To smoothly change the light intensity of the room, a special device is used - a dimmer. But it can not be used with conventional energy-saving chandeliers. Dimmable LED bulbs are specially designed to realize this function.
Features of the dimmer
The simplest device for adjusting the light intensity is a variable resistor or rheostat. Significant distribution has received a small electronic dimmer. In this case, a semiconductor switch is used as a power element. The adjustment of the light intensity occurs due to a change in the voltage in the rheostat.
The dimmer is mainly made in the form of a switch, which allows you to place it in a standard box. Adjusting the lighting power by rotating the handle. Dimming LED lights can occur in automatic mode. In this case, a sensor is installed in the room that measures the level of lighting. The dimmable lamp reacts to any fluctuations by changing the intensity of work.
The main parameter of a dimming unit is called the output power. The number of LEDs that can be connected to the system depends on it.
Work dimmable led-lamps and its differences from the usual
Most dimmable LED bulbs in appearance are no different from ordinary LEDs. All the differences are only in the power driver circuit.
For a non-dimmable lamp, a constant voltage is required, which is converted from alternating to mains. At the same time, it decreases to the optimal value. The diode power driver sets a specific current and maintains it at a given level. Therefore, when the input voltage changes, such devices will fail or will not work correctly.
Dimmable chandeliers function differently. The power driver installed in this device responds clearly to the applied voltage. At any change, the current automatically increases or decreases. As a result, you can adjust the brightness of the lighting. At the same time, overload protection is maintained by limiting the maximum current strength.
In addition to dimmable LED lamps, adjustable LED lights are also available on the market. They have great functionality. Adjustable lights are of the following types:
- with built-in dimmer drivers;
- with external regulators;
- with built-in driver dimmers;
- separate dimmable driver.
The latter option is relevant when organizing room lighting with several adjustable lights.
Benefits of Using Devices
Advantages of dimmable lamps:
- The ability to create the required level of lighting by turning the knob or pressing a button. Adjustment is carried out smoothly, but not stepwise.
- When the brightness of the light changes, the color temperature remains stable.
- There is a possibility of remote control. However, many models are equipped with buttons or rotary knobs.
When using dimming LED lamps, it becomes possible to activate additional operating modes - simulating the presence, blinking, dimming. There is a function of automatic shutdown.It is implemented by setting a timer or other electronic control programs.
Product Quality Criteria
There is a lot of information on the packaging of each dimmed bulb. To choose a functional product, you need to know what it all means.
Lamp shape and its effect on lighting
Having correctly selected the LED device of a certain appearance, it will be possible to achieve the optimal lighting intensity. The following lamp shapes are found on the market:
- Pear-shaped. The flask has the same diameter as the body. Such LEDs shine only forward. They are not recommended for installation in chandeliers whose downlights are downward. Pear-shaped LEDs will not be able to effectively illuminate the ceiling and shadows will appear on it.
- Reminiscent of ordinary incandescent bulbs. They are used to implement traditional lighting. The angle of propagation of light fluxes is 240 °.
- In the form of a candle or ball. This form was created mainly with a decorative purpose. The angle of illumination reaches a value of 240-360 °. Lamps are successfully combined with open chandeliers, floor lamps, sconces.
- Reflex type. Mostly used in shops, beauty salons. A feature of the products is the creation of a focused light beam that illuminates a specific area.
- Point. Similar products are installed in suspended or suspended ceilings, cabinet furniture to create additional or main lighting. They create a rather large angle of light propagation - up to 100 °.
-
- Pear-shaped
-
- Reminiscent of an incandescent lamp
-
- In the form of a candle
-
- Reflex type
-
- Spotlight lamp
In order for the LEDs to form a soft and uniform light, the LED lamps are made of frosted glass. On the inside, it has a special spraying with different light transmittance. There are models with transparent glass on the market.
Flickering of light and methods for its detection
This negative effect is characteristic of LED and fluorescent illuminators. Flickering of light negatively affects a person’s well-being - his eyes get tired faster, headaches are possible. If this defect is present, it is forbidden to use the LED for residential premises. You can detect flicker by the following signs:
- If you quickly look away from one subject to another, double vision. This effect is called stroboscopic.
- You need to take a pencil at one end and move it like a pendulum. If no clear contours of the product are visible, the flicker of the lamp is within the normal range. When it seems that there are several pencils, the ripple of the light is very high.
- You can use a smartphone to detect flicker. Turning on a regular camera and directing it to a light source, you can see the stripes. The brighter they are, the stronger the ripple.
It is impossible to completely eliminate the flicker effect.
Dimming Level Limits
Most models can reduce lighting intensity by up to 10%. Some manufacturers produce LEDs, where this indicator ranges from 5-25%. Combining lamps with different dimmers, it is possible to achieve the required level of lighting, which depends on the compatibility of devices.
Power and operating voltage
LED products are available with power from 1 to 25 watts. To assess the effectiveness of the devices, their luminous flux is compared with what is formed in incandescent lamps. Their capacities are related as 1 to 8-10.
When choosing a lamp depending on the operating voltage, it is better to choose models where this indicator is 170-250 V. This will protect the device from burnout, which can happen when a current jump in the network.
Luminous flux and efficiency
A feature of LED lamps is that their power does not always effectively reflect brightness. Therefore, the luminous flux is indicated on the product packaging. It ranges from 200-2500 lm.
A significant drawback of LEDs is called a decrease in their efficiency during prolonged operation. In the first 3000 hours of operation, the brightness of devices falls by 5%. Subsequently, the lamp efficiency is reduced to 50% of the original value.
Colour temperature
This indicator characterizes the color source in terms of spectral composition. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin. For lighting the workplace, the optimal value is 4000-4500 K. For the house, it is recommended to take a lamp with a warm color of 2700-3500 K.
Color rendering index
An important indicator that displays the correspondence of the color obtained under artificial lighting, its real hue. The higher the color rendering index, the more natural looking objects in the room.
Manufacturers produce lamps with a maximum value of 90 Ra.
Base and housing
The most popular are LEDs with a base E27 and E14. They have a standard threaded connection. Socket E27 is used for indoor luminaires, E14 - for sconces, floor lamps.
Life time
The duration of the device depends on its quality and operating conditions. The lamp life can range from 15 to 40 thousand hours. Devices with ventilation of the base can last longer.
The reasons for reducing the lamp life are called poor-quality wiring, voltage drops, factory defects. LEDs will deteriorate and air temperatures too low, room humidity high.
