Dimming Basics

Dimming Basics

While all Lutron dimmers can save money on energy expenses and maintenance costs, not all dimmers share the same functionality. Before developing a light control strategy, you should understand a few basic facts about dimmers.

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Types of Dimmers

Each type of lighting source (load types) has individual characteristics, which require special types of dimmers. It is important to use a dimmer that is designed, tested, and UL listed for your specific lighting source/load type:

Incandescent/Halogen: Line-voltage tungsten filament lamps, including line-voltage (120 V) halogen lamps Electrical characteristic Resistive   Special requirements Rated for cold filament inrush (positive and negative periods may not be equal, resulting in a net DC voltage). Do not use on magnetic low-voltage (MLV) or Electronic low-voltage (ELV). Magnetic Low-voltage (MLV): Magnetic (core and coil, toroidal) transformer-supplied low-voltage lighting (6, 12, or 24 V) Electrical characteristic Inductive  Special requirements Symmetric cycles (VDC ≤ 2), smooth turn off (positive and negative periods are equal for safe MLV transformer operation). Include transformer losses when calculating the load. Electronic Low-voltage (ELV): Electronic (solid-state) transformer-supplied low-voltage lighting    Electrical characteristic Capacitive Special requirements Very smooth turn on. Neutral wire connection Looking for Lutron wallplates? We've got it covered. Click here. Neon/Cold Cathode (Magnetic Ballast): Magnetic (core and coil, toroidal) transformer-supplied

Electrical characteristic Very inductive  Special requirements Symmetric cycles (VDC ≤ 2), smooth turn off (positive and negative periods are equal for safe MLV transformer operation). Include transformer losses when calculating the load. Low end trim capability.

Fluorescent: Electronic Fluorescent Dimming Ballast
Special dimmers are designed and UL listed to send power and control signals to each type of electronic fluorescent dimming ballast.

Light Emitting Diode (LED): Electronic LED Driver Special dimmers are designed to send power and control signals to each type of electronic LED driver. Special requirements LED light source must be properly matched to LED driver, and LED driver must meet control specifications for control type (e.g. IEC for 0-10 V).

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