conclusions:

To adjust lighting on LED lamps, dimmers are used to save energy and create comfortable lighting conditions.
When choosing a dimmer to adjust LED lamps, you must keep in mind that ordinary dimmers can only be used for dimmable lamps, and for ordinary LED lamps special PWM dimmers must be used.
It is advisable to purchase dimmers from well-known companies, for example, ABB, Legrand or Schneider Electric. Then check the dimmers for compatibility using special tables.