Dimmer for LED lamps. What is a dimmer

You come home after a day's work, make yourself comfortable in the living room and read a newspaper in bright light. Then you turn on the TV and the lights dim. And then you start to doze off altogether, and the lamps turn off. How did the lighting manage to adapt to the wishes of the owner? Very simple - dimmers helped, or, in other words, dimmers (from the English dimmer - dimmer). *

Where are dimmers useful?

First of all, dimmers provide visual comfort: installed instead of conventional switches, they dim the annoying brightness of the lamps to a comfortable level. Such devices are simply indispensable in rooms where several options for activities for households are provided at once:

• In the nursery, good lighting is needed for games and reading, but if the child is afraid to fall asleep in the dark, then the chandelier light can be dimmed to a minimum with a dimmer;
• In the living room, bright lighting is useful for everyday affairs, subdued lighting for family conversations, and minimal lighting for watching a series;
• In the bedroom, the dimmer at the head of the bed will help you create the right atmosphere in one second: from intimate to cheerfully awakening. And the specialists of Legrand, a world-famous manufacturer of electrical equipment, have developed a dimmer model with a night light mode (Céliane series): for an hour, it gradually dims the light, and then turns it off completely. Switching to the night light mode is carried out by pressing the three corresponding buttons.

It is interesting that dimmers not only bring convenience to the environment, but also help save up to 30% of electricity, which is quite important in the context of a constant increase in utility rates. In addition, dimming has a positive effect on the life of the lamps. Reducing the brightness of the lamp by only 5% extends the time of its operation by half! This is especially true in cases where non-standard light sources are installed in the house, for which it is rather difficult to find a replacement.

However, if you decide to equip your home with dimmers, it is important to understand how to do it correctly: choose the power, determine the dimmer that is suitable for a particular type of lamp, choose a convenient control method, etc.

Let's try to figure it out!

Each lamp has its own dimmer

A variety of lamps in modern fixtures (incandescent, low-voltage halogen, fluorescent, LED) imposes certain conditions on the choice of dimmers. An incorrectly selected device may simply not work with certain lamps. That is why there are devices on the market for conventional incandescent lamps and low-voltage halogen lamps (they are often used in private homes to illuminate the territory), as well as special devices for LED and compact fluorescent lamps.

True, there are also universal solutions: in particular, the dimmers of the LivingLight series from the Italian company BTicino control various types of loads. The device automatically detects the type of light sources connected and adjusts its work depending on them. There are models where switching is carried out manually. This is a more complex, but at the same time reliable way. Mechanical transition to different lamps is implemented, for example, in the Etika series from the Legrand Group, a global specialist in electrical and information systems buildings.

How many lights can a dimmer hold?

When choosing a dimmer, it is important to correctly assess its design power - it must correspond to the power consumption of the connected lamps. Otherwise, the device may simply not work or, even worse, burn out.

The easiest way to calculate is for incandescent lamps: if the maximum power of the dimmer is 400 W, 10 incandescent lamps of 40 W can be connected to it. For LEDs and CFLs (compact fluorescent lamp), the power used in the calculations is ordinary lamp, equivalent to it in luminosity. That is, an 8 W CFL corresponds to a 40 W incandescent lamp, and a maximum of 10 such light sources can be connected to the 400 W dimmer mentioned above.

Press, turn or slide your finger.

Today, there are several options for dimmers on the market: rotary, in which the light intensity is adjusted using a knob, and push, using a key as a control element. For ease of use, some pressure elements are equipped with two buttons - one works as a switch, and the second as a regulator. According to this principle, for example, dimmers of the Valena series from the Legrand Group operate.

There are cutting-edge touch devices that respond to touch and its duration. And some regulators even have "intelligence" and allow you to implement a variety of scenarios: for example, four-gang switches are presented in the MyHome system of the Italian company BTicino. With one touch, the user can create a cozy atmosphere with barely dimmed lights, light up all the illuminations or switch the lights to "night mode". It is noteworthy that such devices allow you to control natural light by adjusting the blinds, and if you wish, you can also add music to the scenarios.

Despite the apparent simplicity of dimmers, it is necessary to approach the choice of their type and rated power seriously, and it is best to consult with specialists. And doing it now that you are armed with knowledge about dimmers will be much easier. You will easily find a common language with professionals and will definitely be satisfied with your choice.

