LED Lighting while being beneficial in a lot of ways, primarily
output and efficiency output versus the energy consumed brings with it, a whole
new set of issues that we at ATPL, in the business of lighting controls have to
deal with regularly. Since the LED juggernaut is rolling on with no signs of
stopping, it is best that we understand that everything (Lighting) in a project
is going to be LED and prepare ourselves accordingly.
Just because we have dimmers does not mean that LED
fixture will dim!
One of the most common misconceptions among end users is
that if they have opted for Lighting controls, the LED lights purchased will
dim. It is necessary to inform them that not every LED light is dimmable. In
fact, the majority of the LED lights that are available in the market today are
not fitted with dimmable drivers. One question that everyone needs to ask when
purchasing an LED lighting fixture is “Is it dimmable”?
This brings us to the basic question - What makes the LED
light dimmable? or
'What comprises of an LED fixture'?
'What comprises of an LED fixture'?
In short, an LED Lighting fixture comprises of:
a) The Light Engine – which is the LED chip that emits light when current passé through it
b) Power supply or Driver that supplies the right amount of current through the LED chip
c) Heat Sink and casing, that ensures the right temperature for a longer life of the LED chip. It is the
LED driver that receives
the dimming signal from the dimmer and varies current or voltage accordingly to
allow dimming of the light output. The LED driver either maintains a constant
current or a constant voltage while varying the other, to vary the light output
from the LED engine.
The type of dimming signal varies and is again dependent upon what the driver will accept. The common types prevalent in the market are 1-10 volts, phase controlled dimming (line voltage dimming), DALI dimming and DMX dimming. Please be clear that the dimming signal types does not have a bearing on the quality of dimming. The capability of the dimmable driver to a large extent determines the dimming quality and that its capability comprises of parameters that have to do with consistent performance and light output (Flicker free dimming) over the stated range of dimming signal.
The type of dimming signal varies and is again dependent upon what the driver will accept. The common types prevalent in the market are 1-10 volts, phase controlled dimming (line voltage dimming), DALI dimming and DMX dimming. Please be clear that the dimming signal types does not have a bearing on the quality of dimming. The capability of the dimmable driver to a large extent determines the dimming quality and that its capability comprises of parameters that have to do with consistent performance and light output (Flicker free dimming) over the stated range of dimming signal.
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