Dimmable LED Drivers

ADM stocks a comprehensive range of dimmable LED drivers from reputible suppliers, such MEAN WELL and Power Source, all with Australian approvals.

Probably the most commonly used models are the constant current 12V and 24V dimmable LED drivers and this is where you have the widest range of models to choose from.

However, ADM also stocks a number of constant current dimmable LED drivers as well. These are the type that are most commonly used on dimmable LED downlights.

Before we go into the different models of dimmable LED driver available, let us first explain what a LED driver is.

Basically a LED driver is a power supply that has been specifically designed to be used with LED lighting. It plays the same role as the older type transformers that you used to see on halogen downlights. LED drivers convert the incoming 240VAC power supply to the required DC power supply for the LED light fitting.

If you wish to dim your LED lights then you need to use a dedicated dimmable LED driver.

Constant Current or Constant Voltage?

The answer to this question is that is depends entirely on the design of the LED light fitting.

Some LED light fittings require a constant voltage LED driver to drive them, others will require a constant current type. Which one you need is dictated by the design of the LED light fitting itself. 

Typically LED downlights require a constant voltage type dimmable LED driver, but this is not always the case.

Constant voltage LED light fittings will most commonly need a 12V dimmable LED driver, or 24V dimmable LED driver. Though there are other light fittings that call for other voltages to be used.

There is no standard outputs when it comes to constant current dimmable LED drivers. They can range from anything as low as 250mA right up to 2.4A and higher. In fact ADM even has a dimmable LED driver with a 40A output! It is often more difficult to match a constant current LED driver to a LED light fitting than a constant voltage type. If you do find you are having difficulty, call us on 1300 236 467. We will gladly try and help you find a suitable dimable LED driver.

ADM stocks a range of constant current LED drivers with a user selectable output. These have a set of DIP switches, which you use to set the required current. A chart is printed on the front of the LED driver, which shows which position the switches need to be set to in order to select the required current output.

Is there a LED driver compatible with wall plate dimmers?

Yes. ADM stocks two types of dimmable LED driver that are compatible with TRIAC wall plate dimmers

The first is the Power Source PDV series LED drivers. These AC dimmable LED drivers are available in 30W, 75W, 100W, 150W, 200W, 300W and 360W models. We carry a 12V and 24V version of each of them.

The 30W and 75W models are IP20 rated for indoor use, whereas the others are all IP66 rated, so can be used outdoors.

Please note that LED drivers should not be mounted in direct sunlight. This can cause the tempersture inside the LED driver to exceed its maximum working temperature. This has the potential to cause a failure that would not be covered by the warranty. LED drivers should never be submersed in water.

Other types of dimming controllers

Many dimmable LED drivers are not compatible with TRIAC dimmers. TRIAC dimmers work by chopping the AC going into the LED driver. With most LED drivers, a TRIAC dimmer will cause such problems as flickering.

Dimmable LED drivers usually have a dedicated dimming circuit built into them. There is either a dedicated set of terminals or wires on the dimmable LED driver, which the dimming controller should be connected to. A separate on/off switch is usually required on the AC input.

With the range of MEAN WELL LED drivers there are basically two different types of dimmable LED driver:

• Models with 3-in-1 dimming.
• Models with a built in DALI interface.

3-in1 Dimming

This is patented by MEAN WELL. The LED driver will accept either a 1-10V, PWM signal, or resistance type input. The LED driver recognises which one is being used and dims the light according to the adjustment made on the controller.

These dimmable LED drivers can be dimmed down to 10% of their rated output. However, the newer models such as the LCM series and PWM series accept a 0-10V, PWM signal, or resistance type input and can be dimmed down to zero.

ADM stocks a low cost 1-10V dimming pot, the D1-10 that fits into most wall plates in place of the standard TRIAC dimmer. This can be connected to the dimming terminals on a MEAN WELL dimmable LED driver with 3-in-1 dimming. The lowest light level you will be able to dim to is 10%, even with the LCM and PWM models, but it is a simple, low cost LED dimming solution.

DALI Dimming Interface

DALI is a communications protocol that is used for smart lighting control systems.

The MEAN WELL LCM-DA series has a built in DALI interface and up to 10 units can be dimmed synchronously from one DALI controller.

All of the 3-in-1 dimmable LED drivers can be dimmed with DALI, when used in conjunction with the MEAN WELL DAP-04 DALI to PWM Converter.

More recently MEAN WELL has released versions of its ELG series and PWM series LED drivers, which have a built in DALI interface. This eliminates the need for the DALI to PWM converter.

Can I use a LED driver outdoors?

A number of the dimmable LED drivers ADM stocks are weatherproof. You can browse our range of weatherproof LED drivers on this website. Some of these also have a rugged aluminium enclosure, which makes them very resistant to knocks and bumps.

As previously mentioned. althought these dimmable LED drivers are weatherproof, they should not be mounted in direct sunlight. This would cause the temperatures inside the LED driver to soar above their maximum operating temperature range and will cause a failure. A failure of this nature is not covered by the warranty.

Why don’t my LED lights dim evenly?

The most common reason for uneven LED light dimming is ‘dead travel’. Most constant voltage LED drivers dim the LEDs by varying the current amplitude of the LED driver output. For this to work well the load on the driver needs to be closely matched to its rated power output.

ADM recommends that you load up your dimmable led driver to about 90~95% of its rated power output.

If you only use say 50% of the load then the lights won’t start to dim until you have turned your dimming controller to the half way point (50% of the load). At which point the light level will drop rapidly to the minimum.

You can read more about this issue in our article “Dimming with the Mean Well HLG and LPF-D LED Drivers”

Constant current LED drivers don’t suffer this problem. Nor do the Power Source TRIAC dimmable LED drivers, MEAN WELL PWM series and IDLV series LED drivers, which utalise a PWM output to ensure even dimming regardless of the load on the LED driver. 

If you are looking for a dimmable LED driver and can’t find what you are looking for by browsing this website, don’t worry. Simply contact ADM and we will advise you which dimmable LED driver is best suited to your LED light fitting.

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