Dimmer for LED lamps

LED lamps have become part of the life of a common man in the street. Now it is difficult to imagine a modern new room without them, since the advantages of such lamps are many. For example, appearance, durability. In addition, they can be used with devices that improve the lighting design of the room. We are talking about dimmers.

In general, for the first time, dimmers began to be used with incandescent lamps, but they began to receive special distribution in modern times, in conjunction with LED lamps. As a result, modern renovation is rarely complete without this device. What is it?

This is a special device that allows you to adjust the brightness of the lighting.

In the early days of the use of electricity in living spaces, dimmers helped to save energy. The range of use of modern dimmers is wider.

First of all, they allow you to make the light design of the room more organic and adjust it to the needs of the moment. It's so convenient to make the light brighter when you want to read a book or put together puzzles with children and dim it, if you are planning a romantic dinner with your soul mate.

The device itself is a complex electronic mechanism. The operation is based on the principle of operation of a rheostat. With its help, the resistance of the circuit changes, which means the voltage and resistance of the current. With the help of resistors, the intensity of the glow changes.

In addition to decorating with light at home, the dimmer, as in the past, allows you to economically use energy. LED lamps do not really spend it anyway, but it is with a dimmer that the consumption will become almost invisible, because if a dim light is required, the lamps will not work at full power.

Using the dimmer, you can program the lighting to turn on so that it is smooth and gradual. Thanks to this function, the light will not hurt your eyes if you enter the room from the darkness and turn on the light abruptly.

Some people who already use dimmers note that they really like the function of turning on the light on time. By setting the timer, you don't have to worry about oversleeping in the morning and not hearing the alarm. The light in the bedroom will keep you awake. Moreover, waking up from the light is more familiar to the human body than a sharp awakening from the cry of an alarm clock.

It is also very convenient if you want to create the appearance of the presence of the owners of the house, if, for example, they actually went on vacation or a business trip. The programmed timer will turn the electricity on and off even when no one is home.

In addition, there are models with remote control. Sometimes you really want to turn off the lights without getting up from the couch! Progress does not stand still, and for those who like to fall asleep in front of the TV, a remote control for lighting has already been invented.

As a result, the dimmer will allow not only to solve the problem of a light designer in an original way, but will also serve as a practical service to the owners of the premises.

Often, dimmers are installed in smart home systems. Often, this particular device is called the first step to a smart home, and it really is.

A few years ago, many could not even dream that the light would be turned on by a voice signal, but now it has become a reality that everyone can afford.And since this has become available, it is a sin not to take advantage of the benefits of civilization!

Not every lamp is suitable for regulating power flow. When buying a lamp, it is important to pay attention to a special icon indicating that it can be connected to a dimmable device. If this rule is not followed, the entire system can fail, and jokes with electricity are notoriously bad.

There are many models of LED equipment that go well with dimmers: lamps, strips, individual LEDs. To find the right one for the change, the dimmer table, which you can ask in the store, may come in handy.

Replacing the usual brightness switch with a dimmer is not difficult, for this you need to follow the instructions exactly:

1. Disconnect the power supply to the entire room. This can be done through an electric meter.
2. Remove the old switch button.
3. Unscrew the screws holding the old switch frame.
4. Take out the switch mechanism.
5. Unscrew the wires to which the switch was connected.
6. As a result, two wires remain, one of which is connected to the lamp, and the other to the dimmer. Next, you should carefully study the installation diagram of the dimmer, which is contained in the instructions for each specific model.
7. Carefully bend the wires and insert the dimmer into the hole from under the switch. The regulator must be fixed in the socket, tighten the necessary screws, and install the dimmer wheel.
8. A crucial step during which the operation of the installed dimmer is checked. After turning on the electricity, you need to carefully turn the regulator and check if the light power changes.

If no malfunctions are found, then you can be glad that the work on replacing the switch with a dimmer was successful. In the event that you are worried about installing a dimmer, it is better to call a specialist.

The selection of a lamp for a dimmer can also be entrusted to a professional who will choose the correct base, power. For example, any LED strip or other design must be connected using a voltage converter if it is connected to a 220V household network.

