In the article we will tell you how to choose a dimmer for LED lamps and incandescent lamps, consider possible mistakes in choosing a dimmer, and give answers to common questions.

Dimmer for LED lamps

Regulators are divided into:

1. Modular– fixtures mounted on a DIN rail in electrical boxes. These types of devices are applicable to adjust various lighting installations. Very often, modular class dimmers are installed in Smart House systems. Light regulators work on push-button, keyboard panels. Lighting control can also be done using various gadgets or remote controls. This type is expensive, so it is not often used in domestic conditions. Most models change the light power using pulse width modulation.
2. Monoblock- elements operating in mounting boxes. This type of regulator is the most common, since the connection diagram is similar to that of a conventional switch. When adjusting the brightness of LED lamps, regulators with pulse-width modulation (PWM) are used, as well as models with regulating light sources.
3. Remote control devices. Used in spotlights in suspended ceilings. When connecting use:

• converters;
• soft start mechanism.

All auxiliary materials are placed in the structure itself.

For the best compatibility of dimmers with LED luminaires, leading lamp manufacturers (OSRAM, PHILIPS) work closely with dimmer manufacturers:

Table 1. Technical characteristics of Schneider Electric brand models

Table 2. Specifications of Legrand brand models

Table 3. Specifications for Makel brand models

For the correct choice of the regulation device, the power of the bulbs used is taken into account. Manufacturers on the housings of light regulators indicate the recommended parameters of lamps.

1. The use of light controllers for LED lamps is cost-effective and convenient in terms of comfort of use.
2. PWM - refers to the most rational way to use dimmers.
3. Specialists in electronic equipment recommend buying products only from trusted brands.
4. When setting the level of illumination of LED-lamps, bundles of a PWM dimmer with a conventional lamp or a simple controller and a dimmable lamp are used. Read also the article: → "".

Dimmer for incandescent lamps

Image of a mechanical regulator having 2 potentiometers with three control keys

Devices for lamps of this type are divided:

1. Mechanical (rotary)- the simplest and cheapest models. The principle of operation is to rotate the handle in the desired direction to adjust the light level. Control elements produced by different factories have identical principles of operation, except for the materials of parts and conductive elements.

1. Electronic– control is carried out using the keys (normal, touch). The basis is a microprocessor that implements a number of tasks that are inaccessible to mechanical ones:

• installation of more than one dimmer, you can adjust the pulses of light from different parts of the room;
• remote control of regulators using infrared, radio frequency, voice sensors;
• set programs for turning on and off the light, you can also automatically adjust the lighting control;
• the operation of a dimmer with a light sensor, the level of general illumination of the room will be affected by the radiation power of the light source.

The downside of electronic on a par with mechanical switches is the high cost of equipment.

Table 4. Comparison of brands Valena, Simon, Lezard

The choice of a dimmer by power, design, type of lamps

By power

When choosing a regulating element, you need to calculate the power consumption of all the bulbs with which it will work. An incorrectly selected model will lead to a quick failure of the electric regulator or its inoperability. The operating power of the dimmer should be 50% higher than the power of the consumed elements. Read also the article: → "".

By lamp type

1. Incandescent lamps. One of the advantages of connecting a dimmer to this type is simplicity, a light regulator can be used instead of a switch. For incandescent lamps, the color of the light will become reddish when the brightness decreases.
2. Luminescent lamps. The light controller can work with this type of lamp, subject to the installation of a complex electrical circuit. A type of dimmer is required specifically for this type of lamp.
3. Energy saving illuminators. The light controller is easier to install for small-sized varieties. Miniature light bulbs have a built-in ballast. If such a device is not available, the installation of the dimmer is carried out similarly to luminescent types. The additional equipment used is laborious and financially expensive.
4. Halogen lamps. The convenience lies in the fact that you can use the model as in incandescent lamps, but it is better to purchase a modification specifically for halogens. Their peculiarity is the use of a voltage of 12 V; a step-down transformer is connected for the correct operation of the network.
5. LED. For LED-lamps, the regulator is suitable, as for ordinary light bulbs. The packages of such lamps often indicate the model of the recommended type of dimmer. Remote controls have also been developed for these bulbs. If the lamps have an operating voltage of 12 V, a step-down converter and an additional control panel are required. Each LED luminaire has technical features that must be taken into account when choosing a control element.

Council number 1. The parameters of the power of the light bulbs are indicated on their packaging. In the absence of packaging or information on it, the technical characteristics are marked on the luminaire body itself.

