LEDdimmen

LEDdimmen describes the practice of adjusting the brightness of LED lighting by controlling the electrical current or the output of the LED driver. It is used to create different atmospheres, reduce energy consumption, extend lamp life, and improve visual comfort in homes, offices, and public spaces.

There are several dimming methods. Analog or linear dimming reduces the drive current or the LED driver's output, typically via 0-10V or 1-10V control signals. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) keeps the current constant while switching the LED on and off rapidly; the average brightness decreases with a shorter on-time. Some implementations use TRIAC dimming compatible with traditional wall dimmers, but only with LED drivers designed for this type. Digital control standards such as DALI, DMX, Zigbee, and Bluetooth enable more precise, centralized dimming with scenes and schedules.

Dimming can affect performance. Color temperature and color rendering may shift at low brightness for some LEDs; high-quality products minimize this. PWM dimming can cause perceptible flicker if the modulation frequency is too low. The achievable dimming range matters: many LEDs have a minimum brightness below which light output is unstable or non-linear. Compatibility between the LED, driver, and dimmer is essential.

When choosing LED dimming, verify driver compatibility with the dimmer type, check supported dimming range and response curve, and consider whether a constant-current LED driver is used. For smooth, flicker-free results in larger installations, digital control networks (such as DALI) or high-frequency PWM on well-designed drivers are preferred. Non-dimmable LEDs should not be paired with dimmers.