understanding different load types that can be dimmed

1. understanding different load types that can be dimmed

2. technical assistance • 1-800-523-9466 • 24 hours a day • 7 days a week

3. dimming basicslamp fundamentals • Most standard lamps have the same basic construction (i.e. incandescent, halogen, low-voltage, spots, floods, etc.)

4. dimming basicslamp fundamentals • A voltage is placed across the filament • Current passes through the filament and creates heat • The filament glows, creating light

5. dimming basicslamp fundamentals • Tungsten filaments are fairly good at withstanding the heat tungsten melting point of tungsten = 3,695ºK

6. dimming basicslamp fundamentals • However, over time, the tungsten evaporates off of the filament …

7. dimming basicslamp fundamentals • … and gets necked down until it can no longer handle the energy

8. selecting the right productload type identification • Incandescent/halogen lighting • Line voltage placed across the lamp • The lamp dissipates power • The power dissipation generates heat • The lamp gets so hot that it glows

9. Why does a low voltage lamp need a transformer?load type identification • Magnetic low-voltage (MLV) • Heavy core-&-coil transformers driving 12-volt or 24-volt lighting • Typically used for accent lighting or to bring out certain colors

10. Why do people use low voltage? • Magnetic low-voltage (MLV) • Heavy core-&-coil transformers driving 12-volt or 24-volt lighting • Typically used for accent lighting or to bring out certain colors

11. selecting the right productload type identification • Electronic low-voltage (ELV) • Light-weight circuitry-based transformers driving 12-volt or 24-volt lighting • Also used for accent lighting or to bring out certain colors

12. selecting the right productload type identification • Fluorescent • Fluorescents require a ballast to generate the necessary amount of voltage to get the lamp started up and to continually regulate it

13. ganging & derating (catalog page 53) • The electronics used to dim the lights dissipate some energy as heat • The metal yoke (heat sink) is used to dissipate that heat

14. ganging & derating • In multi-gang applications, side-sections (fins) need to be broken off

15. selecting the right productload type identification load types Incandescent/Halogen Magnetic Low-Voltage Electronic Low-Voltage Incandescent Dimmer Magnetic Low Voltage Dimmer dimmer types Electronic Low Voltage Dimmer

16. selecting the right productload type identification load types the right dimmer for the right load Incandescent/Halogen Magnetic Low-Voltage Electronic Low-Voltage Incandescent OK MLV OK dimmer types ELV OK

17. selecting the right productload type identification load types Incandescent/Halogen Magnetic Low-Voltage Electronic Low-Voltage Incandescent OK NO! MLV NO! OK dimmer types ELV OK

18. selecting the right productload type identification load types Incandescent/Halogen Magnetic Low-Voltage Electronic Low-Voltage Incandescent OK NO! MLV NO! OK dimmer types ELV NO! OK

19. selecting the right productload type identification load types Incandescent/Halogen Magnetic Low-Voltage Electronic Low-Voltage Incandescent OK NO! NO! MLV NO! OK dimmer types ELV NO! OK

20. selecting the right productload type identification load types Incandescent loads will work on MLV or ELV dimmers Incandescent/Halogen Magnetic Low-Voltage Electronic Low-Voltage Incandescent OK NO! NO! MLV OK (can be mixed with incandescent loads) OK NO! dimmer types ELV OK (can be mixed with incandescent loads) OK NO!

21. selecting the right product • To ensure the success of a dimming application – you must make sure the dimmer and the load type are matched correctly!