A 0-10V dimmable LED driver will help save money, contributing to a greener environment while allowing continuous illumination. For greener applications, it makes sense to find dimmers which can adjust levels from 0 to 10 volts; though sometimes this option will be more expensive. But actually controlling the voltage directly via dimmer affords greater control of not only energy conservation, but expenditure. Not only do LEDs last longer, they’re inherently energy-efficient; the “green” nature of their application comes built in. Certainly, LEDs are still energy-efficient without a dimmable driver; but going the 0-10V option is recommendable for the most energy conservation.
An Innovation With History Behind It
The 0-10V dimmable LED driver actually pre-dates LED technology. As far as electronics go, it is one of the the earliest innovations in dimming technology to hit the market. It works this way: DC voltage is varied between zero and ten volts by the knob or switches involved in setting the level of energy. When the dimming device is turned up to its full setting, then one-hundred percent of the light’s potential output is seen. At zero, the light is off.
Several Different Kinds
Manufacturers have put together 0 to -10V, and 0 to +10V options. These systems are actually incompatible with one another, though they’re implemented in a variety of different applications, causing many electricians a headache across the country and the world. As well, when applying a 0-10V dimmable LED driver, sometimes a relay is required to kill power below ten percent. In most cases this relay comes built-in. Some applications prefer a dimming down to 10% of output, and a relay; many don’t. There are multiple kinds of dimmers, so it makes sense to do a little homework pertaining to the application of your LED technology before buying one.
Applications
If you’re lighting up a stage, your lighting application is going to be slightly different than if you’re lighting up an office. While there are even LED floodlights these days, sometimes the only real LED application in a given situation is of the hardware variety, as an indicator or something of the sort. Indicators don’t often require a dimmer switch, but then that depends on your particular operation. Means of controlling voltage output are available today that can be installed either inside a given fixture, or near enough to make it so that no unnecessary wire decreases voltage.