With the advent of conventional incandescent lamps, the question arose - is it possible to make a device that changes the brightness of the glow. The inventors solved the problem a little later by creating a dimmer. What kind of device is this, how to choose a dimmer for LED lamps and install it yourself, we will tell in the article.

Conventional dimmers limit the flow of current into an incandescent lamp, that is, reduce or increase its power. Initially, the device had a variable resistance at a voltage of 220V. It was uneconomical, due to the dissipation of part of the current power in thermal form, so autotransformers began to be used. These units were large, but with the advent of electronics, it was possible to create complex devices of small size.

Dimmers, used in modern lighting schemes, regulate not only the brightness of light bulbs. Thanks to them, it became possible to make a soft start of lighting, use a timer for it, and remote control. It is very convenient in living and working areas.

A standard dimmer is a device with adjustment and off buttons. It has two circuit connections. The brightness of lighting devices changes due to a change in the width of the pulses, that is, the PWM system in the current, that is, not its power. In this case, the voltage should be, for example, 12 or 24 Volts. The PWM device cuts off the excess voltage amplitude.

The devices are highly beneficial for two reasons:

1. in everyday life, offices, in production, a fairly large part of the electricity is saved if you adjust the consumption modes of the lighting circuit. The use of devices with a PWM system has an efficiency of almost 90%;
2. for advertising, entertainment purposes, you can create bright design effects;
3. the use of PWM dimmers for LED lamps eliminates interference in the network, radio interference.

It should be noted that the full use of dimmers in living rooms is an important component of a "smart home". Since LED lamps have become widespread in recent years (both with standard E27 socles and highly specialized ones), the question arose separately of how to connect these devices to them.

Kinds

There are differences between LEDs, LED strips and lamps. The tapes need to be individually assembled, and the LED lamp is independently integrated into an existing electrical network. Today, all dimmable devices are already adapted to lamps with standard bases, such as E27 or E14.

1. The LED lamp is suitable for a conventional 220V network. If you need to choose an option for 12 volts, additional devices are used, such as dimmers with a PWM system;
2. any LED lamp has a generally accepted base: types G, MR, or E - that is, threaded E14, E27. The last option is the most common, since E27 is most often installed in a ceiling lighting system, and the power of lamps with E27 is the highest.

The design of the LED lamp contains: the LEDs themselves on the board, a diffuser, a driver (setting the required mode to 12 or 24 Volts), a cooling system with holes and a base, most often E27. The driver provides current to the LEDs, but not as standard wiring, but as a stabilizer with several functions, including the role of a dimmer, for example, 12 or 24 volts.

For LED strips, a separate module for the current source is needed. The voltage in it is not 220V, but 12 or 24 V and the output current is limited. The output power of the dimmer and the control unit must be in accordance with the number of lamps in the tape.

The LED lamps are up to 40W (with E27 and E14 standards) and can be integrated into any standard indoor lighting scheme. Note that E27 or E14 lamps have a low voltage supply circuit, where a 12 or 24 volt option is needed. The following parameters must be indicated on each lamp: power, voltage, service life, luminous flux, base type (E27, E14 and others), color temperature. To be able to change the brightness, release options with this possibility. This is indicated on the packaging or in the passport. One of the typical inscriptions of inscriptions must be present: "dimmable", "brightness control", "Dimmable" or a conditional round sign.

The driver in dimmable lamps is able to respond to the dimmer itself. By increasing the illumination, the driver creates pulses with the maximum PWM level, while decreasing - with an intermediate and minimum PWM. During turn-on, the device first turns on the lamp at 10% of its power.

The price of LED lamps with E27, E14 socles, combined with a 12 volt dimmer, is higher than conventional ones. However, devices for them can be used standard, at a reasonable price. There is no need to purchase specialized devices for lamps of 12 volts with PWM.

Any dimmers can be divided into types. Based on the principle of installation:

1. modular. They are placed on switchboards, and controlled using remote or remote controls. They can also be controlled via system buses. In everyday life, they are extremely rare due to the high price;
2. monoblock. The most popular, installed in a mounting box, instead of a switch. To control lighting, you need either PWM devices or dimmable lamps for 12 or 24 V and the usual one;
3. portable blocks. Installed in the ceiling, individually for point light sources.

Note that LED strips with their own dimmable units are often used for ceiling lighting. LED strips are controlled in various ways, according to the design idea and convenience.

By type of control, dimmers can be divided into:

1. push-button. Brightness is adjusted with buttons. There is also a full off button;
2. rotary. With a knob that turns counterclockwise and back. Initial illumination lights up by 10% when clicked;
3. rotary push. You can turn on the light by pressing the knob, and adjust it by turning it. The advantage is that such options "remember" the last lighting setting;
4. sensory. Modern devices with touch panel and various functions. The cost of dimmers is high, and some even have a color display.

Video "Dimmer for LEDs with remote control"

Compatibility

Not every dimmer can be installed with LED strips or lamps. In addition, different manufacturers, different devices have individual lamp and dimmer driver circuits. Major lighting manufacturers Osram and Philips work closely with dimmer companies such as Legrand. There are also compatibility tables available to everyone. They should be at the sellers of lighting equipment, there are also on the Internet.

To make sure that the devices are compatible, you can simply come to the store with your own lamp or dimmer and check everything on the spot. However, if you have a Legrand dimmer on your hands, and a Philips bulb, then there is no need to worry.

If you buy a modular dimmer for a 12 Volt LED strip, then initially compatibility has already been calculated for many types of lamps, like typical Legrand dimmers.

How to choose a dimmer

Before buying a dimmer, you need to think about the option you need in advance. Someone likes classic inexpensive ones, with a key or a wheel. There are acoustic type options and are controlled by voice commands. Remote is perfect for connoisseurs of comfort. It is better to choose manufacturers from the top three companies: Legrand, ABB, Schneider Electric.

When choosing a device, power must be taken into account. For example, if the device has 1200 W, and 120 lamps have 10 W each:

“We divide the rated power of the dimmer by 10 (1000W / 10 \u003d 100W). Further, the value is divided by the power of each lamp, that is, another ten. That is, the selected dimmer can only serve 12 LED lamps. Using the calculation method described above, determine the total load on the device and feel free to buy a dimmer.

How to connect

Installing a dimmer and connecting it is quite easy, no more difficult than conventional switches. Usually they are placed in a mounting box. The main thing is to draw the right conclusions to the load and phase. When installing, make sure that the device is in idle mode, unscrew the plugs.

The wires must be stripped, and the indicator is the phase. A phase wire is connected to the terminal block L, and the second - to the terminal block N. Then the wires must be clamped, put on the frame and turn on the current. Note that electronic dimmers can be connected in parallel with the switch.

To sum up, if you use a dimmer for energy-saving lamps indoors, your energy costs will drop even more. It will also be possible to create individual lighting rules, additional comfort.