What is a dimmer for LED lamps 220V: features and applications

What is a dimmer for 220V LED lamps: general information

To be precise in the definitions, the dimmer for the LED is a device that allows you to user to reduce or increase the power by adjusting the voltage applied to the lighting fixture. The simplest dimmers for "Ilicha bulbs" were rheostats - regulators, tension by restricting it transfers thermal energy. With modern light sources such as light diodes, this number does not take place. Here we need a more complex circuit. The question arises: is it possible to put a dimmer on LED bulbs? As it turned out, it is possible. In addition, it is not difficult if you know some of the nuances that we consider today.

What is the difference between normal and dimmable LED lamps

LED lamps can be divided into 2 categories - dimmable and nedimmiruemye (normal). The latter, of course, cheaper, but their use is not intended to connect via dimmer - dim the lights still do not work. Distinguish dimmable bulbs can be an inscription «dimmable» and the label on the package and the package. In the image below you can see how it looks.

Dimmable light differs from the normal presence of a special block diagram of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). It allows to adjust the light intensity in the range of 10% to 100%.

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Pros and cons of dimming: what you should know about the dimmer

Dimmable 220V LED lamps have a lot of advantages:

But the negative side is only one - a rather high cost, especially on complex electronic model with many extra features.

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Dimmer for LED lamps 220: The device and principle of operation

Scheme dimmer for LED lamps 220 includes a thyristor or triac, responsible for managing the power of light. In fact it is the same resistor that changes the voltage supplied to the lighting device. However, it does not consume electricity for heat generation due to modern electronics and therefore its efficiency (efficiency) is not in the above example.

It should be understood that the required light sources and dimmer compatible for proper operation. The usual device operating with incandescent bulbs, there is not suitable. The fact that the LED light sources are low-power, and hence a normal dimmer for filament lamps will continue to be under heavy load, causing it to malfunction. When the good outcome then it will only work as an ordinary switch.

Types of devices for dimmable LED lamps 220V

Lighting on light diodes dimmed different devices, which can be divided:

• on the principle of management;
• the place and method of installation.

Separation of the place and method of installation does not matter, because there are differences in the design of devices not: everyone will choose the option that is convenient in a given situation. If the ceiling in an apartment or private home outboard, it makes sense to buy a dimmer switch, which will be located directly next to the lamp on the ceiling canvas. If the ceiling is normal, it is necessary to make a niche next to a junction box or circuit breaker, which will subsequently be installed hidden dimmer. Today, produce and such devices, which are mounted in plain sight without messing with the interior.

According to the management principle of the device can be identified:

• Mechanically operated (turning handle or a key);
• touch dimmer switches;
• controlled by remote control;
• with Wi-Fi operation.

Surely it is clear that the first - a budget option, while the dimmer-controlled Wi-Fi - the most expensive. Mechanical devices often perform a function on / off and dimming. Additional options, such as a timer, there are already some touch models. More expensive devices make it possible to connect to the system of "smart house".

What dimmers choose? For now on the shelves of electrical stores a huge number of manufacturers offering their products. edition Tehno.guru conducted its audit, the results of which we are ready to present the esteemed reader a few of the best (in our opinion) dimmer manufacturers.

Top manufacturers and models of dimmers for LED version Tehno.guru edition

It is a pity that such a concern as «Schneider Electric», dimmers for LED lamps do not produce - they were limited to devices for LED strips. However, many other manufacturers, whose quality is at an altitude of products on the Russian market. Let's try to choose the best of them. We will consider the company «Arlight», which is not widely known, but it produces very high quality and relatively inexpensive dimmers.

A major manufacturer with a great reputation - «Arlight» with LN014 model

This manufacturer specializes mainly in the production of dimmers and controllers for LED equipment. Product quality is always on top, but because we could not ignore it.

Arlight LN014

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Dimmer current SRP-1009-50W (220V, 200-1500mA)

Quite interesting device. Despite the fact that the dimmer switch supports remote control, remote control not included. However, the device itself is made with high quality. Of course, price is a bit overstated, but the durability of the work justifies it. Consider the characteristics of the product.

Dimmer current SRP-1009-50W

This model is suitable for those who used to light the LED lamp 2-3. Given that the average power of one - 11-15 watts, this power is enough.

Another dimmer - CT20-DIM

This is the cheapest and the most weak from today considered dimmers. Install this makes sense only on very small room with a single light bulb. However, the quality of products - at the highest level. That is why the device and included in our top three.

Dimmer CT20-DIM

Considering the different manufacturers and the value of their products, Tehno.guru revision came to the conclusion that if there the desire to establish a home dimmer, then the portfolio, which is offered to the buyer to choose the right model not difficult. And this applies to all segments of the population, regardless of income level.

