Summarize
- Most LedStore luminaires can be dimmed with a suitable dimmer
- Wireless and wired dimmers offer different dimming solutions
- An inappropriate dimmer can cause buzzing or uneven dimming
- Different types of LEDs dim differently depending on the transformer and wattage
- Schneider and ABB dimmers tested, results vary by luminaire type
Most of LedStore’s luminaires, strips and bulbs can be dimmed. In practice, however, there are several things that can cause either uneven dimming or buzzing when dimming. However, dimming can be done by finding a suitable dimmer for the LED.
Our VaLO range includes wireless dimmers (and receivers) that will dim all our dimmable LEDs well. Among the wireless dimmers we have one model in our range, the Valo-TRIAC-RF-150W, which dims all our dimmable products perfectly. A maximum of eight wireless dimmer buttons can also be paired with this dimmer. We have also tested Schneider and ABB wired dimmers (ENSIO side dimmers). ABB’s Free at home trial is underway. Ask for more views on this!
How can I tell if a dimmer is incompatible with an LED lamp?
When dimming LEDs, the problem may be either the lamp (trying to dim a non-dimmable lamp), the transformer or the controller/pushbutton.
Dimming reduces the power of the lamp, which may cause the lamp or transformer to chirp or flicker.
In the worst case, the luminaire will break prematurely.
If any part of the whole is buzzing or buzzing disturbingly, or not dimming as desired, the problem can be solved by looking at more detailed features and changing the transformer or dimmer, or the number of luminaires in the group.
Why do different types of LEDs dim differently?
Led luminaires dim differently depending on the transformer and the wattage of the luminaire. We have divided our luminaire types for testing according to the following list. Dimmers tested on one lamp.
- for 8 watt spots (ModLed)
- other spots (such as 023 and 033 series)
- UPPOAVIIN for ceilings between 120 and 240
- For surface ceilings 280 and 380
- For panels 120 and 200
- For panels 150, 300, 600 and 1200
- Led ribbon 5 meters with TRIAC transformer 80 W, 100 W and 150 W
- Led ribbon 5 meters with TRIAC transformer 45 W
- Led bulb replacement bulbs with E14 and E27 cap
With these dimmers you are most likely to succeed
We tested nine wired dimmers, three from Schneider and four from ABB. So there are also old-fashioned dimmers that are cheaper than LED dimmers, which are used to operate the luminaires.
TheEXXACT transistor light controller 315RC, with electricity number 2622161 is the most suitable Schneider dimmer for LedStore luminaires. All other lamps dimmed well between 10-100%. As an exception, the LED strip with larger 80, 100 and 150 W transformers dimmed only 75-100% of full power and the ModLed between 30-100%.
With Schneider’s EXXACT SBD200LED, electricity number 2622225, dimming results were good with the following products:
- 8 watt spotlights (ModLed)
- other spots (such as 023 and 033 series)
- UPPOAVA ceilings between 120 and 240
- Surface ceilings 280 and 380
- Panels 120 and 200 and Panels 150, 300, 600 and 1200
See the dimming results for other lamps in the table at the end.
ABB’s two dimmers are suitable for almost all LedStore dimmable luminaires. The ABB 6523 Led dimmer with RL+RC option, electricity number 2619377, set to RC, silently dims other luminaires, except for a subjective observation that it makes a small noise on ceiling and panel luminaires. This dimmer works best especially with ModLed spots.
ABB’s 6513 RC Impressivo controller with electricity number 2619327 is suitable for most types of luminaires, i.e. it is silent, but the dimming range is slightly narrower than others, i.e. in the range of 20-100% and 30-100% depending on the luminaire.
The dimmers / dimmers ABB 2247U Impressivo with electricity number 2619321 and ABB 2250 R with electricity number 3512714 without frame worked well for dimming, but the problem was buzzing. All the dimmers buzzed. We’re testing these with an even bigger load, in the hope that the buzzing will be reduced with a larger number of lamps.
Schneider’s EXXACT SD400 RL thyristor dimmer will chirp on almost all luminaires, but limiting the maximum output of the dimmer to 80 Watts can stop the chirping altogether. If you have such a dimmer, you should try limiting the maximum power.
Latest results and testing on LedStore
All measurement results are shown in the table below. The measurements have been carried out on 31.1.2019 with new dimmers. If you are wondering about dimmer compatibility, please contact us and we will test and find out which lamps are compatible. The service is free of charge. The table below can be enlarged by clicking on the top of the image. You can also find information on dimming and this table on our website here.
Technical product information for Schneider and ABB dimmers can best be found by electricity number on the website Sähkönumerot.fi, maintained by the Association of the Electrical Trade. Your electrician is typically the person who brings in the necessary dimmers and installs them. We will be happy to refer you to electricians who know about LedStore lighting.
Read more about dimming LEDs in our article When should you get a dimmer for your LED lights?