*Of course, not all dimmers are capable of this. In this case, we are talking about the ECO dimmer of the Céliane series (Legrand, France), which is installed instead of a conventional switch, and does not differ much from it in appearance. However, it has several different modes of operation that are configured during installation of the device. The user will only have to remember a few combinations of buttons to activate them. The so-called "night light mode", which was discussed at the very beginning of this review, is activated by pressing three buttons.

Information about Legrand:

The Legrand Group is a global specialist in electrical and building information systems. Legrand products are used in residential premises, in buildings of the administrative sector, at industrial facilities. The company produces more than 215 thousand items of products and has more than 4.5 thousand active patents for inventions. The Legrand Group unites 36,000 employees working in 80 countries around the world. Among them are France, Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, USA, China, Australia, etc. The company's offices are open in 22 cities of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine.

Lighting of completely different rooms or areas can be done through a special device called a dimmer or a dimmer. This device allows you to adjust the power of the emitted light smoothly or in steps. Using a dimmer, you can not only change the brightness of the lamps, but also reduce the cost of electricity.

Since the smaller the luminous flux, the less this light source consumes power from the network, which means that the mode of saving electric energy occurs. If we consider a dimmer for incandescent lamps from this perspective, it is clear that with a change in brightness, the current passing through the tungsten filament also changes, which increases the life of incandescent bulbs, which are already considered obsolete.

A device for changing the brightness of lighting can be equipped with a circuit breaker, such devices are called. Their use is very convenient, since with one turn you can turn the lighting on or off, while also adjusting its brightness very smoothly. Most often, it is equipped with a mechanism that is felt when turning the dimmer knob in the form of a click. Dimmable lamps are very effective in implementing various design solutions. Even ordinary table lamps, turned on through the regulator, can already become night lights. The dimmable LED lamp will make your home cozier and more comfortable in the evening.

What are dimmers

Initially, such electrical devices could only be controlled by mechanical action, and their main function was only to change the brightness of the light sources, with the development of modern technologies, dimmer dimmers have reached a completely new level. Modern dimmers are multifunctional devices designed for a number of actions:

1. Changing the brightness of the lighting;
2. Smooth turning off or turning on the lighting;
3. Creating the effect of presence by turning on the lighting when the owners are not at home for a long time;
4. Support multiple dimming or flashing modes;
5. acoustic control.

Dimmer for LED lamps 220v and others are installed as a single regulator, or a lighting switch, and as a group. All existing dimmers can be divided into two main groups according to the control system:

• Mechanical rotary-push (adjustment is carried out either by rotating the brightness wheel or by buttons);
• Electronic.

In its turn, electronic devices to adjust the illumination are divided into:

Connecting the dimmer to various light sources

To create modern lighting, three main types of light sources are used:

• Lamp "Ilyich");
• Gas-discharge, inside the flask there is a gas of high or low pressure;
• A light-emitting device based on a semiconductor device - LED.

Adjusting the brightness of an incandescent lamp is considered the simplest and can be done simply on the basis of a variable resistance or a potentiometer, since a ballast or voltage converter is not required to turn on such a lamp. A resistor is connected in series with the lamp. The disadvantages of the system are high currents passing through it, which worsens the contact of the control resistance. This method changes the current in the lamp circuit, but you can also change the voltage for this, of course, you can use an autotransformer, but this will be a very non-compact device and therefore it is considered only theoretically.

Fluorescent or other gas-discharge light sources require special electronic ballasts for their operation and launch. Here, an integrated approach to regulation is already being carried out, that is, an electronic ballast and a dimmer are combined in one set. The same goes for adjusting the brightness. energy saving lamps, since, in fact, these are the same fluorescent lamps only compact. Some HID lamps have a limiting dimming threshold that does not exceed 50% due to insufficient voltage to maintain an electrical charge in the lamp.

Adjusting the glow of the LED lamp is carried out by adjusting and changing the pulse-width modulation (PWM), in which the LED is powered by a pulsed current. Therefore, before the current can be regulated, it must be immediately converted from AC to DC. There are also special LED lamps for dimmers, which are undemanding to the adjustment method and to the device itself.

