Summarize
- Dimmer switch automatically adjusts the amount of light and time
- Motion detection turns lights on only when needed, saving energy
- Dimmer switches can be used in almost all LED luminaire models
- The exterior low beam switch comes on at dusk and on motion
- The dimmer switch is usually installed as a common switch for the whole lighting group.
Adjusting the dimmer switch is an effective way to get exactly the amount of light and the time you want. In most cases, an outdoor light or outdoor light group will work with a dimmer switch. A dimmer switch can either be incorporated directly into the design of the exterior lights or added to the luminaire once you have found the right lights for your style. Dimmer switches are often also equipped with motion detection, so that the lights only come on when needed. This makes it even easier to use LED lights. Dimmer switches can be used in almost all our LED luminaire models. The LED strip lighting has its own reliable sensor, which is installed in the profile. There is also a luminaire model with a dimmer switch as standard.
A dimmer switch for a wide range of needs
A dimmer switch is very practical for places that need a little extra or night light, where it is useful to have the lights turn on when there is movement. For example, in corridors, kitchen plinths, hallways or as nightlights in living rooms, as well as in wardrobes, porches, storage rooms and technical areas where people do not stay for long periods at a time.
Outdoor and courtyard lights also come with practical dimmer switches that turn on when it gets dark enough outside. In addition, the lights can be set to come on when there is movement in the detection area, and the time for the outdoor lights to come on can be determined from the last movement detected. That is, the on-time always starts from the beginning when the sensor detects motion without the light going out in between. The more versatile the yard light with a dimmer switch, the more likely it is that a switch will have to be purchased separately.
As an example, LedStore’s microwave sensor turns on the lights when it detects movement within the sensing range and when the light level (lux) is at the desired level. For example, whenever you detect motion or whenever you detect motion and it’s dim. The sensor’s radar can also detect movement through wooden and glass surfaces, thin walls and roofing materials. The installation is discreetly mounted on a wall or ceiling, where the sensor switches on the lights when it detects movement and switches off after the last movement detected.
Installation of yard lights on a dimmer switch
When you also connect a twilight sensor to the lighting group, the yard lighting will turn on and off at just the right moment, according to the settings made for the sensor. The lux control on the dimmer switch allows you to optimise the lighting in your garden for those hours when there is not enough light. An LED light with a dimmer switch that adjusts to the amount of natural light may be on in winter, e.g. 10 hours a day, and then in the mid-summer weeks the lights don’t come on at all, without any adjustments. Installing garden lights on a dimmer switch is easy, and usually with other electrical installation work the job is done by an electrician, as the work is mains power work. Yard lights are installed as normal, and then a dimmer switch for these. A dimmer switch is preferably installed as a common switch for the whole group, so that the lights turn on and off at the same time. It will also be cheaper than installing a separate sensor for each light. The dimmer switch does not have a separate operating switch, so when used with the dimmer switch, the lights are controlled only by the adjusted lux level.
Exterior light motion sensor adjustment
Adjusting the outdoor motion sensor is especially important in urban areas where the neighbour may be very close. Ideally, the orientation angle of the selected detector can be changed and the detection distance can be adjusted by a sufficiently dense range, e.g. within a metre or two. Some models have a very wide adjustment range, e.g. 8-12 metres, which means that the required light area right in front of the door cannot be achieved with such a product. Adjustment is usually found by trial and error, and adjusting the light may not be very precise. When looking for a suitable detection zone, it must also be accepted that, due to the nature of light, it is not even possible to set a very precise zone. Choosing the luminous intensity of the luminaire is the most effective way to keep the light in the so-called “light bulb”. on your side of the border.
Dimmer switch as standard
Led outdoor light with a dimmer switch and motion sensor is the most common type of sensor. In some luminaires they are built-in. Below we present the round Movement 275 and the wall light Kulkija.
MOVEMENT 275
LedStore’s range includes a ceiling luminaire, LIIKE275, which is suitable when bright light is needed, but for short periods at a time, such as in warehouses, technical areas and passageways. The luminaire comes with motion and dusk sensors. So a light can be set to come on for a certain period of time when it is sufficiently dim and the light detects movement. The luminaire is bright, with a luminous intensity of 1920 lumens and a high quality CRI90. The product comes with a 5-year warranty.
KULKIJA
LedStore’s Walker is an excellent light for night-time walking.
The luminaire has both a motion and a dusk sensor, which allows the luminaire to be switched on only at dusk and only by movement.
In other words, the light really only works when there is a need for a passing light. A good solution, especially for families with children, where it is easier for children to use the toilet alone at night.
Light switch for up to 25 meters of led strip
Led strip lighting is also available with a reliable low-light on-off sensor. By installing an indirectly illuminated LED strip and attaching a low-power 7.2 W/m LED strip to the aluminium trim, you can energy-efficiently increase comfort and ease of movement, and create a sense of security in your home. The dimmer switch is installed by tapping the power supply end of the LED strip before the transformer. The switch has a twilight range adjustment of 2- 60 lux. Up to 25 metres of 24V 7,2 W/m LED strip can be connected to one twilight switch.
