Do dimmable LED strip light need a special dimmer?
In modern lighting technology, LED strip light are highly favored due to their flexibility, high energy efficiency, and wide range of applications. Among them, dimmable LED strip light, by enabling free adjustment of brightness, have revolutionized modern lighting solutions. Whether enhancing the ambiance of a home or creating an efficient professional workspace, understanding the working principle of dimmable LED strip light is key to achieving ideal lighting effects.
As a high-end lighting product, dimmable COB LED strip light are rapidly becoming a new favorite in the lighting market. With its spotless emission, high luminous efficiency, and superior visual comfort, COB LED strip light are redefining modern lighting design. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of dimmable COB LED strip light, helping readers gain a comprehensive understanding of this advanced lighting technology.
Can any LED strip be dimmable?
Most COB LED strip lights on the market are dimmable, allowing you to adjust brightness according to different environments. However, there are exceptions, so it's crucial to check the product manual and specifications before purchasing. To confirm whether a COB LED strip light is dimmable, be sure to review the product description and specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Dimmable COB LED strip lights are designed to provide smooth, flicker-free lighting, maintaining excellent performance even when brightness is adjusted. They are ideal for applications requiring flexible and efficient lighting solutions, such as residential, commercial, and architectural lighting projects. At GO OCEAN Lighting, we offer a variety of high-quality dimmable COB LED strip lights to meet your specific lighting needs.
COB LED strips achieve this functionality through advanced circuitry, dimmable LED power supplies, and compatible LED dimmers. Understanding these components is key to selecting the right dimmable LED strip for your needs.
First, COB LED strips cannot be directly connected to AC mains voltage (such as a 120V AC power outlet). They also require a regulated, dimmable LED power supply to convert the high AC voltage to a low 12V or 24V DC voltage.
Secondly, COB LED strips must be connected to an LED dimmer to function properly. Whether a COB LED strip is dimmable depends on whether its power supply is dimmable, and whether the power supply is dimmable also helps the strip recognize dimming signals from the dimmer.
Finally, the brightness of any COB LED strip can be adjusted via a proper DC signal. However, if you also want to adjust the color, you will need an LED strip controller.
What dimming options are available for dimmable COB LED light strips?
Dimmable functionality means that users can steplessly adjust the brightness of the COB LED light strip as needed, from dimmest to brightest. This function is typically achieved through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or analog dimming technology, which can meet the lighting needs of different scenarios.
PWM Dimming
PWM dimming controls the brightness of COB LEDs by adjusting the pulse width. The advantage of PWM dimming is that the dimming range is wide, and it can realize smooth adjustment from the very low brightness to the highest brightness, and there is almost no color shift, which can maintain excellent color consistency.
Traditional Wall Dimmer + TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply
Wall dimmers and TRIAC dimmable power supplies are also an ideal choice. These traditional dimmer and TRIAC LED power supply combinations are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and suitable for COB LED strip installations. They are also well-suited for under-cabinet LED lighting needs.
Most wall-mounted LED dimmers use TRIAC dimming signals. Therefore, you need to choose a TRIAC LED power supply that best suits your COB LED strip dimming needs.
0/1-10V Dimming
0/1-10V dimming is a voltage-based dimming method. It uses a controller to output a 0/1-10V DC voltage signal, controlling the output current of the LED driver power supply, thereby adjusting the brightness of the COB LED strip.
A standard 0/1-10V dimmer contains two independent optical paths. The first is a voltage circuit used to disconnect or connect the power supply to the LED luminaire. The second circuit is a low-voltage circuit used to control the dimming of the COB LED strip.
Radio Frequency (RF) Dimming
RF dimming is a wireless dimming control technology. It utilizes radio frequency signals, transmitted via RF remote controls or smart devices (such as mobile phones and tablets), to send RF signals containing dimming information, thereby transmitting dimming commands. It can be used for wireless dimming of COB LED strips.
To achieve RF dimming, the total number of COB LED strips to be connected must first be calculated. Then, the total power of these COB strips must be calculated. If the total power is less than the power of the RF LED controller, only one controller is needed. However, if the total power is large, multiple controllers are required.
For large projects, you can use high-quality power repeaters or power amplifiers. This way, you only need one RF controller to dim the light strips. Note that the effective range of an RF dimmer is up to 20 meters. Therefore, if a longer signal range is required, a power repeater is essential.
