LED Dimming with HPM Linea Push button dimming mechs.
As with most dimming mechanisms, as the HPM Linea dimmer is loaded with more LED fittings the dimming effect lessens.
However, the HPM dimmer needs a certain minimum load to operate effectively. A lightly loaded HPM dimmer will cause the LED to flicker or flash intermittently.
This can, in most cases be solved with the addition of a dummy load. The dummy load can be a rigid construction globe in a batten holder, a halogen globe fitted in circuit, a ceramic resistor or a combination of these.
As an installing electrician, you will want a solution that will not result in callbacks. Be aware not to install a solution that will cause a hotspot or fire hazard and remember that other electricians may come years after, so your solution needs to be transparent and obvious.
We have found that the installation of an wire wound or electronic transformer with 2 x 10 ohm ceramic resistors installed in parallel behind the first light fitting after the dimmer is the best and most long lasting solution.
The wire wound transformer and ceramic resistor almost show a purely resistive load to the dimmer and will iron out any fluctuation of the dimmer output. The electronic transformer will have marginally less losses and is also a good choice. (The wire wound transformer will use about one watt more than the electronic transformer)
Be sure to mount the transformer out of insulation with the ceramic resistor open to free air.
Your choice of solution will be determined by the installation, so don't take our say so as gospel.
Use the solution that satisfies ASA 3000/1 and is suited to the installation.
This article was published on Saturday 26 November, 2011.