The LED lamp has a base that adapts to the most common lamp holder. There are several types of caps: E, MR and G. The latter is sometimes referred to as bayonet. Threaded plinths are conveniently connected to the network, so standard dimmers can be used with them without problems.

It is important to remember that not all dimmers can be compatible with LED lamps. As a rule, for the convenience of buyers, information about the possibility of connecting them to the system is applied on the packaging of the goods. In addition, the passport that is attached to the LED lamp indicates whether it can be connected with a dimmer.

Of course, first of all, dimmers can be divided according to purpose, that is, for which lamps they are intended:

• incandescence
• halogen
• luminescent
• LED, which is exactly what this article is about.

They are often categorized according to how they are managed. So, according to the control method, the dimmers can be divided into:

• Contact. To turn on the touch dimmer, you need to make contact with the panel;
• Rotary-push. To turn on the light, you need to press the large round button. To change the brightness, you need to turn it to the right or left, and turn off the electricity - either by pressing it again, or by turning it to the minimum value;
• Swivel. The principle is the same as with the previous ones, but to turn it on, you just need to turn the knob, without pressing a button;
• Keyboards. They have keys or buttons with which you can adjust the illumination.There is a separate button for on / off, which is the case with conventional switches;
• Remote. The most comfortable and modern model. It is based on a remote control or a Wi-Fi wireless channel. There is a minus for those who do not regularly maintain order in the house, because the remote control is easy to lose;
• Acoustic. A voice command is required to turn on. This is one of the varieties of a remote lamp.
• Dual channel the dimmer has a number of advantages, so you should pay attention to it when buying.

Another separation option is by the method of installation: outdoor or hidden wiring.

Of course, a hidden one is safer, especially if children or pets are in the room or live. If, nevertheless, it is not possible to place the wiring in the wall, you can use special plastic covers for the wires.

For your needs, you can choose a suitable device according to the method of attachment. There are only three of them. Depending on the tasks, you can choose the optimal one:

• Wall mounted. Based on the name, it can be understood that such dimmers are mounted on the wall. They are usually located where the wall switch is mounted. This is where the place to control the flow of light is.
• Portable. They are located directly at the luminaire. The dimensions of such dimmers are small.
• Modular. The most difficult mounting method. These dimmers must be installed in the distribution board using a DIN rail to which the RCDs are attached. In addition to them, there are automatic protection switches, as well as other necessary devices.

Whatever the mounting option, you need to approach work with special care, since working with electricity requires knowledge and experience. If the owner of the house is not sure of his competence, he should call specialists to his house who will carry out the installation efficiently and quickly. Each mounting method is possible for different premises. You need to find the right one.

When buying a special dimmed LED lamp, you save money, because you do not need to buy a special dimmer.

They work on the principle of the so-called pole-width modulation and are quite expensive in terms of cost.

If we describe the scheme of operation of the device, then we can see that the basis of its operation is a change in the voltage of the current, the peculiarity of which is that there is an adjustment on the leading or trailing edge of an alternating current sinusoid.

This is called the phase cut principle. When dimming to 50%, the lamp wastes only half of its possible power.

When adjusting on the leading edge, dimming occurs with low voltage lamps, namely 230V LED lamps, which are supplied with electromagnetic transformers.

If dimming occurs on the falling edge, then the kit will already contain electronic transformers.

Dimmers are either rheostat or electronic type.

• The former have a low efficiency. With their help, it is impossible to achieve a reduction in energy consumption, in addition, they quickly break down.
• Dimmers of the second type are based on the operation of a bidirectional thyristor and pulse width modulation. Thanks to them, it is possible to delay the load activation signal. This allows the signal to be delayed by 9 milliseconds if the power is set to 10 percent.

It is very important to choose the correct load, which will not be less than the minimum, otherwise the device will fail very quickly, but in this case it will not be subject to replacement or repair under warranty. The power should be within 45 W for a regular dimmer used for LED lamps.

For example, the equal power of an incandescent lamp and semiconductor 220V will be correlated as 1: 3, that is, the power of an incandescent lamp in the amount of one piece will correspond to two or three semiconductor lamps.

