LED lights regulation

Lamps that generate light using light emitting diodes (LEDs) do not always fit dimmers. It should be stated on the packaging whether the LED is dimmed or not. Dimmable versions can also cause problems, especially with conventional lamp dimmer controllers already installed. This is due, on the one hand, to the electronic components and, on the other hand, to the low power levels of the LEDs, which entail special requirements for the lighting device. However, Those who take the following information into consideration when selecting a dimmable solution also achieve the desired lighting results with modern energy-efficient luminaires.

Energy-saving and cost-effective OSRAM LED reflector lamps provide a good suitable alternative to high-voltage halogen reflector tungsten lamps. Halogen lamps are more energy efficient than incandescent lamps, but in principle they have a very similar structure. If the light switch is pressed, it flows current through the lamp wire, which is then heated to generate heat and light. Therefore, the control of brightness is relatively simple: a suitable regulator ensures that less current flows through the wire, which causes less heating so that the lamp emits less light.

Learn about the LED lighting system

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are designed in a completely different way: they are electronic semiconductors. For this reason, LEDs contain electronic components, comparable to a mini-computer, that are switched before the LED to suit the type of control and supply of constant current, among other functions. . These complex electronic features of an LED must be taken into account when selecting a dimmer.

Another complication for some dimmers is the low power levels of the LEDs. The first dimmers were designed for incandescent lamps, which were usually dimmed to the required brightness using a wall-mounted rotary switch. For example, an LED that is comparable to a 60-watt incandescent bulb requires a much lower load (only about nine watts) to achieve the same brightness; Therefore, it presents a much smaller margin for light control, and thus requires a dimmer capable of overcoming this complexity. If it fails, the bulb may flash, make a noise, or, in the worst case, destroy itself or dim.

Therefore, before replacing a tungsten halogen lamp with an LED lamp in a dimmable luminaire, the following information should be considered:

• LEDs should only be used in dimmers whose packaging specifically lists the “dimmable” feature.
• The dimmer used must be suitable for the LED lamp, ie information on dimmers compatible with the lamps can be found on the websites of the lamp manufacturers.
• Manufacturer websites for regulators also offer compatibility lists or useful online tools. If you are not sure which dampers are already installed, consult your building owner or an electrician.
• Avoid the cheap lighting control systems and LED lights that often pop up in online deals. The quality of this type of service provider, apparently “low cost”, is usually inadequate and leads to poor performance and failure.
• Bulbs of the same type should only be used in a dimmer circuit unless otherwise specified by the dimmer manufacturer. Problems may occur due to different LED designs of lamp producers.
• A dimmer should be used if the brightness drops from time to time and also, if less light is needed continuously, the ideal choice is a low wattage lamp. The reason is that constantly dimming a high-wattage bulb consumes more energy than using a lower-wattage bulb.