Dimmer 220V for LED lamps and fixtures

The demand for dimmers for LED luminaires is constantly growing. This is because they have clear advantages over lighting fixtures with conventional incandescent lamps. This device is very simple to do it yourself. It is installed as a circuit breaker, while gaining more control over it.

Dimmer appearance

You can turn on the lamps manually, remotely, or program the turn-on time, light intensity and even the color that the LEDs will emit. Such technologies are much more economical than conventional incandescent lamps and fit very well into any room interior. LED technology is still on the cusp of active development; the standards of many devices do not coincide. To harmonize the operation of LED lamps and 220V dimmers, digital PWM circuits (pulse width modulators) are used. Later, we will consider in more detail in what cases this happens.

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The most affordable and common dimmer model is with a rotary knob for dimming in conjunction with a switch. This control can be compared to the volume control on old radios. They are often used with conventional incandescent lamps. By turning the knob clockwise, the maximum light intensity is smoothly achieved. Counterclockwise decreases brightness; after the light goes out, a click is felt. This is a complete disconnection of contacts from lighting fixtures.

The principle of operation of such a device is based on a change in resistance in the circuit. In practice, this is a variable resistor: reduce the resistance - the lamp burns brighter, increase R - the lighting dims.

Change in resistance in a resistor

Adjusting the lighting level in the resistor

Sensory

These models operate by touching the segments on the LCD display. Each sign has its own functional purpose: the up and down arrows control the brightness. By pressing the segment with the clock icon, you can set the time program for turning on and off the lamps. The touch buttons do not need to be made with multiple holes, so mechanical wear is by definition non-existent.

What does a touch dimmer look like?

The principle of operation is based on a change in capacitance during the formation of a control signal. Under stable environmental conditions, the capacities on the touch buttons remain unchanged. If you put your finger, then the capacity changes immediately: the electronic device concludes that the button is pressed.

How the touch buttons work

In the classic version of the circuit, the sensor can be a foil, it is connected to a power source through a resistor. The sensor capacity is very small - a few picofarads, the charge will be small and short-term, the electronic device will instantly receive a control signal. Further, the electronics of the dimmer circuit converts these signals according to their functional purpose, which will lower or increase the voltage to the LED lamps. Unlike incandescent lamp control, for LED lamps the circuit works on the basis of digital technology (PWM) - pulse-width modulation: control signal codes are set by a sequence of pulses of different widths.

New PWM technologies allow you to adjust the brightness from 0 to 100% with gradation up to 256 levels or more. The greater the gradation, the softer the change in the brightness of the glow of the lamps is, without flickering of the LED elements.

Remote control

The principle of operation is similar to that of a TV remote control. On the control panel there are buttons for smooth brightness adjustment, and fixed values ​​are set to 25; 50; 75; 100%. One remote control can control several light sources by selecting buttons 1,2,3 ... N.

Remote dimmer control for dimming

The control is carried out by radio channel from another room or street. Remote controls with infrared channels are capable of switching modes only when aiming the beam at the dimmer within the line of sight at a distance of up to 8-10m. The buttons on the remote controls, depending on the manufacturer, are touch-sensitive and mechanical.

Wi-Fi

The most advanced technology is considered to be the control of lighting through dimmers in a Wi-Fi network. The kit includes a remote control with touch control, the lighting can be controlled from a tablet or mobile phone. Very often, such systems are used in the "Smart House" complex where light is not the only thing under control.

Wi-Fi makes it possible to control the elements of household electrical equipment in the house, as well as:

  • warm floors,
  • refrigerator,
  • ventilation, etc., including lighting.

Dimmer controls over Wi-Fi

In contrast to simple incandescent lamps, to control LED lighting devices, appropriate PWM dimmers or controlled lamps are installed in the Smart Home system.

Functions

  • smooth dimming in manual mode;
  • memorizing the brightness level;
  • memorizing lighting options for several objects;
  • automatic switching on and off;
  • programming of intervals of smooth switching on / off of lamps;
  • illumination of controls;
  • automatic short circuit protection.

Compatibility

LED lighting technology and control is still in the development stage, dimmer circuits and lighting device drivers from different manufacturers are not always compatible. In the general scheme, LED lamps may not correctly perceive the control commands sent by the dimmer.

Leading dimmer manufacturers- ABB, Schneider Electric Legrand, together with the lamp companies Osram and Philips, are trying to come to common standards. While the list of compatible systems is written in the product passports, dealerships have tables. You can buy 220V lamps with an E27 or E14 base - these standards are already recognized throughout the world.

For the European market, Philips produces lamps with such 110V sockets, in Europe there are such networks. It is especially worth thinking about this if you make a purchase in the EU countries, we do not have power grids with such a voltage. Be careful with your choice, do not mix it up.

On the packages of light bulbs with drivers, special icons are put and inscriptions are made that the change in brightness can be controlled by a dimmer. If there are RBG control options (red, blue, green), you can buy and connect lamps with RBG diodes. This highly efficient scheme provides unique possibilities for lighting rooms with all the colors of the rainbow, adapting to any interior. This lighting changes it to fit the relevant events and circumstances.

Digital technologies are used to combine LED lamps, the control and lighting control circuit is carried out by a PWM dimmer. Dimming signal codes are set in a series of pulses of different widths.

Installation

Manufacturers have taken care to make this procedure simple, accessible to a person without special education. The process is no different from replacing a switch in a lighting circuit with simple incandescent bulbs.

Operation sequence:

  • remove the switch from the socket;
  • determine the phase wire with an indicator screwdriver;
  • de-energize the network section by turning off the circuit breaker on the switchboard;
  • the input and output are indicated on the dimmer connector, connect the phase to the input, the second wire to the output.
  • turn on the circuit breaker, check how the device will dim the lighting: by turning the knob or pressing the touch buttons, depending on the dimmer model.
  • if the test results are positive, turn off the power to the PDP and install the dimmer in the socket;
  • fasten the top decorative covers, turn on the power on the shield and start using your new gadget.

What dimmable LED bulbs look like

There are LED bulbs with built-in dimmers. You don't have to invent anything in these schemes. Screw the light bulb into the base of the chandelier, grab the remote control and check how it all works.

The indicated power on the dimmer does not mean that it will ensure the normal operation of several lamps, the total power of which coincides with the dimmer.

Payment

The method for calculating the permissible number of lamps in a dimmer circuit differs from a simple calculation with incandescent lamps.

The passport data of the device indicates a rated power of 600 W, but this does not mean that 60 10W lamps can be supplied.

The approximate calculation formula is as follows:

600/10 = 60 W - we reduce the rated power of the dimmer by 10 times;

N = 60W / 10W = 6pcs

We divide the received power by the power of one lamp, we get the number of lamps that can be connected to this device. This is an approximate calculation, it is better to read the instructions that the manufacturer writes about this.

Mounting. Video

This video will tell you how to choose and install a dimmer for an LED strip.

It can be concluded that the use of LED lamps in conjunction with dimmers is a profitable technology, it justifies the costs in terms of:

  • efficiency of electricity consumption for lighting;
  • ensuring comfortable living conditions;
  • availability at affordable prices of all items for sale;
  • well-thought-out technology allows for DIY installation even for people who do not have special skills and knowledge;
  • despite different standards, you can always choose a conventional dimmer in a dimmable lamp circuit or a PWM dimmer in conjunction with a conventional lamp.

When choosing lamps and dimmers, try to buy them from one manufacturer and adhere to his recommendations for the installation and operation of products. Check the work of the elements on the stand in the store.

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