Under normal circumstances, provided the minimum load is surpassed, dimming mains voltage LED lamps using dimmer switches isn’t an issue. For example, this British made Varilight V-Pro programmable dimmer is our default choice when dimming LED’s. Intelligent Features: Best models feature soft-start and overload protection, which prolongs the lifespan of both lamps and the dimmer switch. These ‘intelligent dimmers’ can protect themselves from failure by turning down or off the lights when too many lights or transformers are mistakenly connected. Extended Lamp Lifespan: The use of dimmers for your lighting can prolong the life of your lamps, requiring less frequent replacement and thus reducing your maintenance costs.

They are commonly used to dim most electronic low voltage transformers (ELV) with capacitive loads on the primary circuit. Trailing edge dimmers can also be used to dim incandescent, halogen and LED lamps effectively. They should not be used on older type of magnetic core and coil wire-wound or toroidal transformers. Cost Savings: By curbing energy use and reducing the frequency of lamp replacement, dimmer switches can lead to substantial savings, making them a financially smart choice for your home. Energy Efficiency: Dimmer switches help reduce energy consumption by allowing you to use only the amount of light you need, contributing to a greener environment and lower utility bills. Despite their advantages, it’s relatively uncommon to find inductive dimmer switches in regular domestic settings. Using Dimmer Switches With Fluorescent Fittings The switch employs an easy-to-use push for on/off and rotates to dim mechanism. It comes in various finishes, including polished chrome, satin chrome, antique brass, and bronze, among others. Engineered for a maximum LED load of 300W, this switch provides a smooth, silent trailing edge dimming experience, combined with intelligent lamp-type detection for adaptable load control.

These wattages must always be adhered to and in the case of halogen lamps and capsules must be over-rated by at least 25%. GU10, G9 and GZ10 halogen lamps and capsules tend to arc in the latter part of their life. This is not dangerous in any way and is a characteristic of halogen lamps. This arcing creates an additional load on the dimmer and can overload the module resulting in excess heat and premature failure. The first indication of this happening is an increase in noise, often heard as a buzz from the dimmer switch.

Dimmers work by simply reducing the voltage supplied to the lamp, which in turn reduces the light output from the light bulb. There are many types of light bulbs and capsule lamps that can be dimmed but the requirements for each type can vary. If you select the wrong type of dimmer it may not work, could lead to reduced lamp life or even blow the dimmer or light fitting in extreme circumstances. Benefits Of Using Dimmer Switches In Your Home Dimming fluorescent fittings is complex and can involve analogue or digital dimmers and a variety of different wiring schemes. These are expensive to install and are mainly used for commercial applications and are beyond the scope of this article.

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Additionally, Sampayo points out that determining how many LED lights you can put on a single dimmer switch is a little complicated. “LEDs have a high current spike when switched on, and this varies among manufacturers. So, the rule is: Don't count the watts directly!” Instead, Sampayo recommends multiplying the total wattage of the LED bulbs by 7, adding a safety margin of 20 percent, and then selecting a switch that meets or exceeds those requirements. Common Uses For Trailing Edge Dimmers: They are often used to dim electronic low voltage transformers (ELV) with capacitive loads on the primary circuit. Additionally, trailing edge dimmers can effectively dim incandescent, halogen, and LED lamps