The traditional light bulb, which shines brightly but consumes a lot of energy, has been replaced by an LED dimmable lamp. The products are designed using a special technology that allows you to smoothly adjust the intensity of the luminous flux. This feature allows not only to save energy, but also has a beneficial effect on human health. The reasons for the popularity of this device are described in detail in this article.
LED dimmable lamps help create a comfortable level of lighting in the room
Content
How the LED lamp works
The LED lamp does not differ in appearance from the traditional light source. The design of the device is represented by a standard base with a conventional thread. Therefore, the lamp can be used for conventional sockets, which eliminates the need to change the electrical equipment of the room. However, these devices have significant differences in internal configuration.
LED dimmable lamps are not different in design from traditional light sources
The structure consists of a contact base, a housing that acts as a heat sink, a power and control board, a board with LEDs and a transparent cover. These devices cannot be used for a 220 V network, since they will not work with such a voltage and current. To prevent burnout of the luminaires, the lamp bodies are additionally equipped with a power and control board, which reduces the voltage and rectifies the current.
The principle of operation of an LED lamp is based on physical processes, the essence of which is the appearance of a luminous flux at the point of contact of two elements from different materials, immediately after an electric current has been passed through these substances. The main paradox of this phenomenon is that both elements are semiconductors capable of passing electric current in only one direction, and this is provided that they are connected to each other.
LED lamp design
Here, the transition of matter from one state to another also occurs, which is accompanied by the release of thermal energy. In electronics, devices that are capable of not only passing current, but also emitting light are called LEDs. These elements cover the entire spectrum of light radiation. In this regard, a distinction is made between blue LED lamps with a cold light source and yellow or red ones with a warm glow effect.
Dimmable LED lamps: what is it
The main difference between dimmed lamps and traditional ones is the presence of a dimmer for LED lamps in the device body, thanks to which the brightness of the lamp is smoothly controlled. Dimmer output power is the main parameter of the device. The maximum number of connected lamps depends on its value. The dimmer works like a rheostat. It allows you to smoothly adjust the brightness of incandescent lamps.
This dimmable LED lamp is equipped with a PWM unit. With its help, the stabilizer located in the device body is controlled, due to which the brightness of the lighting changes. The radiation intensity is controlled by how voltage is applied to the LED. Here a sine wave is used, where the period of time under voltage is correspondingly equal to the value of time without voltage. To increase the brightness, it is necessary to increase the voltage supply time, and to decrease it, increase the time without voltage.
An example of changing the illumination level of a dimmed lamp in the range of 10-100%
Important! You cannot connect a conventional energy-saving lamp through the dimmer. The device is designed for a certain number of cycles, and constant blinking will contribute to the rapid burnout of the light bulb.
The change in the frequency of the light bulb flashing occurs imperceptibly to the human eye, as a result of which the illumination changes in the range of 10-100%.
Types of dimmer for LED lamps
Dimmers are distinguished by the control method:
- swivel;
- rotary-push;
- keyboards;
- sensory.
Rotary push dimmer device
The light intensity of the rotary dimmer is controlled by the rotary knob. Rotary push devices are activated by mechanical pressure on the handle. When you rotate it, the brightness of the lamp is adjusted. The degree of illumination on key devices is selected by repeatedly pressing the button. The choice of the required mode on the touch dimmers is carried out by touching the control panel with your finger.
Today you can buy a dimmable LED lamp of a special design, in which, thanks to a light touch of the button located in the central part of the panel, the light turns on, and a long touch - decreases or increases the brightness of the lamp.
Depending on the location of the device, there may be:
- monoblock, or overhead;
- modular;
- embedded.
Monoblock dimmer combined with a switch in the interior
In the first version, the dimmer is combined with a switch. Modular devices are installed on a DIN rail in a control cabinet. Such devices are usually installed at the entrance. They are often chosen by owners of private houses. The devices perform basic adjustment functions and are hidden from prying eyes. The latter type of dimmers are built into a special junction box.
Dimmers are distinguished depending on the functional characteristics:
- mechanical;
- electronic;
- remote;
- acoustic.
The operation of mechanical devices is controlled using a wheel with a button. The device is configured in manual mode. Electronic devices are equipped with a sensor, touch panel and automation. Remote devices are capable of receiving a signal from a distance, therefore, the degree of illumination can be adjusted using a remote control. Acoustic devices are triggered by a pop or voice command.
Remote control dimmers are becoming increasingly popular despite the high cost
The most popular are rotary devices, which are mounted in a box. These devices are easy to install, manage and cost effectively.
Benefits of dimmable LED bulbs
Due to the fact that a special driver is included in the design of the LED dimmable lamp, the light intensity can be adjusted.When the light does not need to run at full power, the brightness can be reduced. This will help reduce electricity bills as a result of economical energy consumption. Smooth intensity control will extend the life of the lamps.
