Sizing dimmer for LED lamps

[katwalatapan]

Hello,

I wanted to inquire about standard sizing requirements for dimmers when taking on LED lamp loads. I'm replacing standard incandescent/halogen lamps in incandesent/halogen luminaires with compatible LED lamps. If I want to install a dimmmer to control the output of the new LED lamps in the incandescent/halogen luminaires, I understand that either universal dimmmers may be used or dimmers specific to the LED lamps could be used.

I understand that the dimmers are rated for a fixed wattage. I wanted to understand if any inrush currents from LED lamps should be considered when sizing the quantity of lamps that the dimmer could accommodate without any problems. Also if there is any standard rule of thumb to use when sizind dimmers for LED lamps.

Thank you.

 

[itsmoked]

Dimming LEDs means a dimmable LED driver is needed! Not just that you pick the "correct dimmer". If you have standard SCR in-the-wall-switch-dimmmer dimmable LED drivers there are usually no inrush issues.

If you have a bunch of non-dimmable LED drivers and you have a lot of them inrush can be a problem because they are really just a switching power supply with a huge inrush current. If you have a sack load on a single breaker that can often be a problem.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[katwalatapan]

Thank you very much Keith.