240v Downlighters with LED Dimmable bulbs

[Dannydigger]

Hi Guys,

Im currently quoting a job to install dimmable downlighters.

Firstly, can I use 240v downlighters with dimmable LED bulbs

Secondly, can I use a standard dimmer switch or does it have to be a low voltage one?

Thanks as always

Dan

 

[Leesparkykent]

Hi Guys,

Im currently quoting a job to install dimmable downlighters.

Firstly, can I use 240v downlighters with dimmable LED bulbs

Yes you just buy GU10 LED lamps.

Secondly, can I use a standard dimmer switch or does it have to be a low voltage one?

For an increased chance of compatibility, trailing-edge dimmer switches tend to work better with the capacitive load of an LED driver.

Thanks as always

Dan

......

 

[yellowvanman]

Also some dimmers have a certain wattage range, need to make sure you're within that range.

 

[Dannydigger]

Im completely baffled. Ive got 9 240v downlighters with 5W dimmable LEDs. Do I use a 400W dimmer or lower rated one?

Stumped

 

[davesparks]

Why not use purpose made LED downlights?

 

[Dannydigger]

Customer looking to keep price down

 

[davesparks]

Well, you can't fix stupid!

Read the manufacturers information for the dimmer to find out what LED load it can work with.

 

[Dannydigger]

Lol nail on the head there Dave.

 

[Leesparkykent]

LED loading cannot be calculated the same way as a traditional Incandescent or a Mains Halogen light bulb. A good ‘Rule Of Thumb’ to apply ,is to take the maximum rating of the dimmer switch and divide by 10. Or the manufactures instructions will provide more accurate information than the rule of thumb method.

 

[Dannydigger]

Lee does that mean if I have 9 x 5W LED (45W total plate load) I will be ok with a dimmer that has got a min plate load of 40W?

 

[robd]

Im completely baffled. Ive got 9 240v downlighters with 5W dimmable LEDs. Do I use a 400W dimmer or lower rated one?

Stumped

Danny, add it up you've got 45W there

 

[Dannydigger]

Thats a yes then

Thanks again guys

 

[telectrix]

use brain for thinking. buy the lamps and dimmer together from same place.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Lee does that mean if I have 9 x 5W LED (45W total plate load) I will be ok with a dimmer that has got a min plate load of 40W?

My post was about the maximum loading of the dimmer when using LED lamps. For example a 500W dimmer will normally be good for 10x5W led lamps but the manufacturers instructions might say you can have more.

Most trailing-edge dimmers have a low minimum load often around 10W.

 

[amlu]

had a very good results with bg nexus dimmers recently, they have a little adjustment at the back, to set maximum dimming level, so the lights dont cut-off. toolstation sells them. worked fine with a lot of 8 generic 5w dimmable leds purchased in there too.