Re: Planning for Dimmable LED Lighting - Living Room with Projector- Suggestions plea
Hi Elongas,
I recently completed the ceiling install of LED Lighting in my residence. With regard to your query, Dimming LED lights is not as simple as dimming an incandescent Bulb. While researching on the very same topic prior installing the lights in my ceiling, I came across a lot of info on the net regarding Dimming. From the top of my head there are 3 types of Dimmers out there for LED Dimming. Leading Edge, Trailing Edge and Phase cut. The leading edge dimmers were originally used for our regular bulbs. But these induce flickering in LED bulbs when used in dimming mode(i.e not at pull voltage setting). The trailing edge also works similar to the Leading edge dimmer(Triac), but the cut off in the voltage is applicable on the trailing edge of the sine wave of each A/C cycle. This apparently had a better effect when used for dimming LEDs. Lastly there was Phasecut dimming, which apparently works best for LED Dimming, but is more expensive and difficult to find.
I finally didnt find viable options for lights in India(i was looking at a 2 module light). Ended up ordering a sample from Alibaba. It said that they use a Triac dimmer, but modified for use with LED. Upon receiving it, the dimmer stated it was a leading and trailing edge dimmer. I hooked it up to the automation setup(with a bypass to adjust for load as the light was rated only for 18W and my dimmer module was rated for 200W, using lesser load increases the starting current apparently for the LED and also induces flicker when dimming). The light worked well, however i still had flicker until 10-15% and above 90%. So have adjusted my automation setup to dim from 85% down to 20% and then off. I dont have a regulator in the loop, so cant help you there. Though i would recommend a continuous regulator as opposed to a 5 step regulator.
Regarding Corvi, I have used there recessed in ceiling lights(COBs) as well in the house. The come with inbuilt dimmers, Unfortunately I still havent tested those for dimming, as the remainder automation is pending in the house. The automation guy has worked with Corvi before and says that it has no problems with dimming directly on the automation dimmer module(No Flicker, sometimes a very minor flicker). As for Corvi LED Lights, the light itself is brilliant. rated at 5W each, they put out a lot of light.
If using Corvi recessed COB(cutting a hole in the False ceiling for install) as opposed to a surface mounted light like a panel light(as per your link on amazon) , you will definintely need more that 4 in each of the corners, if these are the only lights in your living room. COBs throw lights at specified angles(12-36degress of beam angle), so they have higher intensity but cover a smaller area. Panel lights will distribute the lighting(similiar to the recessed CFL housings). Start with 4 in each of the corners and if needed you can always add lights.
One point to note is that Corvi lights have a plastic housing and overtime the white plastic rim tends to turn to cream - basis feedback of the automation guy. He says its not very apparent, but if after a few years any of the lights get replaced, then the colour difference becomes apparent.
Hope this helps.