There are several RF controller options available. Users can choose from the following:
Single-zone dimmer
Handheld remote dimmer
Wall-mounted controller
Multi-zone dimmer
With a single-zone dimmer, you cannot control each COB LED strip or segment individually. Therefore, all lights will dim simultaneously. With a multi-zone controller, you can control different COB LED strips or segments independently.
WiFi Dimming
WiFi dimming utilizes the existing WiFi network at home or in a physical location to control brightness. Users can download a corresponding dimming application to their mobile phones, tablets, or other smart devices. Within the same WiFi network environment, the smart device establishes a connection with the control module of the COB LED light strip.
Most COB LED light strip enthusiasts prefer to use smartphones to control brightness; WiFi controllers are ideal for this purpose, allowing for easy brightness control. Smart control is gradually becoming a modern trend.
A significant advantage of WiFi dimming is its utilization of existing network infrastructure, eliminating the need for complex control wiring or dedicated remote controls. Users can control their lights anytime, anywhere, provided there are smart devices and network coverage.
However, WiFi dimming also has some drawbacks. For example, WiFi networks can be affected by congestion and signal instability. When the network fails, the dimming response may be delayed, or even impossible to control.
DALI Dimming
DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. It is best suited for large projects that require controlling multiple COB LED light strips. DALI systems allow you to manually turn lights on and off and control brightness. They can also be used to activate and run preset lighting programs.
Most offices, hotels, and large stores tend to use DALI systems for dimming. However, in recent years, DALI systems have also become increasingly popular among home users. For optimal results, a DALI system must be installed correctly.
First, the DALI receivers need to be connected between the COB LED strip and the LED transformer. After setup, connect all the DALI receivers using signal cables. Next, simply connect them all to the DALI dimmer switch.
DMX Dimming
DMX (Digital Multiplexing) is designed to operate and connect incompatible dimming systems. It is a standard dimming protocol widely used in professional fields such as stage lighting and landscape lighting. A DMX dimming system mainly consists of a DMX controller, a signal amplifier, and a DMX receiver (e.g., a driver connected to a COB LED strip).
The DMX LED strip controller can handle up to 512 channels. This is why it is called DMX512. Each DMX strip receiver channel is set with the aid of DIP switches. These switches are located on the side of the device with the help of nine binary switches. Using these switches, the user can set each channel to a maximum of 512.
DMX dimming is perfect for restaurants, homes, hotels, clubs, or any location of your choice.
Factors to consider when installing dimmable COB LED strip light？
When installing a dimmable COB LED strip system, please note the following:
Dim Signal Compatibility: Ensure your dimming method (whether it's a triac, 0-10V, or PWM) is compatible with the LED strip and power supply. Using incompatible dimmers may cause flickering or even damage. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing components.
Dimable Power Supply: Invest in a high-quality dimmable power supply or driver. A dimmable LED driver is crucial for smooth dimming and stable light output. Choosing a reliable power supply ensures safety and performance.
Voltage Drop Management: Due to voltage drop, the brightness of a COB LED strip may decrease during long-distance transmission. To avoid this, use proper wiring and ensure the power supply can handle the required load current; consider GO OCEAN Lighting's 20-meter voltage drop-free strip.
Color Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent color temperature is essential for aesthetics. Modern dimmers and PWM dimmers excel at maintaining color accuracy. This is crucial for environments where lighting plays a significant role in visual effects.
Installation Environment: Consider the specific needs of your space (whether it's an industrial space, office lighting, or a performance venue) and select the appropriate control method accordingly. Customized settings based on your environment ensure optimal results.
Summary
Dimmerable COB LED light strips, as an advanced lighting product, are widely used in residential, commercial, industrial, and landscape lighting applications due to their high luminous efficiency, uniformity, flexible dimming, and energy-saving advantages.
By understanding their various dimming modes, users can better select and utilize this LED lighting technology, thereby improving lighting effects and quality of life. In the future, with continuous technological advancements and increasingly diversified market demands, dimmable COB LED light strips will continue to develop, bringing people a more intelligent, efficient, and personalized lighting experience.
GO OCEAN Lighting is a factory with over 10 years of experience providing one-stop linear lighting solutions. If you need to purchase LED light strips, please contact us.
