The short answer to this question is: yes, it is definitely possible to dim LED lighting! But not all LED lamps are dimmable by default, so it must be specifically and explicitly stated on the packaging that the LED lamp is dimmable or you can ask the supplier or installer. In addition, it is important to use the right LED dimmer.

How can you dim LED lighting?

If you want to be able to dim your LED lighting, it is important that you use an 'LED dimmer' for this, because not all dimmers are suitable for LED lighting. Ultimately, different types of dimmers work the same: turning a knob makes the lamp less bright, but the technology behind it can differ. Dimmers have a certain range, the load within which the dimmer can do its work.

Which LED lamps are dimmable?

Not all LED lighting is dimmable. It is therefore important that you check this carefully before purchasing a dimmer or lighting. Do you already have LED lamps in your company that you want to dim? Then keep in mind that not all LED lighting is dimmable. You can check this yourself on the product or ask the supplier or home installer.

How well is LED lighting dimmable?

With older traditional dimmers, the problem may be that they require a fairly high minimum power (wattage), which the modern and much more economical LED lamp does not achieve. For this reason, LED lights often flicker when you connect them to a traditional dimmer that previously contained a halogen lamp. Therefore, choose one of the two types of dimmers below that are only suitable for LED lighting, so you can prevent problems with the lighting.

Choosing the right LED dimmer

There are different types of dimmers that you can use to dim LED lighting, the most common LED dimming techniques that occur are the phase-cutting and phase-cutting dimming techniques. These are both wired ways of dimming.

There is a dimmability symbol on the packaging of the dimmer or on the product itself. This symbol indicates which light source the dimmer is suitable for. As we just mentioned, it is important that you use a special LED dimmer for LED lighting. The symbols are expressed in the following combination of letters:

• R, C: phase cutting dimming technique, also known as Trailing Edge
• R, L: phase cutting dimming technique, also known as Leading Edge

When dimming LED lighting, it is important to choose a dimmer that has both RC or RL and LED on it. Standard dimmers often ensure that the LED light cannot be dimmed properly, causing it to flicker. This is due to the low voltage of the LED lamp.

Tips for dimming your LED lighting

There is therefore a difference in dimming LED lighting. The difference is in the way of switching the alternating voltage. For dimming LED lighting, it is often best to use a phase-cutting dimmer for the largest dimming range, provided that your LED lighting has the same dimming technology.

LED dimmers with a phase cut also work with LED lighting, but they only have a smaller dimming range. Therefore, with this type of dimmer, the light source can never be dimmed completely or will often start to flicker.

Using a dimmer that is not suitable for LED lighting will almost always result in flickering LED lamps even if the lamp is dimmable, a buzzing sound from the dimmer or from the LED lamp and a shorter lifespan of the LED lamp and the dimmer.

In addition to these forms of dimming, there is also DALI.

What is DALI dimming?

DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. It is the global standard that has been established in an independent technical form by IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission). A DALI lighting network consists of a controller with one or more lighting components.

DALI makes it possible to digitally control ballasts and LED drivers. But despite this digital control, it is still a wired form of dimming. We prefer wireless dimming, the dimming technology of the future.

Smart dimming with smart lighting.

Never leave a lamp on unnecessarily when you leave or walk out of the room. You can always turn off the light afterwards with the app on your phone. Better yet, in combination with a smart motion sensor, the light will turn off automatically and you will never be in the dark again with the help of automatic programs that you can set yourself with the app.

Smart lighting is increasingly being used in people's homes. This smart lighting is wireless and available with different types of control including Zigbee, WiFi and Bluetooth. Smart lighting is increasingly being used in companies and business premises. This offers entrepreneurs additional options to automate their business and save extra energy. For example, think of making your bedrijfsverlichting smart in the office, showroom, warehouse or workshop.

Switching from an incandescent light bulb to LED lighting is already a huge saving on your energy consumption, which can amount to up to 90% per lamp. But if you then also switch to smart LED lighting, those savings can be even greater. Smart lighting can be set to your personal preferences in terms of colours, times and intensity; the possibilities are endless.

If you choose smart LED lighting, you are choosing the lighting of the future.

Want to know more about the possibilities of LED lighting?