Dimmer for LEDs and LED lamps for 220 V

Do you know that it is possible to set a scenario for lighting in an apartment, private house, office or public place? This can be arranged using special wiring devices - dimmers. These devices provide a sequential or alternating change in the power supplied to the light source, as a result of which the brightness of its glow is regulated. In addition to controlling the flow of light, dimmers also perform other functions: they contribute to energy conservation and extend the life of 220 V LEDs.

What is a dimmer and why is it needed?

Dimmer (dimmer) is a multifunction switch that controls the brightness of the glow of incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. Popular dimmers are equipped with microcontrollers that significantly expand the functionality of these devices.

A single dimmer controls the operation of one lamp. The dimmers installed by the group control many light sources. If several luminaires are located in one zone, they can be connected to a single dimmer that changes the brightness of each of them.

Virtually all dimmers have the ability to switch, but not all are equally suitable for incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lights. Also, not all 220 V LED lamps can adjust the brightness of the light. If you connect such a lamp to a dimmer, it will be unstable or even lead to equipment breakdown. Therefore, before buying an LED, pay attention to its marking, the inscriptions on the box and in the manual, or ask the seller if it will switch with the dimmer.

Work principles

The dimmer functions as a rheostat. When the resistance of the electric circuit changes, the current or voltage indicator changes. With increasing resistance, the voltage drops. The light intensity of the lamps in the dimmer is regulated by a set of resistors included in the design of this device. Requests for the degree of illumination of the room at different times of the day may vary. A dimmer helps to create the optimal level of lighting.

If the lamp design does not have the possibility of dimming, then a dimmer that works on the principle of PWM (PWM) is suitable for it. True, such a device is quite expensive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Dimmer has undoubted advantages:

• provides comfortable lighting at any time of the day;
• fits perfectly into modern design;
• plays an important role in zoning space with the help of light;
• provides the effect of being in the house due to periodic switching on and off the light;
• It has the ability to connect and control within the framework of the Smart Home system;
• easy to install;
• saves electricity.

Note! If incandescent lamps and LED-lamps operate in a soft, muted mode, their service life is increased by 10-15 times!

In addition to the advantages of a dimmer, like any electrical appliance, there are disadvantages:

• the buzz of lamps and the failure of the device in the event of a decrease in the minimum load;
• critical attitude to the environment (the possibility of overheating when the temperature rises);
• the impossibility of increasing the maximum load without the use of a power amplifier;
• the inability to connect inductive and capacitive loads;
• too low efficiency when switching to night mode.

Device Features and Functions

Dimmers vary in range of action, power (maximum load) and the way lighting is regulated.

A dimmer for LED lamps regulates the ignition order, the brightness of the glow, the blinking and dimming mode, and in some cases even the color of the LEDs. Using a dimmer, light sources can be disconnected from the mains automatically. The device operates remotely or according to a predetermined program that regulates the time on and off the light. A dimmer is installed instead of a conventional switch.

Types of dimmers for LED lamps

Dimmers are classified by design, installation location, control principle, current load, installation method and other parameters.

At the installation site, the dimmers are divided into wall, remote and modular.

• Wall dimmers are mounted on walls in rooms instead of switches.
• Remote dimmers in the form of a small block are installed in the immediate vicinity of the fixtures.
• Modular dimmers are mounted in a switchboard on a DIN rail. Automatic protection switches, RCDs and other devices are connected to it.

At the place of installation

There are also dimmers for external and hidden wiring.

According to the management principle

By the principle of control, dimmers are divided into mechanical, sensory and remote.

Mechanical

A mechanically controlled dimmer is the very first and simplest device. A wheel or buttons are located on its body, with the help of which the brightness of LED lamps is regulated. As a rule, to start the device you need to press the handle, which is a large round button, and the light is controlled by turning this handle. To turn off the lighting, it is not necessary to return the handle to its original position.

The mechanical ones also include keyboard and button models. Such dimmers, like conventional switches, are equipped with a disconnect key.

Touch

A dimmer with touch (contact) control looks more solid and modern. To control the light, just touch the touch screen. But such a device is more expensive than a mechanical one.