When buying any lamp with any light source, and a dimmer for it, you should consult with the seller in the store, it is also advisable to check it with a network connection and see with your own eyes that everything is working properly. Since the professionalism of sellers may not be appropriate.

How the dimmer works

If what a dimmer is is clear, then it is worth considering now a dimmer for gas discharge lamps and a dimmer for LEDs. The LED is a semiconductor device that is powered only by the mains. constant voltage, therefore, to rectify it, you need a driver (power supply), which is already built into a conventional LED lamp. Adjusting or dimming an LED fixture will in no way reduce its uptime and may reduce energy costs.

PWM-based dimmers are quite compact and efficient. Perfectly implemented on microcontrollers, this provides the device with additional useful functions. That is, a person who is not familiar with electronics needs to understand that not all LED lamps can be controlled through a conventional regulator, you need a special dimmer specifically for this device. Or a source based on an LED with the ability to connect to the most common dimmer.

Dimmer for LED strips

LED strips are designed for a voltage of 12 volts, therefore, when connected to a 220 volt network, in addition to the dimmer, a step-down power supply must also be attached to it. Tapes are perfectly regulated by special devices of which several hundred can be found on the market of modern equipment. At the same time, the brightness of the tape is adjusted almost from scratch and almost always remotely based on either a radio signal or infrared. With the help of LED strip, even a simple table lamp or chandelier can become a masterpiece.

Wiring diagram and how the dimmer works

It is worth noting that this circuit diagram only works with dimmable LED lamps. When the variable resistor knob is rotated, the current in the triac control circuit changes, due to which the adjustment takes place AC voltage supplied to the LED lamp.

If you are using LED lights ceiling then the entire adjustment mechanism is designed in the switch or next to it.

How to choose a dimmer for LED lights and lamps

If we consider ready-made dimmers for LED lamps, you should immediately pay attention to the packaging box for it. If it is indicated upon purchase that dimmable LED lamps have this function, then it can be connected without problems to a conventional dimmer for incandescent lamps. The main thing is to choose so that the lamp power matches the power of the regulator. Things are worse and more complicated with non-dimmable light sources based on LEDs. Dimming is only possible with special devices made either manually or specially purchased in a store, however, their price is quite high, so it’s better to go the easy way and choose a lamp whose packaging specifically indicates that it can be connected and adjusted through a regular dimmer .

Video about choosing a dimmer

Many people today do not yet know what a dimmer is. In this article, we will try to give a comprehensive explanation, and also consider several schemes for connecting it.

On the shelves of lighting stores there is a large selection of dimmers. This device is designed to smoothly control the brightness of lighting, and is most often installed instead of a conventional switch.

Classification of dimmers is made according to several parameters. Let's consider them in more detail.

Execution type

There are three types of dimmers:

1. Modular devices are installed in switchboard. They are used to turn on and adjust lighting in public places: corridors, entrances, stairs;
2. A dimmer with a switch is installed in a special box, in which a socket is usually mounted. The control is usually a button;
3. A monoblock dimmer is installed instead of a switch. Therefore, problems of how to install a dimmer of this type most often do not arise. Due to its popularity, it received several subspecies that differ in the way they are controlled.

Control type

Monoblock dimmers used in everyday life are available with several control options:

• Rotary devices are equipped with a rotating handle. The extreme left position turns off the lighting, and when the knob is turned to the right, the brightness of the lamp increases;
• Rotary-push dimmers have the same principle of operation. The difference lies in the fact that to turn on the light, the handle must be slightly drowned;
• The key device completely copies the appearance of a two-key circuit breaker. In this case, one key is responsible for turning the lighting on and off, and the other adjusts its brightness.

Recently, touch dimmers have appeared, which quickly gained popularity due to their modern appearance. Such regulators fit perfectly into any interior, especially if it is made in high-tech style. The most convenient are quite deservedly considered dimmers with remote control. The remote control allows you to adjust the brightness of the lighting from anywhere in the room. Some models also have a switch function.

Type of adjustable lamps

At first glance, it may seem strange, but different regulators are used for each type of lamp. First of all, this is due to the variety and design features of modern lamps.

