About to embark on an LED dimming job? There are a few factors you need to consider before getting started to make sure everything works as it should.
We asked our technical experts to share some of their top tips, so you can guarantee a flicker-free and silent install, every time:
1. Use good quality lamps
LEDs are great for saving energy, but their wattage isn’t always as low as the number printed on the label, thanks to inrush current. Our advice is to only buy good quality LED lamps, tape, panels, strip lighting etc. from reputable LED brands, which have a much lower inrush current than cheaper alternatives.
2. Check your dimmer
The type of dimmer switch and its minimum/maximum load range will indicate its compatibility with the lamps you have chosen or require for the project. And if you’ve chosen LED, then you need an LED compatible dimmer.
While historically, there are two well-known, main types of dimmers (trailing edge and leading edge), only one of these dimmers is compatible with LED. Leading edge dimmers are made for dimming traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs, whilst trailing edge dimmers are designed for LED.
If you are dimming LED, you need a trailing edge dimmer. A digital dimmer, like those in the Zano Controls' LED range, have a digital microprocessor that can control LED without interference.
3. Calculate the total load of your install
Before purchasing or ordering your dimmer you need to figure out the total load your dimmer will need to support.
To find the total load of the lamps that you are using, you need to add up the combined wattage of all the LED lamps or drivers on the circuit and account for potential inrush current. Use our guide to help with your calculations.
4. Call the team at Zano – we are here to help
Our team have years of experience dealing with problematic dimmers and we have the expertise in digital LED dimming to match.
And for any project specification enquiries or to talk through a LED dimming problem or opportunity give us a call on 0345 519 5858.