The power supplied to the LED fixture is controlled by LED drivers. They transform the primary power source's alternating current into a lower voltage. There are two kinds of drivers when it comes to dimming: dimmable and non-dimmable. Since dimmable LED drivers enable the fitting to dim smoothly and correctly, I always make sure to combine them with dimmable lighting fixtures.
In addition, a dimmable LED driver can assist a dimmable LED tape light or dimmable LED under cabinet light last longer by lowering the voltage needed to turn on the LED light.
When installing a dimmable driver, you must take certain precautions. Different models have distinct rules, so you must study them before going. However, to give you a broad idea, here is what you need to assume that you'll do:
Review the specification of the LED driver (it must be compatible with the LED lights)
Switch off the primary power supply
Identify the power source's positive and negative wires
Wire the positive terminal of the driver to the positive terminal of the LED fixture's input
Connect the negative terminal of the driver's output to the negative terminal of the LED's input
(Driver to the power supply) Link the positive terminal of the driver's input to the positive pole of the power supply
Wire the negative terminal of the LED driver's input to the neutral pole of the power supply
Understanding Dimmable LED Drivers
When I was a novice, I also had these questions: What does an LED driver do? Is it required for your installation? Will it impact the performance of your lights? Here are the things I discovered during my journey.
Because they have a lower voltage, some LED lights cannot be connected directly to the main power source. Whether dimmable or not, an LED driver helps control the voltage and current sent to the low-voltage LEDs, ensuring that they stay within their safe working limits.
Dimmable drivers are useful for task and accent lighting, giving users more options to meet their needs. When selecting a dimmable driver to pair with your low-voltage lights, it's important to check compatibility; if in doubt, the best course of action is to ask the manufacturer, supplier, or store staff! Dimmable drivers also enable users to adjust the brightness level of the fitting to suit specific preferences and requirements!
Wiring a Dimmable Driver
Disclaimer: Although this article offers instructions on how to wire an LED driver, it is still important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a successful and high-quality installation. Even better, have a professional do it for you to make sure everything is in place and safe! Here are the things you need to do when installing a dimmable driver!
Step-by-step
1.Assess the specifications of the LED driver and guarantee that it's compatible with the LED lights.
2.Determine the positive and negative wires of the power source and switch off the circuit breaker.
3.Wire the positive terminal of the driver to the positive terminal of the LED fixture's input. Then, connect the negative terminal of the driver's output to the negative terminal of the LED's input.
4.To link the driver to the power supply, connect the positive terminal of the driver's input to the positive pole of the power supply. Then, wire the negative terminal of the LED driver's input to the neutral pole of the power supply.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Dimmable LED Driver
There are a lot of LED drivers available, so once you start thinking about your options, it will get confused. Here are some things I look for when buying an LED driver to help you stay organised!
Lifespan – Look for an LED driver that can last for 30,000 hours or longer, so you don't have to keep installing replacements often.
Power -Ensure that the driver's power exceeds or is equal to the total wattage of the LED lights you'll connect.
Dimming Range -Some dimmers can be set to 0% while others stay at 10% dimmed. Review the driver's dimming range if you want the option to go dark.
IP Rating -This aspect is critical because it indicates the driver's waterproofing level. If you plan to install it outdoors, it should be IP65-rated and up. If you're mounting it indoors, away from water sources, an IP20-rated driver will do.
