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Discover all the important information about LED dimmers including how they work, types, compatibility, and benefits. Get the most out of your LED lights with this comprehensive guide.
Not all LED lights or bulbs are dimmable, it is crucial to check the dimming compatibility before making a purchase. On choosing a lamp that requires a lightbulb, it should mention if it is compatible with an LED light source. Plus, it will be better if it is dimmable.
If you’re enjoying a romantic evening indoors, watching a movie, or even playing your favourite computer game, dimmable LED lights are great for setting the right mood.
Overall, it is important to read the labeling and ensure that the dimmable LED light has a dimming-compatible design. Never use a dimmer with a non-dimmable LED as it can significantly reduce the lamp’s lifespan.
What Is A LED Dimmer?
An LED dimmer is a device that allows and manipulates the dimming control process of the LED lighting device. Solid-phase illumination is particularly suitable for dimming applications since LED lights react immediately to changes in power input.
A dimmable LED bulb can be controlled by a separate external dimmer. It is worth noting that some types of LED lighting are not meant to be dimmed. When aiming to install an LED-based fixture to dim it, it is crucial to learn whether it has dimming compatibility. If so, you should determine what sort of dimmer you have to use.
Why Do You Need A Dimmer For A LED Light?
A dimmable LED lamp can provide several advantages. First and most importantly, dimming an LED bulb further reduces energy consumption and increases the energy savings coefficient. When an LED bulb is dimmed to 50%, it will only consume around half of the energy it would typically use for lighting.
Furthermore, dimming an LED bulb may help extend its already long lifespan. A dimmed LED light generates less heat and, as a result, has less impact on the lamp’s elements, saving time and money.
Another advantage of dimmable LED lights is the effect on the general space settings. The ability to dim LED lighting allows you to create a particular vibe for any type of environment.
What Is A LED Dimmer Switch?
Dimmer switches simply reduce the amount of energy provided to the LED light. This is achieved by cutting a portion of a waveform, either on the lead or trailing edge.
For proper illumination, it is essential to assemble all the necessary components for a streamlined connection of the space. Despite the scattered focus on lampshades and lightbulbs, it is important not to overlook necessary switches.
What kind of dimmer do you need for LED lights?
If your lighting fixtures use LED bulbs or sealed fittings with an integrated controller, there are a variety of wall-mounted dimmers to match these types. Closely examine the package and instructions of the dimmer, as well as the manual guide or webpage. This will help you confirm that the dimmer at hand is listed as LED-compatible.
Avoid outdated wall-mounted dimmers, particularly those certified for loads above 40 or 60 watts. They are usually designed for older incandescent lights and are unlikely to work with LEDs.
Do you need a special dimmer switch for LED lights?
You cannot use a regular dimmer switch with an LED light as you’ll never be able to dim it entirely or properly. In most scenarios, this will prove very impractical.
Standard dimmer switches typically have a minimum power requirement of 50W. LED lights operate on lower wattages than regular lamps when connected to that dimmer switch. So, they will not achieve the minimum power requirement. This can negatively affect the dimmer switch and cause the light itself to underperform and overheat.
Are all LED lights dimmable?
All LEDs can be dimmed. However, all LED lights also require a driver, which is an electronic hardware device that converts mains power to 12 or 24 volts of direct current.
The capability to dim an LED light has nothing to do with the LEDs themselves — but is a direct result of the driver’s operation and capacity. To that effect, it’s worth noting that not all LED drivers have this feature. This means only the LEDs that operate with specific types of drivers can eventually be dimmed.
What is the difference between dimmable and non-dimmable LEDs?
The two major differences are:
- Dimmable LED lights tend to be more expensive than non-dimmable ones.
- Dimmable LED bulbs can be used in non-dimmable circuits. However, non-dimmable lights should not be used in dimmable circuits since both the light and the circuit may be damaged.
Can you use a dimmer in a non-dimmable LED?
Only technically advanced LEDs, CFLs, and other lights with dimming capability can be used with a dimmer switch. However, to achieve a peaceful transition to efficient and convenient light sources, it is important to make sure that dimmer switches are not paired with non-dimmable electrical lights.
If you do attempt this combination, the lights might seem fine at first, but will eventually begin losing brightness and deteriorating rapidly with time. Moreover, doing so may cause overheating of the bulbs and become the root cause of a major fire risk.
Is the dimmer switch safe to use?
Light dimming switches are not only extremely safe, but they also come in a wide range of attractive and practical designs. Their only potential hazard is a fire risk caused by overheating, resulting from a failure to understand and follow any attached guidelines.
Faulty connections and driving too much electricity through dimmer switches are often the most frequent cause of dimmer switch fires. To ensure your dimmer switch is compatible with the lights installed or planned for the space, it is essential to do thorough research.
