POLARITY
LED arrays, components and wiring are color-coded, usually red (+), and black (-). Unlike traditional incandescent/halogen lamps, an LED array will function only when voltage is applied in the forward direction of the diode. If voltage is reversed, no current flows thus no light emitted. If the reverse voltage exceeds the LED chip ‘breakdown’ voltage, the LED array will be damaged.
Installers should always pay attention to the wiring, connectors, and color-coded polarity.
DIMMING PROTOCOLS
The most prominent protocols for commercial and industrial dimming controls are:
PWM: Pulse Width Modulation
Forward Phase Cut
Reverse Phase Cut
DMX512: Theatrical and sophisticated Architectural applications
DALI: Digital Addressable Lighting Interface
0-10VDC
BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy
Designing and installing dimming systems for LED luminaires, lamps or tape-light can be tricky. While systems may be commissioned and controlled via a wireless interface, mostly the LED device (lamp or luminaire) will be hard-wired with either analog or digital control devices.