For incandescent lamps, the simplest dimmers are used, the principle of which is extremely simple: by changing the voltage, the brightness of the glow of the filament is regulated. In addition, this dimmer is suitable for 220V halogen lamps. It is worth noting that the circuit diagram of this dimmer is not complicated.

To adjust the brightness of halogen lamps operating at a voltage of 12 and 24V, dimmers are used, the device of which is somewhat more complicated. An ideal dimmer circuit would include a step-down transformer. If this is not possible, the regulator must be selected according to the transformer used. For a winding transformer, an adjustment device with the marking RL is used, and for an electronic transformer - with the designation C.

For LED lamps, a special type of dimmer is used, using pulse modulation of the current frequency.

The most difficult is to adjust the brightness of fluorescent or energy-saving lamps. Some experts believe that dimming such a lighting network is impractical. But if you want to dim energy-saving or fluorescent lamps, then the dimmer circuit must include an electronic ballast (electronic starter).

Advice! When choosing a dimmer, you need to take into account not only the type of lamps for which the device is intended, but also the maximum design load. It is also recommended to choose a dimmer model with a power reserve.

Options and connection diagrams

There are several options for connecting a dimmer to a lighting circuit. Consider the most used of them.

Option number 1

The easiest way is to install a dimmer instead of a switch. Before dismantling the rocker switch, the circuit must be de-energized. After that, you need to remove the key cover: the fixing screws are under it. If there is no installed plastic box in the socket, then after dismantling the circuit breaker, it must be installed. You can take a regular box that is used for an outlet.

A monoblock dimmer is connected in the same way: a phase wire is placed in the gap. It is connected to the terminal with an up arrow and the letter L. The second wire is connected to another terminal, indicated by an inclined arrow and a wavy line.

Once again, we note that this is the easiest way to install a dimmer, so it is used most often by home craftsmen, since it does not require special skills. It is practically no different from the technology of replacing a switch or socket.

Option number 2

A more complex, but at the same time more convenient scheme is used in the bedrooms. Its essence lies in the fact that the switch and the regulator are connected in series, to one phase wire going to the lamp. At the same time, it is important that the circuit breaker is first mounted on the line, and then the dimmer. The most common option is to install a switch near the door, and a dimmer near the bed.

The advantage of this method is that you can adjust the brightness and turn off the lights without getting out of bed. If you turn off the light with the switch when leaving the room, then when you turn it on again, it will burn with the same brightness level that was previously set.

Installing a through breaker

Perhaps the most difficult option is the option if you need to install a pass-through switch. Despite its complexity of installation, such a scheme is very convenient and is often used in long corridors, interfloor stairs, through rooms, and other similar places. The essence of this method of lighting control is that by turning on the lamp in one place, it can be turned off in another.

In order to realize the possibility of installing a pass-through switch, it is necessary to lay a three-core cable up to two switches.

Note! If the circuit implies the presence of three or more switches, then a four-wire cable must be laid to them.

A feature of walk-through switches is that they are rather switches. In fact, they switch from one line to another, so they can be turned on in any key position. This is very similar to railroad switches. Below is a schematic diagram where a pass-through switch is installed.

As you can see, the phase comes to the first switch, and leaves the lamp from the other. The switches themselves must be interconnected using a two-wire wire.

Advice! Direct connection of feed-through breakers is not made. This is done through a junction box, where the wires are connected in pairs.

Now consider how the dimmer works in such a circuit. It is connected after the last pass-through switch and allows you to easily adjust the brightness of the lighting at any position of the switches. But if you put it in the “off” position, then the light will go out and will not react to the pass-through switches, since the circuit will be open.

Dimmer - what is it? First of all, it is a dimmer or variator that changes the output voltage according to the principle of a rheostat, serves to smoothly change (dimmable) the brightness of the glow of lamps of various types: incandescent, LED, by changing the input voltage. Mechanical dimmer is a convenient type of lighting switches with advanced features. You just need to remember that it is unacceptable for some types of lighting: metal halide, fluorescent and energy-saving lamps. Chokes are supplied with the dimmer, this is done to prevent the occurrence of high-frequency interference and noise in the operation of the device.

What are dimmers?