Most often, buyers choose devices manufactured Schneider Electric, Philips, Legrand... Regardless of which device you plan to buy, experts recommend checking with the seller if it is a fake. To do this, you can ask for supporting documents. Often buyers are interested in products Ekola, Feron, Uniel... An excellent selection is offered by product lines from Gauss, JazzWay, Odeon, Pulsar.

Different manufacturers have different models that differ in the parameters indicated in the article above. Appearance and price depend on them. Before buying, you should decide what kind of dimmer you want to install in your room. On average, the cost of dimmers ranges from 2 to 5 thousand rubles, depending on the manufacturer and functions. But you can find models that go beyond this cost.

If we consider some of the most popular manufacturers in more detail, then it can be noted that French brand Legrand has an attractive design. The manufacturer was able to choose colors that perfectly match any interior, including unusual ones. Dimmers are very easy to install, they serve for a long time. In general, the products are of very high European quality, which are made in accordance with GOST. The product line includes keyboards, touch controls, push-button and rotary dimmers.

German electrical equipment manufacturer Schneider Electric, as always, approaches the work with a high level of responsibility. The products have no defects, they serve for a long time, they rarely break down. All dimmers from this German manufacturer are easily mounted due to the presence of special legs and guides. Even those who are working with an electrician for the first time will be able to cope with the installation.

Makel Is a Turkish brand. His products are often approached by those who want to get the highest quality products, but do not have the opportunity to spend a large amount. It is difficult to compare these products with European ones, but the price is quite consistent with the quality. Experienced electricians use Makel products only where there is no very high load, otherwise the device can quickly fail.

Finding the right dimmer is a tricky task as there are many parameters to keep in mind. Quite often, a combination of a dimmer and a lamp with a GX53 base is used for a stretch ceiling. Now there are a great many of them on the market, you can choose the right one for any interior. These lamps are not very expensive and are great for dimmers.

It is they that allow you to adjust not only the level of illumination. Often they are altered so that the lamps change the color of the light (warm-cold or any other color), thanks to this, dynamics in the lighting is obtained. These bulbs operate at 12 volts. Experts note that they are capable of operating from a standard electrical network, the parameters of which are as follows: 50 Hz, 220 V. At the same time, they do not need any special additional devices or devices.

Typically, a standard light bulb contains the following components in its structure:

• diffuser, LEDs mounted on a special board;
• drivers that ensure the operation of the luminaire as provided and programmed;
• system allowing to cool the device during operation, base / plinth type G, type E - threaded (E14 and E27) or type MR, holes for ventilation.

Like every fixture, the dimmer has both positive and negative qualities.

First of all, you can consider the advantages of dimmers.

• Reduced energy consumption and energy costs.
• The service life of LED lamps is increased. This is possible due to the fact that the lamps turn on smoothly. In addition, the intensity of use is reduced, and this has a positive effect on the operation of the device. In dimmed mode, lamp life can be increased five to ten times!
• Thanks to the timer and the auto-on and auto-off mode, they can help protect the home from intrusion by strangers in order to steal property.
• Thanks to dimmers, a special coziness appears in the room, the lighting can be selected for specific situations.
• The lighting becomes pleasant, and, most importantly, comfortable for the eyes.

But dimmers are not without drawbacks.

• High cost, especially for models with touch control, as well as those that are remotely controlled and have the ability to be programmed.
• If the combination of the lamp and the device is incorrectly selected, they quickly fail and disable the lamp.
• Low-cost models can cause electromagnetic and radio interference, as well as damage the indoor electrical system.
• For use with a limited number of lamps, not suitable for some halogen, fluorescent lamps.
• They require a certain load on the dimmer. If it is less than the minimum, then the device fails, cannot be repaired or replaced under warranty in this case.

It is not difficult to create a unique atmosphere in a room. Lighting design will refresh the room, modern devices allow you to adjust the light to the needs of the moment. Progress has already stepped forward for a long time, so now is a great time to take advantage of its achievements!

See an overview on the dimmer for LED lamps with Ali Express: