LED lighting is a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. But did you know that you can also dim LED lights? Dimming LED lights can help you create the perfect ambiance for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a relaxing night in.
In this blog post, we'll show you how to dim LED lights the right way. We'll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right dimmer to experimenting with different dim levels.
How to choose the right dimmer
Not all dimmers are created equal. Some dimmers are designed specifically for LED lights, while others are not. If you use the wrong dimmer, your LED lights may flicker or not dim at all.
To choose the right dimmer for your LED lights, you'll need to consider the following factors:
- Compatibility: Make sure the dimmer is compatible with your LED lights. You can find this information in the product specifications for both the dimmer and the lights.
- Power: The dimmer must be able to handle the total wattage of your LED lights. You can find this information on the packaging of your lights.
- Type: There are two main types of dimmers for LED lights: phase-cut and phase-angle. Phase-cut dimmers are the most common type and are compatible with most LED lights. Phase-angle dimmers are more expensive, but they can provide a smoother dimming effect.
How to install a dimmer
Installing a dimmer is a relatively simple task that can be done by most homeowners. However, if you're not comfortable working with electrical wiring, you may want to hire a professional.
To install a dimmer, you'll need to follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the circuit that you'll be working on.
- Remove the old switch or outlet.
- Wire the dimmer according to the instructions that came with it.
- Turn on the power and test the dimmer.
How to dim LED lights
Once you've installed a dimmer, you can start dimming your LED lights. To do this, simply turn the dimmer knob to the desired brightness level.
Experiment with different dim levels
One of the advantages of LED lighting is that you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs. Experiment with different dimming levels to create the desired atmosphere. Whether you want to create an intimate ambiance for a romantic dinner or bright lighting for reading a book, LED lighting can meet all your needs.
Use a trailing edge dimmer
For most LED lamps, a phase-cut dimmer is the best choice. These dimmers work well with most types of LED lighting and offer a wide dimming range. Make sure you use a high-quality phase-cut dimmer to ensure the best performance.
Create zones with dimmers
If you want to illuminate different parts of a room with different brightness levels, consider using multiple dimmers. This will allow you to create zones and control the lighting in each zone separately. This is ideal for open spaces, such as living rooms, where you want versatile and adjustable lighting.
Save energy with dimming
An additional advantage of dimming LED lighting is that you can save energy. By lowering the brightness of your lamps, they consume less energy, which results in a lower energy bill. Moreover, dimming the lighting can extend the lifespan of your LED lamps.
My LED lamps are flickering, how do I fix this?
Flickering of LED lighting is usually due to a wrong dimmer. You always need a LED dimmer that matches the specifications of your lighting. LED dimmers have different properties and power. Therefore, always pay attention to how many lamps you are going to connect, how much power these lamps have together, and how much power your LED dimmer can handle.
Are all LED lamps dimmable?
The answer to this question is simply no. Not all LED lamps are dimmable. LED chips are powered by an LED driver, which is often built into the product and is not visible. In some (larger) LED lamps such as LED panels or recessed spotlights have external LED drivers. This LED driver determines whether the lighting is dimmable or not. In some cases, you can replace a non-dimmable LED driver with a dimmable driver to make the lighting dimmable. So always pay attention to the description of the lamp to see if it is dimmable or not.
Minimum and maximum load of the LED dimmer
When purchasing an LED dimmer, it is important to pay attention to the minimum and maximum power of the dimmer. Dimmers have different min. and max. powers. This can be for example minimum 3 Watt and maximum 150 Watt. If you would dim 1 LED lamp of 2 Watt with this, it will not or not work well. The same goes for an LED lamp that would be 160W. Add up the number of Watts of your LED lighting and check if the LED dimmer can handle the power.
Dimming multiple LED lamps with 1 LED dimmer
It is possible to dim multiple LED lamps with 1 LED dimmer if it can handle the power of the LED lamps together.
Which LED dimmer do I need?
The right LED dimmer depends on your specific situation and needs. Pay attention to the following aspects when purchasing an LED dimmer:
- Check if your LED lamp is dimmable
- The power of your LED lamps added together must be within the power of the LED dimmer (10% lower than the maximum power)
- Are you replacing an existing dimmer and do you want to reuse the cover plate? Check if the cover plate fits the new dimmer
- Check if the LED lamp switches on or off with phase cut. A lamp that needs to be dimmed with phase cut will not dim with a phase on-cut dimmer and vice versa. Fortunately, it also does no harm (you don't break anything); it just doesn't dim.
- Do you also want to control the lighting via an app or with voice? Consider a smart LED dimmer
Conclusion:
Dimming LED lights is a great way to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. By following the tips in this blog post, you can learn how to dim LED lights the right way and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home.