Most trustworthy and high-quality dimmer switch suppliers provide a detailed description of the different types of devices their switches can regulate. Special attention must be given to the location of the dimmable LED bulbs.
Dimmable LED lights, for example, will be of little value when illuminating an area where you need to concentrate, such as a countertop. For such a situation, a non-dimmable simple white LED that provides a bright light output will help. It will illuminate the space better, highlight the work more thoroughly and help you focus on the work.
LED lights that can be adjusted are essential for providing mood lighting. They are also excellent for accent lighting in living areas, guestrooms, and corridors. Besides, they set the light pattern to draw particular attention to certain ornamental pieces like paintings or statues.
How To Choose a Dimmer Switch
Are you looking for a new dimmer and find it difficult to select the most appropriate dimmer for your switch?
Or even completely in the dark about dimmers and their compatibility?
This article will serve as your personal guide to highlight all the important features of dimmers, what to look for and how to select a dimmer for your specific use. But first, we introduce what a dimmer is
What is a dimmer?
Dimmers are quite common but may be unrecognizable to the unfamiliar eye.
If you closely observe your lamp holder or light fixture at home, you will notice that there is a device connected to it that allows you to control the brightness of your bulb: this is the dimmer.
A dimmer gives you the flexibility and capability to control the brightness of your space.
Different dimmer types have different features and operations, depending on the type of dimmer and bulb installed.
What is the purpose of the dimmer?
Dimmers help give your rooms and spaces specific lighting moods to match your exact preferences.
You can also use a dimmer, for example, to set a relaxed, soft tone to your dining room lighting, to give you a relaxed or romantic feeling over dinner.
Additionally, the bulbs installed in the light fixtures might not provide the lumen output desired for the room. A dimmer allows you to control and tune in to the exact setting desired.
Moreover, when operated properly, dimmers can introduce significant savings on bulb operation and great reductions in power consumption, effectively lowering the electricity bills.
Factors to consider when selecting a dimmer?
To ensure that your dimmer matches the intended purpose and can satisfy the end results, there are a few factors to look into before purchasing the dimmer.
Mainly, there are four factors to consider before selecting a dimmer:
- Dimmer types.
- Matching bulbs to dimmers.
- Matching dimmers to watts controlled
- The design or style of the dimmer control.
Now, let’s get into the details.
Dimmer types
Dimmers are available in a number of types and designs and the specific dimmer type required needs to be selected carefully. Firstly, you need to access your light fixture and determine the number of switches that control it.
There are four (4) types of dimmers:
✅ The single pole dimmer: this type is designed for an electrical wiring where everything is controlled from just one switch.
✅ Three-way Dimmer: When you have more than one switch controlling the lights, this is the type to go for. This dimmer type has two (2) switches and only one dimmer.
✅ Multi-location dimmers: In a setting where lighting is controlled from multiple sources, you will need the multi-location dimmer. This dimmer type will allow full dimming control from multiple locations.
✅ Plug-in dimmer: Dimmers are not just for your ceiling lights or bulbs. To use them with your bedside lamps, floor lamps or table lamps, use a plug-in type dimmer, as they are perfect for lights which plug directly into an outlet.
Matching bulbs to dimmers
Before making the purchase, careful consideration must be given to the bulbs this dimmer is set to operate.
The bulbs and the dimmer must be compatible, and the bulb has to be a dimmable one.
Also, depending on the type of light bulb, the dimmer type will vary.
For example, if you use a halogen or an incandescent lighting system, then you would need an incandescent dimmer. Otherwise, you may not achieve your intended dimming scheme.
Alternatively, if you’re using an LED or compact fluorescent light, then you will need an LED dimmer. Any other dimmer used will give poor results with a continuous buzzing sound or might even fail to operate.
For low voltage lighting systems – electronic or magnetic – one must get a dimmer that matches the transformer that operates the bulbs. A magnetic dimmer is required for magnetic low voltage lights and an electronic dimmer is required for electronic low voltage ones.
Matching dimmers to watts controlled
All dimmers available on the market have an operational threshold, which is defined by the watt level they can power or control.
To properly select a dimmer, you need a thorough estimate of the watt value intended for the dimmer to control. It is essential to check the dimmer package and manual, as it typically states its watt capacity.
Avoid overburdening the dimmer and only use it with the watt capacity it has been designed for.
The design or style of the dimmer control
Dimmer controllers are available in various styles, colors, and designs, and are manufactured to meet a wide range of customer preferences.
Options for dimmer controllers include slide dimmer, rocker dimmer, toggle dimmer, tap dimmer, rotary dimmer, and touch-sensitive dimmer control.
This guide has been planned to provide enough details and information to help you choose the proper dimmer to meet your space, intended settings and style.
