When controlling LED lighting with a solid-state relay (SSR) or dimmer, most LEDs, whether dimmable or not, never actually turn off. It seems enough current leaks through the solid-state control device to light up the LED, though not at full brilliance. Note, that I am talking about LED lamps controlled through an external device. This is not about LED lamps with built-in home automation technology, like the Phillips hue, etc.
My question is, has anyone come up with a simple means of fixing this problem? I figure I could use a relay between a SSR and the LED. But, what about the case of a dimmer?
Any ideas appreciated
Controlling LED lighting
- FlyingDiver
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Re: Controlling LED lighting
If you use a dimmer switch with a neutral connection, this should not happen. It's the dimmers without neutral (line and load only) that have this problem.
In those cases, you can try one of these (or alternatives by other suppliers)
https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-LUT-MLC/dp/B01E9F084E/
These provide for a current path to power the control part of the dimmer without going through the LED fixture.
In those cases, you can try one of these (or alternatives by other suppliers)
https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-LUT-MLC/dp/B01E9F084E/
These provide for a current path to power the control part of the dimmer without going through the LED fixture.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
Re: Controlling LED lighting
Tell that to the people who sell the pond lighting controller, OASE. It has one dimmer and 3 on./off outlets and definitely has a neutral as it connects directly to 230vac (I am in France). BTW, the on/off outlets work fine, but I need them for my pump and filter. I have similar problems with some motion-detecting yard lights.FlyingDiver wrote:If you use a dimmer switch with a neutral connection, this should not happen. It's the dimmers without neutral (line and load only) that have this problem...
This is the product: https://www.oase.com/en/products-a-z/fa ... 26979.html
- FlyingDiver
- Posts: 7323
- Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:36 am
- Location: Southwest Florida, USA
Re: Controlling LED lighting
Yeah, that's just a poorly designed product, IMO. You can try putting load resisters in parallel with each light and see if that helps.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
Re: Controlling LED lighting
So, are you saying across the neutral and Phase (line)? Any idea of some value to start with?FlyingDiver wrote:You can try putting load resisters in parallel with each light and see if that helps.
- FlyingDiver
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- Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:36 am
- Location: Southwest Florida, USA
Re: Controlling LED lighting
Yes, between the load line and neutral, in parallel with the actual LED load, after the dimmer. This one is 10K ohms for a 120V load:
https://www.amazon.com/PCS-Load-Resisto ... 01ES0AYU8/
I would guess double that for 240V, to keep the actual current the same.
https://www.amazon.com/PCS-Load-Resisto ... 01ES0AYU8/
I would guess double that for 240V, to keep the actual current the same.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
Re: Controlling LED lighting
Thanks, I probably have something in the electronics box. I'll let you know if it works.FlyingDiver wrote:Yes, between the load line and neutral, in parallel with the actual LED load, after the dimmer. This one is 10K ohms for a 120V load:
https://www.amazon.com/PCS-Load-Resisto ... 01ES0AYU8/
I would guess double that for 240V, to keep the actual current the same.
- FlyingDiver
- Posts: 7323
- Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:36 am
- Location: Southwest Florida, USA
Re: Controlling LED lighting
Just make sure it's rated for the wattage. Most "electronics" resistors will fry at 240V.
joe (aka FlyingDiver)
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
my plugins: http://forums.indigodomo.com/viewforum.php?f=177
Re: Controlling LED lighting
Of course. I have some high-wattage resistors from an earlier voltage presence project,.FlyingDiver wrote:Just make sure it's rated for the wattage. Most "electronics" resistors will fry at 240V.