How to Dim the Right Way

1. When Switch met Driver
Dim and Dimmer
9/1/2015

2.  This chapter will provide you with
points of knowledge on how to dim
LEDs the right way, when should
dimming take place, and how to
execute a dimmable system. We’ll also
be using real world scenarios as
examples and as a final quiz at the end
of the chapter.
 Color Changing or DMX will NOT be
discussed today.
Overview
Back to Square One
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3. Dimming in a nut shell
Dimming is the process of lowering the intensity of light sources. Whether it’s a
halogen bulb or an LED, most cases a light source can be dimmed. This is an electrical
process and should not be done in a mechanical fashion.
Why would anyone like to Dim their lighting?
Controlling light sources with Dimming allows users to create settings and ambiance
without having to install an additional lighting system to do so. Benefits of dimming
also include longevity of light sources (in some cases), and also the additional savings
of electricity consumption.
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What is Dimming and Why would I need it?

4. Many consumers will also say:
“I don’t need much light, couldn’t I just use less intense light sources”.
- This is a viable option and actually the proper way to execute one’s needs
- Always spec appropriate product for the application
However, it’s also important to provide the consumer with variable options through a
single system. By starting out with a stronger light source, the user now has a greater
range of control where s/he can adjust the intensity and find the levels they find most
comfortable at any time.
Not doing so will require a user to upgrade any or all of their lighting sources, power
supplies, switches, and potentially wiring at a later date. All of which will take a
significant amount of time, labor, and cost to perform.
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Why Not Install Less Light?

5. As product specialist, how do you find out if a user
needs a dimmer?
Well the easiest way is to ask
“Would you like a dimmer?”
The BETTER question to ask is
“Do you need a dimmer?”
Clarifying the user’s needs versus the user’s want is
a key point in laying out a quality and cost
affordable dimmable system. Many clients want to
have a dimmer system, but how many actually
need it?
Keep this though in mind for later in the module.
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What You Don’t Know, WILL Hurt You?

6. Consumers come to the experts (YOU) for assistance in deciding between what they
want and what they need. This means picking up key points of the project and focusing
on those details and label it the “Major Core” of the project. Lets try an exercise:
Scenario
Client calls in discussing an under cabinet application. The client says there is a
sufficient amount of natural light and over head lighting in the kitchen. The request
also says the lights must stay on at night (between 5pm and 6am) for the children and
for security purposes for late evenings. They would also like the color of light to match
their stainless steel and white cabinet contemporary kitchen, however are open to task
oriented lighting during cooking.
You’re only allowed one question to ask the client what would it be?
Let’s discuss before moving forward
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Wants vs. Needs, who will win?

7. 7
One of the first questions to ask should be if
it’s new construction, remodel, retrofit, or
add-on. Here’s the definitions:
New construction = All walls are open and or non-existent. Free
range to install components accordingly with no limitation other than
building and electrical code. Usually is worked into the blue print
design.
Remodel = Partial removable of obstacles and material to allow
better for additional components. Usually fairly open, but not as
open as new construction.
Retrofit = Specific removal of existing components only to be
replaced with new components that allow the use of existing wiring
and or accessories. Some flexibility in minor adjustments and
changes, but usually not many if at all.
Add-On = A system of any kind has never been present and requires
a layout that works around obstacles with little to no alternations to
them. This can be a combination of both new construction and
remodel.
Where to Start with Switch before Driver

8. Understanding the advantages AND disadvantages of all components helps guide you
and the user through the selection process in making the proper dimmable lighting
system.
Let’s exercise with a quick review of the components we offer: READY? GO!!!!
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The Perfect Pairing – Bon Appetite!

9. Now that we’ve gone through some general guide lines of categories, components,
and details, let’s Role Play a bit and get into the practice.
Scenario 1
A school is having a new Science Center addition being constructed. The request is to have
lighting installed over each laboratory station. There are approximately (12) 4 foot stations and
the client would like to control the station in groups of 4. The professor would like to control the
lighting in this fashion to eliminate the variables during lighting experiments. The attached school
is already laid out with a LUTRON Diva DVLV-600P and the professor wants to keep this for
consistency. Many of the experiments in the class require a high lumen count of close to 2000
lumens across each station.
Please generate a response as if having a discussion with the client.
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Let’s Talk the Talk and Get to Know One Another

10. Major key points that can be mentioned in response:
- Magnetic Driver or Omni Drive due to a specified dimmer switch provided
- Multi-Tap Magnetic Driver is acceptable for ease of installation and Class 2 issues
- Location of the Driver doesn’t matter, being that the construction is new
- Voltage drop is still important regardless
- Double Blaze would have been an acceptable answer
- Ultra Blaze would have been an acceptable answer
Minor key points
- Asking for a Kelvin Temperature
- Asking for Channel Options
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Let’s Talk the Talk and Get to Know One Another

11. Scenario 2
Under cabinet lighting upgrades are needed for a New York City condo. The existing light is
controlled by an On/Off switch. Being New York, the homeowners would like to have the latest
and greatest upgrades, and will be doing the installation themselves. The clients have mentioned
also the backsplash is made of an exotic stone and doesn’t look very nice unless lit intensely. A
house sitter also resides in the home when the owners are not present, and has sensitive eyes
towards bright lighting.
Please generate a response as if having a discussion with the client.
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Let’s Talk the Talk and Get to Know One Another

12. Major key points that can be mentioned in response:
- FENCER Saber (any model) would be a good product to recommend
- Providing the compatibility listing for FENCER Saber
- SwitchEX as a dimmer option paired with any Tape Light
Minor key points
- Asking for a Kelvin Temperature
- Asking for Channel Options
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Let’s Talk the Talk and Get to Know One Another

13. Scenario 3
A previous purchaser has a cove lighting set up utilizing a DI-0928 (300w Driver) with 68 feet of
Ultra Blaze. The client is renting out the home and the new tenant has reported loving the light
and enjoys it at all times, but finds it a bit bright sometimes. The client hired an electrician to
assemble the system years ago, and does not have knowledge where the components are or how
they are installed, other than the tape light.
Please generate a response as if having a discussion with the client.
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Let’s Talk the Talk and Get to Know One Another

14. Major key points that can be mentioned in response:
- Change the Ultra Blaze out for a less intense Tape light
- REIGN Dimmer Switch is not an option based on load
- Suggesting SwitchEX is also not an option based on load
- Changing to a different driver is not an option as the client doesn’t know where the
unit is or how it’s wired
Minor key points
- Asking for a Kelvin Temperature
- Asking for Channel Options
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Let’s Talk the Talk and Get to Know One Another

15. Final Scenario worth 99% of your Grade
A historic marble museum operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a years. The project
manager calls in and says the theme of the museum replicates the “Roaring 20’s”. The new owner
of the museum wants to change the theme to “Space Travel” and is looking for new lighting
options. The space itself and the exhibits will not change, however everything else is freely open
to add or remove as necessary barring that the exhibits are not to be disturbed. The client is open
to any and all suggestions.
Please generate a response as if having a discussion with the client.
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For All the Marbles

16. Major key points that can be mentioned in response:
- Are there any existing Dimmer Switches
- The model numbers of those Dimmer Switches if possible
- What is the existing lighting
- Beyond the existing lighting, is there additional lighting to be added
- IF additional lighting is to be added
- Task?
- Accent?
Minor key points
- Asking for a Kelvin Temperature
- Asking for Channel Options
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Let’s Talk the Talk and Get to Know One Another

17. CONGRADULATIONS!!! Everyone did a great job today.
Let’s turn this up to open room discussion and talk about what we’ve just gone over.
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Questions?