LED lighting has firmly entered our lives. Today, almost every home has such lamps. This is not surprising, because such lighting is durable and, importantly, does not require large amounts of electricity. However, conventional lighting fixtures cannot be connected via a dimmer - they start to flicker. The only exceptions are tapes connected through the controller. But, as it turned out, there are also dimmable LED lamps with a built-in regulator. It is about such devices that will be discussed in this article.
Dimmer: what is it and how does it work
To speak exaggeratedly, this device can be compared to a rheostat. A conventional dimmer reduces the power of the supplied current, causing the lamp to burn less brightly. Such devices have been known for a long time and for sure everyone has come across them in physics lessons at school. Modern dimmers are more high-tech, but their essence is from thishas not changed: they do the same job. The only difference is that today they do not lose energy as much as in the old rheostats.
Such regulators can be different: mechanical, electronic, touch and even Wi-Fi controlled. The latter have a higher cost, but their popularity does not fall from this.
Dimmable LED downlights: what are they for
Many believe that overpaying for lamps that are susceptible to adjustment is a common whim, but this is a strong delusion. Take, for example, living room lighting. A person has worked a full day in a brightly lit office and, having come home, wants to relax or even just watch TV. It has long been proven that this should not be done in complete darkness: too much strain on the eyes. He turns the dial or presses the button on the remote control and enjoys a cozy and comfortable environment.
Another option - a person wakes up at night and goes to the toilet. Turned on at full power, the light instantly discourages sleep. And here dimmed LED lights come to the rescue, allowing you to fall asleep peacefully again. They can also be used for zoning rooms. One thing is for sure: those who have installed such devices at home will no longer refuse to use them.
Advantages of dimmable equipment over conventional equipment
If we compare these two speciesLED lamps, then the first one can find many pluses with the only minus - a slightly higher cost. Otherwise, only positive qualities, including:
- Simple design and easy operation.
- Save up to 90% energy compared to conventional LED lamp.
- Standard sockets that do not require replacement cartridges.
- Dimmable LED downlights last longer by reducing stress.
- The ability to create an atmosphere that is comfortable for the eyes.
- Changing the temperature regime. If the lamp light is cold, turning the knob will warm it up a little.
You can learn a little more about them in the following video:
Types of lamps of this type
Recently, modular LED dimmable lamps have become widespread. They are used in offices, trade pavilions or in houses and apartments. Their advantage is in the convenience of placement. Such lighting devices allow you to arrange them in a row, connecting several pieces, or use each as a separate element. They can be either built-in or suspended. There are special docking slots for connecting devices.
When installing Armstrong type ceiling lighting fixtures, office spaces or trade pavilions also noticeably change. These recessed LED dimmable luminaires are perfect for suspended ceilings and are a greatan alternative to the old fluorescent ones.
Domestic use of dimmable lamps
In apartments or private houses, such lighting can become simply indispensable. Dimmable lamps are installed everywhere today. If earlier it was necessary to turn off some of the lamps to make the eyes more comfortable, now it is enough to turn the knob to the level you need.
They have found application in the kitchen. Built-in LED dimmable lights have proven themselves well as panels above the work area. In point, ceiling, directional and even desktop devices, such elements are used more and more often. But the main area of application, of course, remains the night light in the nursery.
Possible compatibility issues
When purchasing an LED lamp and a dimmer for it, you should pay attention to the protocols, which may vary. After all, if you buy incompatible devices, they simply will not work together. There are only 4 dimming protocols - these are TRIAC, 1-10V, DALI and Push DIM. Each of them has its own characteristics, but 1-10V and Push DIM should not be considered. They are extremely rare in Russia, and the chance to find such devices on the shelves is very low. If we talk about TRIAC, then its feature is the need to check the lamp and dimmer performance in the store. Even if both devices have this protocol, it is not a fact that they will workpaired correctly. Of the possible troubles - a noticeable rumble, up to the sensation of vibration.
DALI dimming protocol is the most common option that can be found on the shelves of electrical stores. Its work is the most stable, and devices on it work for a longer time. All well-known manufacturers who have proven themselves in the Russian market adhere to it. However, there are also disadvantages that are worth mentioning. Among them is a rather high cost and the need to call a specialist for initial setup. The home master himself (if he is not familiar with such a protocol) is unlikely to be able to complete it.
Some tips for choosing equipment
When purchasing dimmable LED fixtures, you should pay attention to some nuances and rules. The main thing to consider is that you should not buy products of little-known brands in pursuit of savings. This may subsequently "go sideways." Better to pay a little more and buy a quality branded product that will last much longer.
The lamp, as well as the regulator to it, must be chosen so that it does not spoil the interior. However, appearance is not only about that. It is worth paying attention to the quality of the product. Uneven seams, poorly printed inscriptions on the body should alert. But even if this is not observed, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with all certificates of conformity and other related documentation. If the seller has these papersare missing, then it is better to refrain from buying.
As already mentioned, checking dimming protocols and device compatibility is one of the most important factors. It should be understood that large retail outlets are unlikely to exchange such goods on the basis that the buyer has not chosen what he needs. But it all depends on the seller.
Let's draw the line
Dimmable LED lamps are very convenient devices that can create coziness and a comfortable atmosphere in an apartment or a private house. However, if you decide to purchase such equipment, you should be very careful not to have to “bite your elbows” afterwards because of money thrown to the wind.