Table 5. Algorithm for selecting a dimmer by technical features

Council number 2. When buying a dimming device for any light source, you need to make sure that it is working on the spot by connecting to the network.

By design

Manufacturers of light regulators offer a wide range of models:

• turning ones - in addition to the regulation of the light level itself, they can remember the previous setting and there is no need to set the required illumination every time. Such types can also work as switches.

3 models of light regulators are presented, the operation of which is based on a rotating mechanism

• push-button - control is carried out by pressing / holding the keys. Models with miniature displays make it possible to see the amount of regulation in digital format. There are models with a backlit screen.

Image of rocker controls with digital light value and control buttons

• touch - light control is performed by sliding a finger along the working part.

Image of knobs operated by touching fingers to the dashboard

Mistakes when choosing a dimmer

1. The purchased device was not checked directly in the store, the regulator does not turn on due to a defective part.
2. To implement a certain level of illumination, a rotary was chosen. This type of regulator cannot “remember” the desired lighting; each time it needs to be twisted to turn it off and untwisted for the desired light power.
3. When buying a dimmer device, the consumer did not look for what types of lamps this model is suitable for.

How many lights can a dimmer hold?

The total number of working lamps is selected, knowing the limiting power of the regulator. To obtain a specific figure, system calculators are used. The calculation is carried out based on the category of the room:

• children's;
• canteen;
• bedroom;
• kitchen;
• bathroom.

Lamp types:

• halogen light sources;
• LED lamps;
• incandescent;
• luminescent;
• induction

Enter into the system calculator:

1. Type of room / room.
2. The main dimensions of the area;
3. Used types of lamps.

To calculate on your own, you need to take into account the specifics of various sources:

1. The number of incandescent lamps can be calculated by dividing the dimmer power limit by the power of one bulb.
2. When calculating the number of LED bulbs in a 220 V network, the power limit of the light regulator is divided by 10. And the resulting amount is divided again by the power of the LED lamp.

Overview of various dimmer connection schemes

All rotary switches have the same operating principle. Their differences lie in the presence of special elements that allow you to consume less power, increase reliability and perform smoother head turns. Read also the article: → "".

The principle of operation of the regulator:

1. An operating voltage arises between the elements of the device, the potentiometer charges the capacitor. The parameters of the potentiometer are related to the charge rate of the capacitor.
2. There is a phase shift. The voltage signal level rises and the semiconductor opens.
3. When the resistance value decreases, the light element lights up. The direction of current movement in positive and negative waves is the same.
4. The voltage that has fallen on the load has the rest of the waves going one by one. At a low brightness level at a frequency of 100 Hz, the light will flicker.

Types of connection schemes:

1. Connecting a dimming mechanism to LED bulbs.

Image of a diagram connecting a dimmer to a row of LED lamps with a line length of 5 meters

1. Installation of light regulators in two places.

Connections image on the left (with installation in one place), image on the right (installation of two devices) at different ends of the room

The parameters of resistance elements and capacitors of various brands affect the inclusion and daily operation of the dimmer.

Errors in the installation of the dimmer

1. The light controller must not be allowed to overheat. Recommended limit value + 27 - +30 °С.
2. The load power must be at least 40 - 45 W. At lower values, the life of the regulator and light sources is reduced.
3. Be sure to use the dimmer with those light sources, the models of which are indicated in their operating documents.
4. For dimming the strip of light bulbs and the chandelier, one regulator was chosen. In this case, it is better to choose two light controllers, separately for each source.

Answers to common questions

Question number 1. What are the differences between Legrand dimmers?

• automatic on / off;
• voice or sound type of control;
• possibility of remote control;
• the main element of the smarthouse.

Question number 2. Which regulator is more practical: keyboard or rotary?

• push-button light regulators have a built-in controller that allows you to remember the desired amount of lighting. There is no need to adjust to the desired level each time you turn it on.
• Rotary dimmers- do not have a built-in micro-controller, so each time you turn it on, you need to turn the handle to the desired level. Such species do not have functional memory, and therefore have a lower cost.

Question number 3. Why use dimmers?

Control elements allow you to create the desired amount of lighting for different events:

• book reading;
• work at the computer;
• concert/theatrical productions;
• drawing or drawing;
• sports competitions.

Changing the amount of light allows you to reduce the power consumption of the network, respectively, power consumption is reduced, and costs are saved.

Question number 4. What are the main types of LEGRAND dimmers?

• single - this type works with only one light bulb or work with several sources combined into a group;
• group - working with a specific group. Thus, it is possible to illuminate the room with an unequal value. There may be more light in the workplace, less in the non-working part of the room.