There are several types of dimmers according to the way the regulation is performed:

1. Mechanical.
2. Touch.
3. Acoustic.
4. Remote.

By design features:

1. Modular device. Installation of such a dimmer is carried out directly in distribution board, the device can work with lighting systems using incandescent lamps, as well as halogen lighting fixtures equipped with a step-down transformer. Management occurs due to a single-key or push-button switch.
2. Dimmer installed in the mounting box. Installed at the same time as wiring, can be used with halogen lamps with step-down or electronic transformers.
3. Monoblock dimming device. It performs the function of a switch, the installation feature in the need for a two-wire connection is made in the break of the phase wire of the circuit going to the load.
4. Turn-and-push monoblock dimmer, turns on when you press the key, the brightness is adjusted by turning the key.
5. Rotary dimmer. Turning on and controlling the brightness occurs due to the rotation of the button, the inclusion always occurs from the lowest brightness level.
6. Keyboard dimmers differ in adjustment, it is carried out by holding the key.
7. Touch devices, adjustment occurs by touching the sensors.

One of the types of dimming devices that can be mentioned separately is an overhead dimmer. It can be used as an aesthetic and decorative control electrical fittings on the wall surface, for example, for walls lined with ceramic tiles, due to the variety of manufacturing materials: ceramics, silicone, plastic, etc.

There are several tricks that are typical for arranging lighting systems. One of them is the use of a pass-through dimmer. This installation consists in mounting a mechanical dimmer to adjust the brightness of lighting from opposite corners of the room, the most convenient decision was to use a pass-through dimmer in the amount of 2 pieces connected in parallel, while each of the devices will regulate the half-cycle related to it. When one device is fully activated, the second does not participate in the regulation.

The best solution for this question may be to use a touch dimmer when using two such electronic devices synchronization can easily happen. A good solution for a pass-through dimmer device can be found using the Fibaro micromodule model FGD211 or FGB-001.

LED dimmer

A dimmer is suitable for adjusting integrated LED lamps. Bypass FGB-001 or dimmer Busch-Dimmer® LED. Dimmers of this type are suitable for use with both halogen and energy-saving lamps for which conventional mechanical devices will not work.

The touch dimmer allows you to adjust the power of the lighting fixtures according to your own needs and remembering the last connection, control is carried out using a touch device and via remote control via infrared. The device uses transistor technology.

The principle of operation of the dimmer

The operation of the device is based on the use of phase control, due to cutting off the leading or trailing front of the wave alternating current using a bidirectional thyristor, using pulse-width modulation, that is, changing the voltage supply to the lamp in the widest range. The triggering of the thyristor activates the load signal with a delay at full turn-on - 0, and at the maximum decrease in brightness - 9 ms.

How a dimmer works

Dimming is carried out using "phase cutoff", in which one part of the sinusoid of the mains voltage is cut off, and the effect that supplies voltage to the lighting is reduced. If the cutoff action is applied at the beginning of the sine wave, the method is called "rising edge control", if this technology is used at the end of the sine wave, this method is called "trailing edge dimming".

These methods are used to dim different types of lamps: Trailing edge dimming is recommended for low voltage LED or halogen type lamps using electronic transformers. "Leading edge dimming" is used for low voltage lamps using electromagnetic type transformers, as well as for 230V compact fluorescent and LED lamps. These two methods also work well for halogen lamps and 230V incandescent lamps.

The stable operation of the device forces the use of a wire with three cores, one for ground, for working zero and for phase, this action is used to maintain the zero crossing point. When using small dimmers, a two-wire wire is sufficient.

Universal type dimmer device

The dimmer device provides for several protections - this is protection against overheating, it works to turn off the device and it will be possible to turn it on again only after it has cooled down and only manually, it works when the load is connected.

Short circuit protection, at the same time, the output where the short circuit occurred is turned off. In this case, the operation in the phase cut-off mode takes place, the absence of a malfunction for 7 seconds causes the device to turn on in automatic mode, if more, then it can only be turned on manually.

The device also provides terminals for connecting wires and a dimmer.