With the help of dimmers, you can zoning a room, place bright accents or change the atmosphere in a room. Such devices are often used to create colorful and vibrant effects for presentations or promotions. The use of dimmers has a beneficial effect on human health. Indeed, when a bright light is suddenly turned on, an unpleasant sensation of light perception by the pupil of the eye arises, and dimmable LED lamps can be turned on immediately by only 10%, gradually adding intensity, which will not lead to eye injury. Thanks to the built-in dimmer, the LED lamp does not emit UV rays and IR spectrum.
The use of dimmable lamps allows you to create interesting optical effects in the room
The dimmable lamp can be combined with a motion sensor, which will give a signal to automatically turn on the illumination. The combination of a dimmer and a light sensor will automatically adjust artificial light to match natural light. Modern models may have a soft start or timer function.
Helpful advice! By using dimmers in an empty room, you can create the effect of presence when the owners of the house are away. This can be a good security system that will automatically turn lights on and off in different rooms.
LED dimmable lamp: selection criteria
The first thing to look for when choosing an LED dimmable lamp is the shape of the device. The desired lighting effect in the room depends on this. Also, the nature of the lighting will be affected by the state of the protective cap, which can be transparent or opaque. In the first option, you can get a rich stream of bright light. A product with frosted glass, which is coated from the inside with a special coating, provides an even, pleasant light.
The most popular lamp shapes available on the electrical market
Light in a pear-shaped lamp will be directed downward, leaving circular shadows on the ceiling. The product of the classic shape has an illumination angle of up to 240 degrees. For open floor lamps and chandeliers, it is advisable to use a dimmable e14 LED lamp in the form of a ball or candle with an illumination angle of 240-360 degrees.
Reflex lamps are used to illuminate a separate area, which narrow the luminous flux. For suspended or suspended ceilings, accent lamps are used for spotlights. The elements do not generate heat, therefore they can be installed in furniture. The angle of illumination of such lamps is 100 degrees.
The next criterion is the degree of light flicker, which is especially important for dimmable e27 LED lamps, which are often used in residential premises. It is impossible to completely eliminate this phenomenon. Therefore, preference should be given to products that have a weak flicker. You can define it in this way. During the operation of the device, a person needs to look from one object to another. At this time, a second weakly scopic effect occurs when the human eye simultaneously sees several objects.
When choosing dimmable lamps, you should focus not only on the shape but also on the indicator of the dimming level, the degree of lamp flicker and the angle of light scattering
Important! If the lighting fixture has strong flickering, it should not be used for living rooms.
Next, you should pay attention to the dimming level. The minimum value for dimmable led lamps is 10%. This suggests that at minimum brightness, the product shines quite strongly. It is better to select lamps with the lowest on-off limit.
Related article:
Dimmers for 220V LED lamps: a step towards a smart home
What is a dimmer. Types and schemes of devices. How to connect a dimmer. Pass-through dimmers. Manufacturers and prices. Do-it-yourself dimmer assembly.
Physical characteristics of LED dimmable lamps
Manufacturers produce LED lamps with a dimmer with a power of 1-25 watts. For traditional luminous flux estimation, the power of a conventional incandescent light bulb is used as the equivalent. The indicators for both elements are in a 1: 8 ratio. For example, if you buy a dimmable e27 LED lamp with a power of 8-10 W, then it will correspond to a conventional incandescent lamp in terms of electricity consumption of 60 W. Energy efficiency class is important. Manufacturers produce devices of class A, A +, A ++.
The next important parameter is the input voltage. Since there are frequent voltage surges in the power supply system, it is necessary to choose lamps that have a wide range of input voltage, operating in the range of 170-250 V.
Light source color temperature scale
A high lamp power rating does not always correspond to good brightness. When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the luminous flux, which can be in the range of 200-2500 lm. It should be remembered that all LED lamps quickly lose brightness, and hence their efficiency over a long period of continuous operation.
When choosing a lamp, you should pay attention to the color temperature, which determines the spectral composition of the light source. Elements with values of 4000-4500 K are popular for most rooms. For an apartment, you should choose lamps that create warm light with a value of 2700-3500 K, cold tones with a temperature of 4000-4500K will be convenient for reading.
An important characteristic is the color rendering index, which corresponds to the level of the visible color of an object under artificial lighting, depending on the natural appearance. This value must be at least CRI 90.
Comparison of the illumination level of lamps with different color rendering index and the same power characteristics
Varieties of LED lamp bases
The most popular are the e27 and e14 dimmable LED lamp bases. The letter "e" in the title indicates that the design of the part is represented by a standard threaded connection. The numerical values correspond to the diameter of the base in millimeters.
