What you should know about LEDs

Choosing the right light bulbs and correct dimming

Since the European Commission's ban on inefficient halogen lamps with directional light emission came into effect on September 1, 2016, LED lighting has established itself as the preferred choice for many homes and businesses in recent years. It offers numerous advantages, including energy efficiency, longevity, and a wide range of applications. However, there are several aspects to consider when selecting the right LED bulbs and dimming them correctly. This article will show you how to choose the best LED bulbs for your needs and provide tips for effective and convenient dimming.

---

1. Why LED lighting?

Due to their many advantages, LED lights are the most frequently used light sources in modern lighting systems:

• Energy efficiency : LED lights require up to 80% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs.

• Long lifespan : LED lights have a significantly longer lifespan (up to 50,000 hours) compared to conventional light bulbs.

• Versatility : LEDs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and light colors to suit different applications.

• Low heat generation : Unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs generate less heat, which optimizes safety and energy consumption.

Despite all these advantages, there are some things to consider when selecting and installing LEDs to achieve the best results.

2. Selecting the right LED light source

Choosing the right LED light source is crucial for the desired lighting environment and energy efficiency. Here are the most important criteria to consider when making your selection:

a) Luminous flux (lumens)

Instead of wattage (which only indicates energy consumption), you should pay attention to luminous flux in lumens. The more lumens, the brighter the light. For example, a typical 60-watt incandescent bulb has about 800 lumens, while an LED that achieves this brightness only requires 8-12 watts.

b) Color temperature (Kelvin)

The color temperature determines the color of light emitted by an LED. It is measured in Kelvin (K):

• Warm white (2700–3000 K) : Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and a cozy atmosphere.

• Neutral white (3500–4000 K) : Suitable for offices, kitchens and workspaces.

• Daylight white (5000–6500 K) : Perfect for places where high concentration or precise tasks are required, such as workshops or bathrooms.

c) Beam angle

The beam angle determines how widely the light is distributed. A narrow beam angle (e.g., 25–40°) is suitable for spot lighting, while a wide angle (e.g., 100° or more) is ideal for general room lighting.

d) Energy efficiency

Not all LEDs are equally efficient. Pay attention to the energy label and power specifications to choose the most energy-efficient solution. High-quality LEDs offer not only good light but also low power consumption.

How to properly dim LEDs

Dimming LED lights is another important aspect of creating a pleasant lighting atmosphere. However, there are some special considerations when dimming LEDs:

Not all LEDs are dimmable.

Not all LEDs are dimmable. When buying LEDs, make sure the bulb is explicitly marked as dimmable. Attempting to dim a non-dimmable LED can result in flickering light or a shortened lifespan for the bulb.

Dimmer compatibility

A common mistake is using a standard dimmer switch originally designed for incandescent bulbs. To dim LEDs effectively and without flickering, you need a special LED dimmer switch that is optimized for the low power consumption of LEDs. Many modern smart dimmer switches also offer user-friendly controls and compatibility with smart home systems.

Dimming range

Not all dimmable LEDs can operate stably across their entire dimming range. Some lamps have a limited dimming range, meaning they may flicker or go out at very low brightness settings. It's advisable to pay attention to user reviews and recommendations regarding the dimming range before purchasing.

High-quality combinations of LED light and LED ballast have a dimming range down to 0.1%.

Transitions and brightness

Dimming LEDs can produce different transitions depending on the technology and manufacturer. High-quality LEDs offer a smooth transition from bright to dark without any annoying flickering. If you value particularly smooth dimming, it is recommended to choose models with high dimming capability and consistent brightness changes.

---

Conclusion: The right choice makes all the difference.

Choosing the right LED bulb and using the correct dimming system are crucial to fully benefiting from the advantages of LED lighting. When purchasing, pay attention to the appropriate lumen output, the desired color temperature, and ensure your LEDs are dimmable if you want flexible lighting. With the right dimmers and compatible bulbs, you can create a pleasant atmosphere that is both functional and energy-efficient.

LED lighting is an investment that pays off in the long run – both in terms of cost savings through lower energy consumption and increased well-being through individually adjustable lighting conditions.

Since 2009, a team of highly qualified engineers at Lutron has been testing which LED lamps and dimmers are compatible. To date, over 2,000 different combinations have been tested. The results are freely available to everyone on the Lutron website: www.lutron.com/LED . Valuable information can be found on the LED Report Cards for the lamps that successfully passed the tests.