LED strips gradually, but more and more thoroughly, are included in the interior of residential premises and entertainment facilities. With the help of these devices, the arrangement of hidden and open decorative lighting is carried out, both for the entire room and for individual objects. An increase in the possibilities and aesthetic component of LED strip lamps is achieved by dimming - connecting special devices to the line that allow you to change the brightness of the glow depending on the circumstances. The dimmer can be assembled independently or you can purchase a ready-made product with a different set of functions.
Improvement of lighting devices
Depending on the power, LED strips can perform the functions of main, auxiliary and decorative lighting. Different situations require different power levels of these devices. Disabling them or activating other devices is not very convenient and does not always give the desired effect. If there is a sufficient margin of luminescence intensity, it is easier to manipulate this parameter, changing its indicators by adjusting the voltage and current.
This goal can be achieved by dimming the electrical circuit, when a flow of electrons is supplied to the entire device or to a separate line of LEDs in strictly limited parameters. Devices operating on the principle of a rheostat or electronic devices based on chips can be connected to the device. The design of the regulators determines their cost, size, accuracy, durability and resistance to fluctuations in the network.
When choosing or self-assembly of a product, you must pay attention to the origin of the component parts and the availability of a quality certificate.
Features of dimmable LED products
LED strips are strips of synthetic material on which electrical wires and microscopic light sources are thermally fixed - diodes that change their parameters when the signal arriving at them changes.
According to the way of execution of ICE strips are of the following types:
- Monochrome. Consist of lamps connected in series or in parallel. The most common products are strips composed of diodes that produce a white (milky) or neutral (solar) glow. Less commonly, objects are decorated with stripes with red, blue or green sources.
- Multicolor. They are divided into several categories depending on the combination of the palette. The first option (RGB) is the most common, as it gives an optimal decorative effect at minimal cost. The products combine red, green and blue dots. The next most popular are RGB + W designs, which contain red, green, blue and white sources. In more complex devices crystals of all colors of the rainbow are added.
Multicolor LED strip Monochrome LED strip
If you connect a simple two-phase thyristor to the circuit, you can only achieve an increase or decrease in the intensity of the luminous intensity of all channels.The desired overflow cannot be achieved. To create a color that matches the setting, a multi-channel device should be connected, with the help of which the tape with crystals will be dimmed in any range of colors.
Brightness control methods
The LED strip can be controlled by dimmers of the following types:
- Swivel. The parameters are set by turning the knob, which can have a round, gear or polygonal shape. The device is switched on and off by pressing or turning the handle. It can be equipped with a night indicator.
- Push-button. There are several sensors on the panel, each of which has its own meaning. Dimming is done by lightly pressing on the place with the desired symbol.
- Remote. The dimmable LED strip is controlled by a remote control or via a cell phone with installed software. Commands can be transmitted to devices by activating symbols on the display or via a microphone.
The more complex the regulator model, the higher the price of the product. Some devices may have more than the tape itself.
Principle of operation of pulse width modulators
The pulse-width modulators used to change the luminescence parameters of the crystals operate on the principle of changing the duration of the rectangular current supply to the product while maintaining its parameters. The width of the impulse current varies from zero to the maximum level relative to the mains voltage.
The output signal of the device is maintained at preset values, which ensures the preservation of the spectral composition of the radiation of the crystals of the tape. Connecting a dimmer in pulse mode does not cause loss of power and is best suited for choosing an electronic way to control the system.
The disadvantage of budget models is the flickering effect, which negatively affects the organs of vision. Priority should be given to expensive products, devoid of such a drawback.
How to connect a dimmer
Before connecting the dimmer to the LED strip, you must disconnect the system from the power supply. If the line is connected directly to the network, the entire room should be de-energized.
The product attaches to the wires between the power supply and the tape. Before installation, make sure that the output voltage of the power supply matches the parameters of the regulator. After that, fix the wires, observing the polarity. The corresponding symbols are shown on the contacts. You need to connect to a multi-color lamp using the same technique, inserting wires into the contacts marked with the letters R, G, B and W.
Checking the correctness of the connection is carried out by connecting the system to the network. When properly wired, it will run smoothly and stably. In case of an error, the crystals will not glow.
Installation method and location
The regulator models offered by the manufacturers are available in various designs. They can be installed in an open or closed way, depending on the interior of the room and its technical characteristics.
Wall mounting is carried out by fixing the product to the wall surface or placing it in a standard socket. Wire masking is a problematic issue. At the stage of the repair, they are recessed into the grooves, which are subsequently sealed with putty. If there is no desire or opportunity to cut the walls, the cable is masked in a plastic box or decorative skirting board. Alternatively, the wires can be painted to match the color of the finish.
Concealed installation near the tape implies remote control of the device. The device is mounted behind one of the elements of the interior of the room (picture, sconce, cornice) or fits into the structure of a suspended or stretch ceiling.Control is carried out from a wireless or remote control.
Adjustment options
The variety of LED products and accessories on the market provides the consumer with a wide choice of convenient way for him to adjust the lighting mode.
The devices can be controlled in the following ways:
- Potentiometer. The device is inserted into a switch box, the design of which is selected to suit the style of the interior.
- Computer, laptop or smartphone. The transmission of control signals is carried out through one of the types of wireless communication - Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi Fi.
Direct and multichannel dimmers are used depending on the type of tape. Modern power supplies come with built-in regulators.
Expensive models have programming functions, work in the mode of color overflow, pulsation, color music when programming the accompaniment of sound files. Some devices can work in conjunction with alarm sensors.
For self-assembly of the dimmer, you will need a soldering iron, rosin, solder and a circuit board. Initially, a diagram is drawn up, on which the places of soldering and connections are indicated. Parts can be purchased at the market or at amateur radio stores. Observing the accuracy and sequence of work, you can independently assemble a device that is not inferior in functionality to factory counterparts.