How to determine the compatibility of LED lamps and dimmers

To begin to understand that LED lamp and LED ribbon - it's completely different lighting. So dimmers for them will be different. If for tape requires additional electronics, the bulb is screwed in a conventional cartridge type E14 or E27. Also, the lamp base can have a different form - G or MR. It is designed to work at 220V / 50Hz and requires no additional components.

By purchasing a dimmer, you should consider the total load of all the light sources to be connected to a dimmer. If the bulbs have already been purchased (do not forget about dimming marking), the ideal would be an option, in which the buyer comes into the store with a lamp. In this case, you can check the compatibility of lighting and dimmable devices in place.

However, mainly on the issue of compatibility it is both a dimming device protocol.

The main parameter compatibility Protocols dimming of LED lamps

There are 4 dimming protocol, different from each other:

• TRIAC;
• 1-10V;
• DALI;
• Push DIM.

Try to understand in general terms what constitutes each of them, and what are the differences between them.

TRIAC - a dimmer on symistors. The main advantages of the protocol can be called a low cost, and ease of connection. Additional equipment required is included in the scheme as an ordinary switch. Dimmer can be installed on the wire directly at the luminaire. However, when buying, check the compatibility of the device with the light - incompatibility lead to hum and flicker.

1-10V - such protocols were used for dimming fluorescent lighting. The essence of the work: a separate pair of signal sent from 1 to 10V. But, despite the fact that the protocol is completely insensitive to the load, it is rarely used for two reasons: -control is possible only on one point, and manufacturers of LED equipment almost do not support. Chances are that you find a lamp or dimmer with 1-10V protocol, practically zero.

DALI - Most manufacturers of professional lighting and equipment support this particular digital protocol. All dimmable lighting devices share a common bus, which is controlled by them. A big plus is that it is always possible to reassign the message "switch / lamp", switching to another one. Dali enables programming of certain defined parameters that can be saved. Outs may be called the high cost and the need for the initial setup, which can not be performed without the help of a specialist.

Push DIM - a fairly rare occurrence protocol. Its implementation is quite interesting: it connects the two terminals, which are open in the normal position. Is operated as follows: the user presses a key, closing the contact, and immediately releases, opening the circuit. Short press dimmer signals about the team on or off. If pressed for a long period, the dimmer reacts to the team, or dim the lights to make it brighter.

Which is better to buy a dimmer for the LED lamp 220: Tips Tehno.guru edition

So how do you choose a dimmer? To purchase you did not disappoint, it is necessary to follow some rules:

1. Preference should be given to well-known brands with a good reputation. Despite the fact that the dimmer will cost a bit more expensive, you will be calm and confident in its performance. One of these, in addition to said above us, is «Legrand».
2. Pay attention to the appearance (if you plan to install a prominent place). The device must be in harmony with the interior, do not spoil it.
3. Check protocols for compatibility.
4. Check with the shop assistant the availability of documentation, product certificate.
5. Carefully inspect the product. Soldering seams should be smooth, the logo and the technical information if it is properly formed on the case, to be clear, non-erosion, easy to read.

By following these simple rules, you will get a high-quality device that will serve you for years to come.

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Connect the dimmer lighting: main stages

How to connect a dimmer switch to LED bulbs? Cope with such work under the force of even the novice handyman. The main task here - the ultimate care, accuracy and compliance with certain rules. Wiring diagrams Dimmer for LED lamps 220 are shown in the figures below.

Connect the dimmer in the following order. The first step determines the phase mark it, after which the stress relieving disabling automatic introduction. Further, according to the scheme - zero to dimmer for phase control. Outgoing contacts are connected to the luminaire.

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Dimmer with their hands - is it possible?

Produce a similar device with your hands is quite possible. However, this will require some skills and knowledge of Radio Engineering and Electronics. If they are not home worker is unlikely to get something worthwhile. If any, offer to read some charts that will help do the job.

a dimmer circuit for an LED lamp: the simplest variant

If a person is able to read the scheme, making such a dimmer work will not be for him.

Handwritten manufacturing Dimmer for LED strips

For the manufacture of a dimmer for LED strip, we need an integrated stabilizer ROLL series. Classical stabilizer circuit connection means that is connected to the control input sets the value of resistor stabilization. By adding a capacitor C2 and a variable resistor, we get something like a comparator. It will look like this:

To summarize

Dimmer is really very convenient and necessary and sometimes even necessary device. Its installation is without doubt bring to life a bit of household comfort. Given the considerable cost, the main thing - to choose the correct dimmer and LED lamps for interoperability protocols, power and other parameters. Only in this case, the device will serve as a reliable, helping to relax when you need it, or vice versa, illuminate the room with light.

Fancy LED lamp with a built-in dimmer and various opportunities

We hope that today's article was helpful to our dear readers. If anyone have any questions after reading, we will be happy to answer them. Ask them to be in the discussion below. There you can share personal experiences installing dimmers or workmanship - this information will be useful for novice handyman. Write and ask, communicate. And finally, we offer a look at a short video on the topic today, that you will be very interesting.