Since there are no moving elements in the design of the sensor dimmer, it is the most reliable in comparison with mechanical counterparts.

Remote

The dimmer with remote control has a remote control that works on the radio or infrared channel. Using a radio channel, you can control lighting from anywhere in the house, and even from the street. The infrared channel acts in the same way as in a TV, that is, to control the light, the remote control must be pointed directly at the dimmer.

A kind of remote control dimmer is control via a wireless Wi-Fi network. This method allows you to turn on and off the light, as well as control electrical appliances from a smartphone or tablet. Similar systems are used in the Smart Home technology.

In addition, the dimmer can be activated by clap or voice. This control principle is called acoustic. It can also be attributed to the remote.

Which dimmer is better to choose

The choice of a dimmer is influenced by such factors as the technical parameters of the device, interior design, personal taste preferences of the landlord, as well as his financial capabilities. If you are not ready to overpay, get a mechanical dimmer with a wheel, button or touch control. If you prefer comfort and convenience, then your choice is a dimmer with remote control. If you never part with your smartphone, select a dimmer with Wi-Fi control.

Overview of popular manufacturers

In any case, you need to choose devices from well-known manufacturers offering a full range of electrical equipment. Such manufacturers include Makel, Schneider, Legrand.

Makel

Turkish manufacturer Makel produces dimmers in two versions:

1. Mechanical (rotary) - control is carried out using a large handle-button;
2. Touch - turn on by touching the top or bottom of the key.

Some models of Makel dimmers can also be controlled remotely using an infrared receiver.

Mackel dimmers are available in a wide range of colors and have different capacities. Smooth adjustment and extreme ease of management make using these devices as comfortable as possible.

Schneider

Schneider Electric is a renowned manufacturer of wiring accessories. Dimmers of this brand are presented in several lines and are made in seven colors. They all have an elegant design. The use of high-quality, proven materials ensures a long service life of electrical devices. Schneider dimmers have protection against overheating, overload and short circuit.

The presence of special guides and mounting tabs makes it easy and quick to install devices. The manufacturer gives an 18-month warranty on their products. The company is constantly developing new and improving manufactured devices. In the line of wiring accessories Schneider are present as exclusive, yet budget models.

Legrand

The Legrand company produces wiring devices created on the basis of innovative technologies and complying with European quality standards. Dimmers of this brand have the following advantages:

• ease of installation;
• smooth operation;
• reliability;
• impeccable appearance.

Legrand dimmers are available in milky white, cream and aluminum colors. It is possible to purchase these devices in specialized online stores or directly on the manufacturer's website.

European brands are more expensive, Chinese - cheaper. But certified Chinese products are also of good quality. In order not to run into fakes, you should not buy wiring devices in markets and at random retail outlets.

Video: Creating a dimmer for DIY LED lamps

Connecting the device to the LEDs

We present you the traditional scheme for connecting a dimmer to an LED lamp. If you connect several lamps, they must be connected in series. Please note that the dimmer is always put in the gap not of the zero, but the phase wire.

The cable coming from the junction box is connected to the terminal labeled “L and up arrow”. The other wire is connected to the terminal labeled "N and the oblique arrow."

The presented scheme makes it easy to replace the standard LED lamp switch with a dimmer.

1. Strip the wires and find the phase using the indicator.
2. Before installing the device, do not forget to turn off the electricity in the house.
3. Connect the wires to the terminals as described above.
4. Tighten the wires, adjust the bolts and put on the frame.
5. Connect power and check system operation.

When connecting a typical dimmer to LED lamps, you should find out if there is enough power for the operation of this device. Usually, instead of one incandescent lamp, two or three 220 V LED lamps can be used. If the load is insufficient, the LED light sources will not work correctly and they will quickly burn out.

If a semiconductor device triac (symmetric triode thyristor) is added to a simple wiring diagram for a dimmer, then the functions of the device will expand significantly. At the same time, it will save electricity.

Adding other elements allows you to control the luminous flux more smoothly, reduce the level of interference in the mains, etc.

Video: An example of the dimmer and its connection

To summarize: the use of a dimmer improves comfort in the home space, allows you to create various lighting options and helps save energy. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be assembled on their own.