
1-10V dimmers are a convenient way to control the brightness of your LED lighting. This system works with a low-voltage signal (between 1 and 10 volts) for stable dimming. The higher the voltage, the brighter the light: at 10V the lamps are at full power, at 1V they’re at the lowest level (often around 10%). At 0V, the lighting usually switches completely off.
1-10V dimming is an analog control method. This means the light output is directly regulated by a variable voltage. A 1-10V dimmer sends a low-voltage signal to a compatible LED driver. The driver converts the signal into the required current for the LEDs, thereby adjusting the brightness of the light.
Unlike phase-cut dimmers, which are installed directly in the 230V electrical circuit, 1-10V dimming requires a separate control wire between the dimmer and the LED driver. This system is robust and widely used wherever a simple and efficient dimming method is preferred.
1-10V dimmers are used wherever precise light control is needed. Typical applications include:
Choosing 1-10V dimming technology provides specific advantages, especially for professional and larger installations:
Although 1-10V dimming is effective, it's interesting to compare it to the popular DALI system (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface):
Feature | 1-10V Dimming | DALI Dimming |
---|---|---|
Signal type | Analog | Digital |
Wiring | Separate control cable required (2-core) | Two-wire, no polarity |
Control | Group control of fixtures | Individual addressing of fixtures |
Functions | Dimming only (On/Off/Brightness) | Dimming, scenes, error messages, color temperature control (tunable white), building automation |
Complexity | Easier to implement | More complex, requires programmable controller |
Scalability | Number of drivers depends on dimmer current | Up to 64 addresses per DALI line |
Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher, especially in small installations |
Installing a 1-10V dimmer involves correctly wiring the 230V power supply and the 1-10V control line. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as these can vary by product.
Installation steps:
For complex installations or if you are unsure about the wiring, we recommend hiring a professional electrician.
No, only LED lamps or fixtures with compatible 1-10V dimmable LED drivers can be controlled with 1-10V. This information can be found on the product page or in the driver specifications.
Yes, in addition to the 230V supply, a separate control cable is needed to carry the 1-10V signal from the dimmer to the LED driver (usually two-core).
If the 1-10V signal is lost or drops below 1V, most drivers will switch off the lighting or dim to the lowest level.
No, a 1-10V dimmer is designed solely for 1-10V dimmable drivers and cannot be directly combined with other dimming methods such as phase-cut, PWM or DALI, without an appropriate converter.
1-10V dimmers are a reliable, efficient solution for centrally dimming large groups of LEDs. They offer uniform, affordable dimming and are ideal for professional applications and projects.