Normal dimmers send a signal to dim the line voltage (120V) side of the power supply. It dims the low voltage side of the power supply by sending a 0-10 volt signal from the dimmer switch to the power supply and requires two extra low voltage wires going to the dimmer. People also ask, how does a low voltage dimmer work? They have a higher cost because of this, but most LED lights come with a warranty of some caliber. LEDs in general are known for their energy-saving properties. Electronic (solid-state) transformers tend to be smaller and are often light for their size.An Electronic Low Voltage ( ELV) dimmer used in conjunction with an LED (light emitting diode) is almost a match made in heaven. Magnetic (core and coil, toroidal) transformers are often heavy for their size. The best was to determine transformer type is to contact the manufacturer.Ī hint of the transformer construction can often be found in the transformer's weight. However, this is not a required marking and will not be found on all products. Transformers may have magnetic (core and coil, toroidal) or electronic (solid-state) clearly indicated on the product. How do I tell magnetic and electronic low-voltage transformers apart?
A 3-way switch is not compatible with this configuration. Multi-location dimmers do use standard 3-way wiring, but make use of one wire for communications while the other carries the load current. 3-way dimmers may only be located in either of the 3-way switch positions.Ĭan I use a standard 3-way switch with a multi-location dimmer? If a product purchased as a 3-way control needs to be used in a single-pole application, cap off one of the traveler wires with a wire connector.Ĭan I use a 3-way dimmer in the 4-way switch location? a halogen lamp dimmed by 25% has a life extension of about four times that of a non-dimmed lamp.Ĭan I use a 3-way dimmer in a single-pole application? Lutron test data suggest that all halogen lamps will have an expected lamp life simmilar to that of other incandescent (non power factor corrected) lamps when dimmed, i.e. The removal of these fins reduces the capacity (load) the dimmer can control.ĭimming increases incandescent lamp life, and halogen lamps are incandescent lamps. The fins are grooved to make the removal of fins easy with a pair of pliers. To do this, a portion of the fins (heat sink) must be removed. Dimmers can be ganged together such that the space between them is the same as for switches. This increased size helps the dimmer dissipate the internal heat normal to operation. With other dimmers, you can only dim from one location and have an on/off switch at the other location.Ī typical dimmer is wider than a switch. Note: Only certain dimmers allow the ability to dim from more than one locationexample: Maestro or Faedra.
#Magnetic low voltage dimmer for led lights full#
Multi-Location Control from Each Location - multi-location dimmers can be used with accessory dimmers for full control of the lights from up to 10 locations. When used with 3-way and 4-way switches, the lights can be turned on to dimmer level or off from many locations. Single-Pole Dimmers provide control from one location.ģ-Way Dimmer with Switches - 3-way dimmer adjust the light level from one location. Single Pole, 3-Way, Multi-Location Dimmers
There are following lighting sources: Incandescent, Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV), Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), Neon/Cold Athode, and FLuorescent. It is important to use a dimmer that is designed, tested, and UL listed for your specific lighting source. These sources have individual characteristics which require special types of dimmers.
Dimming BasicsĪ wide variety of lighting sources exist on the market. Choose correct wattage for your application. They are available in many colors and styles. Lightology offers single-pole Low voltage magnetic dimmers, three-way and multi-location magnetic low voltage dimmers. Multi Location (Dim from one location) (4).Multi Location (Dim from all locations) (5).