> LED DIMMING METHODS
Dimming refers to the process of reducing the output intensity of a light source. It allows users to adjust the brightness level according to their specific requirements, creating a customized lighting experience. By controlling the amount of power supplied to the light source, dimming offers flexibility and adaptability in various environments. It’s important to know that as a light source is dimmed, its lumen output decreases. This means that the total amount of visible light emitted by the source is reduced. It is worth noting that different dimming methods and technologies can impact the behaviour and performance of lighting fixtures.
Table of Contents
> 1. REASONS FOR DIMMING FIXTURES
LED dimming offers several key advantages that make it a popular choice for the control of your lighting. Here are some of the main advantages of LED dimming:
- Energy Efficiency: LED dimming allows for adjusting the light output according to the specific lighting needs, reducing energy consumption. By dimming LEDs, you can lower the power supplied to the lights, resulting in energy savings. This flexibility in adjusting brightness levels contributes to overall energy efficiency and cost savings over time.
- Customizable Lighting Environments: LED dimming provides the ability to create customizable lighting environments. Whether it’s a cosy and relaxing atmosphere in a residential setting or dynamic lighting scenes in commercial spaces, dimming allows users to control the intensity of light to match their preferences or specific requirements. This versatility enhances comfort and aesthetics.
- Improved Visual Comfort: By dimming LEDs, you can mitigate harsh lighting conditions and reduce glare. The ability to adjust the light output helps create a more comfortable visual environment, especially in spaces where lighting needs to vary throughout the day or for specific tasks. Dimming can also contribute to better light quality and reduce eye strain.
- Extended LED Lifespan: LEDs are known for their long lifespan, and dimming them can further enhance their longevity. Operating LEDs at lower light levels through dimming reduces the ‘stress’ on the components, such as the LED modules and driver electronics. This can result in increased LED lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
- Enhanced Mood & Ambiance: Dimming allows for setting the desired mood and ambiance in different settings. Whether it’s creating a warm and intimate atmosphere in a restaurant or adjusting the lighting levels in a conference room for presentations, LED dimming provides the flexibility to create the perfect lighting environment for any occasion.
- Compatibility with Current Control Systems: LED dimming is compatible with various lighting control systems and protocols. This compatibility enables seamless integration with smart lighting systems, allowing for centralized control, automation, and the ability to create complex lighting scenes or schedules.
- Environmental Benefits: LED dimming contributes to environmental sustainability. By reducing energy consumption, LED dimming helps lower carbon emissions and reduces the overall environmental impact associated with lighting. It aligns with energy-efficient and eco-friendly practices, making LED dimming a greener lighting solution. LED dimming offers users control, flexibility, energy efficiency, and the ability to create comfortable and visually pleasing lighting environments. It is a valuable feature of LED lighting systems, enabling customization and adaptability for a wide range of applications.
> 2. COMPATIBILITIES WITH CLS LED FIXTURES
At CLS, we have a wide range of products. You can find all control and dimming methods a fixture is compatible with on the product pages. In general, we offer three dimming methods:
- Analog Dimmable / CCR
- Hybrid Dimmable
- PWM Dimmable
Below you can find a short explanation of each method.
2.1. Analog Dimmable / CCR
With ‘Constant Current Reduction’ the current flows continuously at a set amount for a given light level. Since the amount of light output is proportional to the current flowing through the LED, the current is reduced to reduce the brightness of the LED. This type of dimming is sometimes referred to as “Analog Dimming”.
2.2. PWM Dimmable
‘Pulse Width Modulation’ dimming is a technique that switches the current on and off at a high frequency, varying the duty cycle of the pulses. The duty cycle is the ratio of the on time to the total period of the pulses. For example, if the current is on for 50% of the time and off for 50% of the time, the duty cycle is 50%. By changing the duty cycle, you can change the average current and thus the brightness of the LED. The frequency of the pulses should be high enough to avoid flicker and noise, typically above 360 Hz.
2.3. Hybrid Dimmable
This dimming method combines the PWM and CCR methods and creating the best of both methods.
The CCR will be used to dim to 20% and then PWM will dim to 0%. With this system it is possible to create a deep, smooth dimming.
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> WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DIMMING METHODS?
Want to know more about dimming? Look at our product pages to see which methods are compatible with our fixtures, or contact us. We are happy to help.