What is an ELV type dimmer?

Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) Dimmers were originally designed to control Electronic Low Voltage Transformers used in low voltage (12V) MR16 type fixtures. ELV dimmers and transformers are more expensive but offer quieter operation, better control and tend to last longer than Magnetic Low Voltage Transformers (MLV).

Are all LED dimmers ELV?

While most integrated LEDs require an ELV driver, some do use the 0-10V system. Special requirements: LED light source must be properly matched to LED driver, and LED driver must meet control specifications for control type (i.e. IEC for 0-10V).

Why do I need an ELV dimmer?

Like turning the spigot on a hose, it is just a matter of lowering the power supplied to the filament. Standard rotary or basic slider dimmers will do for basic bulbs. Incandescent low voltage systems, like rail systems, have transformers that may require a ELV or MLV dimmer to protect the driver.

Is ELV dimmer the same as LED dimmer?

An Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) dimmer used in conjunction with an LED (light emitting diode) is almost a match made in heaven. LEDs in general are known for their energy-saving properties. They have a higher cost because of this, but most LED lights come with a warranty of some caliber.

How does an ELV dimmer work?

ELV dimmers are also called simply “electronic dimmers”, as well as “trailing edge dimmers”. These names come from the way in which this dimmer transitions your LED’s luminosity. An ELV dimmer works like this: the electrical load is turned off at the end, or trailing edge, of the Alternating Current (AC) waveform.

What is a trailing edge dimmer?

These more modern dimmers have many benefits over the leading edge type. These improvements include smoother dimming with less buzzing and interference. Trailing edge dimmers have a much lower minimum load than the leading edge, making them far more suitable for powering LEDs.

What is the difference between ELV and 0-10V dimming?

ELV dimmers are generally very compatible with LED loads, offering smoother dimming to low levels. 0-10V: 0-10V dimming is commonly used for commercial fluorescent and LED installations and is one of the simplest and earliest commercial dimming methods.

How do ELV dimmers work?

How do I know if my dimmer is leading or trailing edge?

Leading edge dimming cuts of the front edge of each waves’ half cycle. Conversely trailing edge dimming cuts out the second half of each waves’ half cycle. Trailing edge dimmers are now the more popular of the two types.

Can a Lutron ELV dimmer handle a full 600W lamp load?

A Lutron ELV dimmer UL listed for 600 W can be loaded with a full 600 W lamp load. If ganged with other dimmers, standard derating rules apply.

Why choose Lutron LED+ dimmer switches?

Set the light just right with Lutron LED+ dimmer switches (formerly C•L) Lutron dimmer switches can enhance any family activity in your home by providing just the right light, at the touch of a finger.

What is the difference between a Lutron MLV dimmer and a transformer?

A Lutron MLV dimmer UL listed for 1,000 VA can be loaded with a full 1,000 VA lamp load. A transformer dissipates up to 20% of the connected load as heat. Better transformers dissipate less than 10% as heat.

How do MLV and ELV dimmers work?

Each transformer type, MLV or ELV, has always required its own specific dimming technology. Dimmers designed and tested for the highly inductive MLV transformers use a forward-phase (also called leading-edge) waveform (see Figure 4). Brightness is determined by the ratio of “on” time to “off” time: the higher the ratio, the brighter the output.