The first option is the most common element. Lamps with such a base can have a power in the range of 5-18 W. The most popular types of domes for such products are hemisphere and ball. Lamps with e27 base are used for enclosed lamps and chandeliers in living rooms.
Dimmable LED lamp e14, which is often called "mignon", is used for sconces, floor lamps, open lamps of small size, in ceiling chandeliers designed for a large number of lamps. Such a device can have a power of 2-10 watts. The dome shape can be made in the form of a ball or a candle.
Types of the most common lamp bases
Less common are gx53 dimmable LED bulbs. The products have a round shape, with a luminous flat surface with LEDs. The base is made in the form of pin contacts. Lamps are designed for special luminaires of the same shape. They are often chosen for rooms with high humidity.
Gu 5.3 dimmable LED bulbs are equipped with a pin-base base. The numerical value corresponds to the distance between the centers of the contacts in millimeters. Such products are characterized by low power and small size. Lamps are used for decorative illumination of stands, paintings, showcases, etc. For this purpose, it is also possible to use gu10 dimmable LED lamps, in which the base pins are located at a distance of 10 mm from each other. They are noticeably thicker, which is convenient and reliable for a swivel connection with the chuck.
Helpful advice! The gu 5 3 dimmable LED lamp can be used as a replacement for the wasteful obsolete MR16 halogen lamp, which also has a glow angle of 30-180 degrees.
Many manufacturers provide lamps with ventilation holes in the housing to help extend product life
The g9 LED dimmable bulbs are microlamps. They are also used for design spot lighting. The shape of the lamp can be varied. But most often the device is in the form of a tablet.
The embodiment of new technologies is lamps, which have ventilation ducts in the base. They help to efficiently dissipate heat from the diodes and the inside of the lamp, which prolongs the life of the product.
Dimmer LED Bulb Manufacturers
Among the popular manufacturers is Uniel, which produces LED lamps and dimmers. The products are characterized by the CRI 80 index. The brightness is adjustable in the range of 10-100%. The input voltage of the product is in the range of 40-250V. LED lamps have a matte bulb. The service life of the product is 30 thousand hours.
When choosing dimmable lamps, you should give preference to trusted manufacturers, for example, Uniel
The lamps are presented in two series: Palazzo Dimmable and Cristal Dimmable. Models of the first series have a uniquely shaped case equipped with four ventilation channels. Products with an e14, e27, gu10, gu 5.3 base are characterized by a power of 5-7 W, a luminous flux of 500-600 lm. Used for spot and reflective luminaires. Can be shaped like a ball or candle.
Models of the second series are represented by e14 LED dimmable lamps, which can be bought for 320 rubles. The body is made of aluminum alloy. LEDs are located on metal petals in the bulb, creating a wide angle of light transmission up to 360 degrees.
Philips manufactures a wide range of products with different base / plinth designs and body shapes. Particularly popular are the gx 53 dimmable lamps used in bathrooms as spot lighting.
The Philips range of dimmable lamps is available in a variety of base and housing designs
The products are manufactured using a special filament technology. Inside the case, LED filaments are formed, resembling a luminous spiral. The Dim Tone function makes the room light warmer as the brightness is dimmed. The design of the base has a hidden ventilation system, which increases the life of the product up to 40 thousand hours. The price of an LED dimmed lamp is in the range of 220-410 rubles.
Gauss LED dimmable lamps
The company manufactures a wide range of lighting equipment, including dimmable LED lamps. The products are characterized by an input operating voltage of 185-265V and a color rendering index of 90.
The models are presented in two color temperatures: 2700 and 4100 K. The operating time of the lamps reaches 35 thousand hours. The manufacturer produces the following types of lamps:
- filament products in the form of a ball or candle, 5W, with a luminous flux of 420-450 lm;
- soffit dimmable LED lamps gu 5.3 220V and gu10 with a luminous flux of 500-530 lm;
- cantilever products with 3 W g9 base with a luminous flux of 280-300 lm.
Gauss produces a wide range of lighting equipment
Separately, you can highlight an additional function in the form of step dimming of LED lamps. Products are characterized by a specific operating principle. The structure already has an element built into the base, thanks to which the brightness is regulated. The lamp can operate from a network with a standard voltage of 180-240 V.
You can buy a dimmable e27 LED lamp for 250 rubles. They are produced in the form of a candle or a ball with a power of 7-70 W in two color values of 2700 and 4100 K.The lamp is guaranteed for 3 years.
The manufacture and application of LED dimmable lamps is rapidly gaining momentum. Until recently, LED lighting devices could not be used with dimmers. The problem was solved after the introduction of a dimmer into the design of the lighting element. An important condition for long-term operation of the device is compliance with the recommended parameters. Therefore, before you buy an e14 or e27 dimmable LED lamp, you should study the characteristics of the product in detail.