A dimmer is a device designed to control the brightness of lights. In simple words, a dimmer is a dimmer. Imagine a situation where the same room is designed for both work and leisure. For example, when doing work in the living room, anyone will need brighter lighting than when watching TV. In the second case, the consumer would prefer a much more subdued light. In order to be able to adjust the brightness of the same light sources, and not install additional ones, a dimmer is used. The device, in addition to convenience, allows its owner to save a significant proportion of electrical energy, as well as extend the life of light sources. In this article we will tell you how to choose a dimmer by power, design and type of lamps.

Bulb type

It is important to remember that there are dimmers that are suitable for a number of specific types of lamps, but there is no universal dimmer. The choice of dimmer should be made depending on the type and power of the bulbs.

As you know, there are various types of light sources, including incandescent, LED, halogen, fluorescent, LED modules, tapes and rulers. At the same time, dimmers can be used in absolutely all types of lamps: for chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps, pendants, as well as for spotlights. Consider each type of light source separately.

Choosing a dimmer for incandescent lamps is much easier than for other light sources. Also, the advantage is the ease of its connection: it can be installed instead of an ordinary switch. But it should be noted that by reducing the brightness of an incandescent lamp with a dimmer, the color of its glow will also change and become more red.

As for fluorescent lamps, it is almost impossible to choose a dimmer for them. Theoretically, this event is possible, but subject to the creation of a complex technical system with the additional use of an electronic ballast and controller. In this case, the dimmer itself will differ from that used for incandescent bulbs.

Choosing a dimmer for energy-saving lamps, that is, for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), is somewhat easier. If the CFL already has a built-in ballast (ballast), then this bulb is easily dimmable using a conventional regulator. In the absence of ballast, it will dim with the same difficulty as conventional fluorescent, which is very laborious and costly.

For halogen lamps, choosing a dimmer is very simple. At the same time, you can use a regulator for incandescent bulbs, or purchase it for this type of product. You should pay attention to the voltage from which the halogen works. If we are talking about a voltage of 12V, then it is necessary to use a step-down transformer.

The choice of a dimmer for devices based on the use of LEDs is more difficult. For 220V LED lamps, choosing a dimmer is very simple. The packaging usually indicates whether the model is dimmable or not. If the marking indicates that (as in the photo below), then the regulator can be used as for ordinary light bulbs. Also, LEDs can be controlled using a remote control specially designed for this type of lighting source.

When choosing a dimmer for 12 V LED lamps, you should not forget about the use of a step-down voltage transformer, as well as the use of a special controller. To choose a dimmer for LED modules, strips and rulers, you also need to pay attention to the voltage from which these devices operate. Usually it is 12V, and as mentioned above, their operation requires the installation of additional devices, including a controller and a special intelligent control panel.

To make it easier for you to make a choice, we recommend that you study the following algorithm in the table:

Power

It is also important to choose the right dimmer for power. In order to select a suitable dimmer, it is necessary to determine its rated power. To do this, the total power consumption of the connected lamps is calculated. If you choose the parameters of the dimmer incorrectly, then it may, either not work, or vice versa, immediately fail.

To understand what power the bulbs have, just look at the packaging, it should indicate all the parameters, which is what you need to build on when choosing a dimmer for a house or apartment. If there is no packaging, then carefully inspect the lamp itself, quality manufacturers indicate the characteristics of their products on the case.

Important point- when choosing a dimmer power, be sure to take into account the margin, at least 20%, but better than 50%. For example, if the total power of the light bulbs in the lamp is 100 watts, the regulator should be rated for 150 watts.

Version

Well, the last thing I would like to talk about is how to choose a dimmer model. Today, there are not only classic rotary dimmers, but also keyboard, rotary-push and even touch. In addition, dimmers can be modular (for installation in a switchboard), monoblock (standard) or for installation in a mounting box in a hidden way. Let's briefly consider the features of each version.

The turn-and-push dimmer is able to memorize the settings (set light level), because switching on and off is carried out by pressing the rotary knob, due to which the desired brightness of the lamps is adjusted.

Keyboard models work a little differently - the light is adjusted by holding the key itself for a certain time (usually 3 seconds). No less convenient option for controlling the light.

Well, modern touch models adjust the brightness of the bulbs by touching the sensor with your finger. It is very convenient, but you will have to pay much more for a touch dimmer, so it is up to you to choose this option or it is better to give preference to the classic model.