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Guides: LED dimmer selection

There are three key methods of dimming LED: mains, constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) .

  • Mains dimmers are used with LED replacement bulbs.
  • CC dimmers put out a controlled current, which means that the fixture does not need electronics for current control of the LED. This style of dimming is used for higher power LED products.
  • CV dimmers put out a constant voltage and the current control is done by the LED fixture. This type of dimming tends to be used for the lower power LED products such flexible tape.

It is important to choose the correct technology of dimmer as an incorrect choice will most likely damage the fixture. Below is a summary of the dimmers offered by Artistic Licence:

Mains

sunDial quad is DMX512/RDM controlled 4-channel, mains powered trailing edge dimmer. 1kW total at 230 VAC. 

Constant current or constant voltage

candlePower octo is a DMX512/RDM controlled LED dimmer with 8 channels. Each channel can be individually set to constant current (CC) or constant voltage (CV) dimming.

  • Voltage: 10-60VDC
  • Current Max: 2A per channel
  • Control: DMX512 / RDM
  • Form: DIN Rail

Constant voltage only

Rail-Pipe HC is a high current DMX dimmer for 2 x RGB circuits (6 channel).

  • Voltage: 12-24VDC
  • Current Max: 20A per product, 10A per RGB circuit
  • Control: DMX512 / RDM
  • Form: DIN Rail