{"id":463,"date":"2022-08-17T03:49:56","date_gmt":"2022-08-17T03:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/?p=463"},"modified":"2022-09-04T14:35:07","modified_gmt":"2022-09-04T14:35:07","slug":"how-to-dim-led-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/how-to-dim-led-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Dim LED Lights: Tips and Tricks You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you love setting the atmosphere with your light? Or do you want to save more energy? It’s possible with your dimmable LEDs<\/a>, depending on how you tweak the configuration. However, dimming LED lights can get tricky. For example, some “dimmable” LEDs may not work with specific dimmers. And using a dimmer with a non-dimmable LED would reduce your lamp’s lifespan. This article will give you tips and tricks on dimming LED lights without issues. We’ll also add some factors to consider when choosing a dimming method.<\/p>\n\n\n

Why Dim your Lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Dimmer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dimmer Switch<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s beneficial to dim your lights. First, dimming can extend your lamp’s lifespan. How? Well, dimmed lights generate less heat, which means less stress for the lamp’s components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, you can enjoy extra energy savings. For example, dimming your lights at 50% means your lamps would use 50% less energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, dimmable LEDs have ambiance effects that can help you set the mood of your environment. In short, it’s pretty flexible and can work for any situation. <\/p>\n\n\n

How do Dimmable Lights Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n

You can dim your lights in two ways: Analog or pulse width modulation<\/a>. The analog method is pretty simple. You’ll need to increase or decrease your lamp’s current to brighten or dim the lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PWM method, on the other hand, is a bit more complex. Here, you’ll create a dimming effect instead of voltage to determine your lamp’s brightness level. Also, the “on and off” cycle is responsible for the dimming development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you dim your lights to 20%, they will stay on for 20% of the time and go off for 80% (We’ll discuss more details later).<\/p>\n\n\n

How Exactly are LEDs Dimmed?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Hand<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rotary Dimmer Switch<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED dimming is a different ball game compared to other legacy lighting types. Hence, it’s crucial to plan carefully for dimming when setting up an LED fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, when the filament <\/a>wire of incandescent bulbs gets hot, it produces light. So you’ll only need to supply less voltage to cool the wire and dim the light. It’s an example of analog dimming since adjusting the voltage can control lights from 0% to 100% brightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, LEDs generate light from diodes. And diodes have only two states: ON (producing lights) or OFF (no light). For this reason, dimming LEDs are a bit different, and here’s why:<\/p>\n\n\n

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)<\/h3>\n\n\n

PWM dimming is a perfect match for LEDs as it varies how long the lights stay ON or OFF at any given time. But as we mentioned earlier, the lights will go through ON and OFF cycles to constantly output the desired brightness. But why don’t we see it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEDs with PWM dimming can flicker at high rates–which is invisible to the human eye. Typically, we only see about 60 frames per second (50-90 Hz). So, when the lights flash at higher rates, our brains make it look smooth by filling the vision gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are certain limitations, especially if you’re using this method in videography. Though we can’t see the PWM flickering, a high-quality camera will pick up little strobes<\/a> when you dim the lights.<\/p>\n\n\n

Analog Dimming<\/h3>\n\n\n

While it sounds like an easier option, analog dimming goes beyond adjusting the voltage flowing to the LED. Although it’ll reduce the LED’s brightness, it may change the light’s color at lower voltage levels. As a result, you’ll have light quality and uniformity problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No doubt, analog is much easier than PWM dimming for LEDs. After all, it requires adding one or more resistors to your LED connection. But you won’t have as much control over the power supply as PWM dimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, adding resistors depends on your LED’s brightness in its original state. Hence, you’ll need to do some calculations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, you must know the power you need for your project. Here’s the formula you need for this calculation:<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"\/<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

According to the formula, P (power) is equal to a square of  I (current in amps flowing through the circuit) multiplied by R (resistor value in ohms). <\/p>\n\n\n

How to Dim LED Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Dimmable<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dimmer Button<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are six steps to help you dim your LED lights:<\/p>\n\n\n

Step One: Check if You have a Dimmable LED<\/h3>\n\n\n
\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dimmable LED Bulb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before getting a new LED dimmer switch, check if your LED fixture is dimmable. And it’s because not all LEDs have dimmable designs. You can find this information behind your light’s packaging or the manufacturer’s website.<\/p>\n\n\n

Step Two: Check your Existing Dimmer<\/h3>\n\n\n
\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Light Dimmer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, you’ll need a special dimmer compatible with your LEDs and lighting choices. You can try to see if it works, but there’s a high chance it won’t. If you have an existing dimmer switch, it may not have designs that support LED lighting loads.<\/p>\n\n\n

Step Three: Choose your LED Dimmer Switch<\/h3>\n\n\n

There are generally two types of LED dimmer switches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n