Dimmer switch switching – e.g. setting the microwave sensor (twilight sensor) to work
The microwave sensor is the most sensitive of LedStore’s dimmer switches. The sensor’s radar can also detect movement through wooden and glass surfaces, thin walls and roofing materials. Can be used with both outdoor and indoor lights, as the operation is reliable even when exposed to outdoor light.
Set the desired light level at which the motion sensor turns on the lights. If you want the lights to turn on in daylight, select a sensitivity of 2000 lux (lights will turn on in light below 2000 lux) and if you want the lights to turn on only in darkness, select a sensitivity of 5 lux.
Adjust the distance of the detection beam, taking into account the fact that the detection beam penetrates thin wall structures, and position it so that it does not turn on lights when it detects movement in an adjacent room.
Set the time delay, i.e. the time the lights are on after the last detected movement.
This allows, for example, the combination of an outdoor light, a dimmer switch and a motion sensor to be set to work. Here are some more detailed features:
Microwave sensor characteristics:
- On after last movement detected (6 options) 5 s, 30 s, 90 s, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min
- Installation height 2 m – 8 m from the floor or 1,5 m – 3,5 m for wall mounting
- Three options for detection radius at 2 m, 5 m, 8 m distance
- Detection range 180°/360°
- Dimming level adjustment 5 lx, 30 lx, 150 lx, 2000 lx
- Ignition delay 0,6 – 1,5 m/s
- Protection class IP20
- Operating temperature -20°C ~ +40°C
Twilight switch adjustment in destinations – lux according to use
The characteristics of dimmer switches vary depending on the installation site and the resistance to humidity. In addition, movement detection distance, detection radius and maximum on-time limits vary from product to product. LedStore’s range of motion and dimmer switches are suitable for wall and ceiling mounting, both indoors and outdoors in humid conditions. A simple twilight sensor does not require movement to light up, only a lowering of the light level.
Most products have both motion and twilight sensors. However, we do have one product that is only a twilight sensor. It’s very small and compact, so you can install it practically anywhere. The picture shows the sensor alone and the sensor attached to the lid of the black mounting box, leaving the wires inside the box for safe outdoor use. The product can be found in the online store in the category led accessories.
This product is installed on the mains supply, i.e. on the primary side of the lamp. Below is a wiring diagram for the dimmer switch. The voltage of the switch is 10A, so one device can withstand a load of more than 2 000 W. In practice, up to 20 Pillar Tilt2 garden lights can be connected to one dimmer switch. The dimmer switch is installed at the supply end of the luminaires, in front of the whole group. The dim lux level of the ignition is set by a small, rotary control between 5 and 50 lux. For example, an illumination level of 50 lux means that when the light level is below 50 lux, the lights will come on and stay on until the light level is above 50 lux again. Similarly, a lighting level of 25 lux will only turn them on when the light level detected by the sensor is 25 lux and will remain on until the light level exceeds 25 lux again. The level of adjustment depends slightly on the placement, but you can fine-tune it yourself even after installation.
Motion and twilight detectors out and in
The range includes a wall-mounted motion and twilight detector that can be operated in the same way as a wall switch, i.e. also on and off from a switch in the detector. Indoors, there is usually more use for a motion sensor only, not a twilight sensor. In this case, if a dimmer sensor is included in the product, it is set to maximum brightness, so that it keeps the lights on practically all the time. and it’s the motion sensor that makes sure the light is on at the right time.
A third option is a surface or flush-mounted motion and twilight detector with a 360-degree sensing range, detecting movement up to three metres away. This product uses infrared to detect movement: when the sensor detects a temperature (heat) different from the background in the detection zone, it turns on the lights. We do not recommend installation near an air conditioner, air-source heat pump or radiator, as heat variation against other backgrounds may cause the lights to light up.
This motion detector for installation in dry areas (IP20) also includes a twilight sensor, which makes it ideal for use in pathway lighting and night lighting, switching on the lights from motion only when the twilight level is at a certain level. So, for example, certain lights turn on when motion is detected, but only at dusk. The light level can be adjusted from almost dark at 3lx to full brightness at 2000lx.
For outdoor use, the IP65 motion and dimmer switch with reversible orientation is best suited for wet conditions. The sensor is perfect, for example, for controlling car roof lights. The longest on-time since the last movement was detected is 15 minutes.
Contact us and let us know your requirements, and we will work together to find the right products for you. Our sales department is located at myynti@ledstore.fi and the shop phone is always open 🙂 Tel. 045 251 4510.
Find lots of ideas and pictures of outdoor lighting where you can use motion and twilight sensors
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LedStore’s gallery: led lighting in different spaces over 3 500 images
LedStore led lighting for different spaces: led outdoor lighting
FAQ
1. What is a dimmer switch and how does it work?
2. Why install a dimmer switch in outdoor lighting?
3. Can a dimmer switch be used with LED lights?
4. What to consider when installing a dimmer switch?
5. Can a dimmer switch be combined with a motion sensor?
