They have been around since the early days of fluorescent dimming, and are still an effective method of dimming today. That said, 0-10V dimmers are more likely to be used as LED dimming options that are reliable and controllable today. What a 0-10V dimmer does is mitigate a DC voltage control signal between ten and zero volts. When the unit is set to 10V, it should be at its maximum output. Likewise, when it’s at 0V, it should be at its minimal output.
LED POWER SUPPLIES AND 0-10V DIMMERS
One of the primary applications of an 0-10V dimmer is with LED power supplies. Usually the power supply or ballast has a limited dimming range. As an example, if the light’s output can only be knocked from 100% of its capacity to 10%, an additional relay or switch must be brought into the system so that power can be killed completely and the light shut off; otherwise it will be perpetually on and wasting electricity. The 0-10V dimmer comes in exactly for this purpose.
This kind of dimmer represents an analog option that ultimately can render greater control to the person in need of that control, though there are some scenarios where non-analog dimming options may present a greater value. That said, in systems where a light’s output can’t be knocked all the way down to zero without an additional relay or switch, using such a dimmer in mitigation of voltage between zero and ten can bring a lot of value to the table. Primarily, such applications are LED related, and when you get right down to it, that’s the overall advantage of LED lighting to begin with: greater autonomy in the control of electrical power. LED lights are more efficient at using energy, and as a result can be more directly controlled.
0-10v DIMMING DRIVERS = MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY
LED tech has virtually swept the market in the last several years, and only appears to be growing in affluence over time. Using a 0-10V dimmer in conjunction with an already-efficient LED system is probably the best kind of application such a dimmer can have, and one of the reasons they are used in this capacity more and more today. Though fluorescent dimming options still incorporate this innovation, the energy inefficiency of fluorescent lighting is slowly phasing it out.
Using a high-quality dimmer for your LED lighting system, such as one powered by ERP LED drivers, can help you save on energy costs and assume superior control over your lighting applications. Explore our line of constant current LED drivers, featuring Tri-Mode dimming capabilities.