Dimming for a brighter future

Friday, May 4, 2012, 13:57
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Andrew Wilson, Marketing Manager at Varilight, explains why the launch of the V-Pro dimmer series presents an opportunity for wholesalers by simplifying the process of selecting a dimmer for specifiers and installers.

Customer feedback suggests that many specifiers and installers yearn for the halcyon days when a light bulb was a light bulb and a dimmer was a dimmer as they struggle to get to grips with the vast array of energy saving lamps that are on offer.

Whilst customers appreciate choice (especially technologies that save money without compromising on control), many are understandably confused about compatibility between the new lamps and the transformers, drivers and dimmers available in an increasingly complex market.

A clear opportunity exists for wholesalers who can confidently recommend compatible dimmer switches to encourage installers to trade up by embracing the brave new world of energy saving lighting.

Keep it simple

Having spent 40 years manufacturing dimmer switches in the UK we have developed a good understanding of the market and the benefits to our customers of keeping things simple.

This has often meant reaching beyond the dimmer itself to offer comprehensive dimmable solutions. For example our dimmable low voltage transformers solve a problem for electricians keen to avoid dimmer compatibility issues and numerous return visits to site. In the same way our award winning dimmable CFLs were a world-first, introducing full brightness control to energy saving lighting. But it doesn’t stop there because we are aiming to further simplify the selection process with the addition of more dimmable LED solutions to the portfolio later this year.

In short we have recognised the need for a simplified proposition and as a result we have developed a new dimmer capable of controlling both traditional lighting and the new generation of dimmable energy saving lighting.

Professional dimming

The Varilight V-Pro intelligent dimmer series offers the closest thing to a one-size-fits-all solution for dimming today’s plethora of lighting technologies and diverse light sources. Featuring sophisticated load detection technology, V-Pro dimmers are well equipped to control a wide variety of loads, including dimmable LEDs. Even if a more conventional load is specified now, selecting a V-Pro dimmer will enable customers to seamlessly switch to dimmable LEDs at a later stage.

V-Pro dimmers take their place in a streamlined range of three principal dimmer series which include V-Dim, V-Plus and V-Pro and each series is available across the multitude of Varilight decorative finishes which include the contemporary Brushed Steel through to the classical Georgian Brass.

New range

As I mentioned before, selecting the correct dimmer can be a very confusing area and therefore we have tried to keep things simple with our new product range. Our entry level leading-edge V-Dim has the capability to control conventional lighting including Varilight transformers powering low voltage halogen lights. With V-Plus, intelligence is added to leading-edge dimming with the addition of features such as intelligent overload protection and soft start for extended lamp life. With high wattage dimmers available, the V-Plus series is the ideal choice for large loads and is specifically tuned for low voltage dichroic systems, including inductive loads.

Our most advance dimming technology yet comes in the shape of the V-Pro Eclipse touch/remote control trailing-edge dimmer which provides a superb dimming performance for a wide variety of lighting loads including dimmable LEDs. In addition, intelligent load detection combines with ultra smooth trailing-edge technology for optimum lighting control and low noise operation, eliminating ‘dimmer buzz’.

The V-Pro series also includes the new minimalist Eclipse Master Dimmer which has hidden remote control detection behind a circular touch button backlit with a subtle blue LED. Behind the scenes, V-Pro intelligent load-detection technology provides the ultimate in dimming performance and versatility with smooth dimming to very low levels even with dimmable LED lamps. It is even possible to dim from multiple switch locations using one or more Eclipse Dimming Slaves with an Eclipse Master Dimmer.

Like all V-Pro dimmers, the Eclipse series offers excellent control for low loads (such as those presented by dimmable CFLs and LEDs) and superior protection to guard against the problems associated with the failure of some mains halogen lamps. V-Pro dimmers will also happily function with loads that require trailing-edge or leading-edge control making them suitable for dimmable electronic low voltage transformers. Intelligent overload and short-circuit protection are supplied as standard with soft start for improved lamp life.

Dimmable lighting

Even the most advanced dimmer will not be able to perform at its best if the lighting load itself is not dimmable and a significant problem for customers wanting to dim energy saving lighting is that the majority of CFLs and LEDs on offer cannot be dimmed at all. Furthermore, many of those that describe themselves as dimmable present a disappointing range of brightness, or exhibit flicker and strobing effects when paired with a standard dimmer.

An end user who is replacing incandescent or halogen lamps with dimmable CFLs or LEDs will be used to a range and quality of control that may not be replicated when their existing dimmer is presented with the new energy saving load. Selecting truly dimmable lighting is therefore as important as choosing the correct dimmer

Unfortunately there is now a huge array of new entrants supplying CFLs and LEDs into the UK market. As a result, the overwhelming number of lamps available can make selection challenging so it does pay to work with a manufacturer that you can trust who will take the guesswork out of compatibility and performance issues.

Guaranteed compatibility

It is clear that the role of the dimmer switch manufacturer has changed significantly. It is no longer sufficient to supply reliable, high performance dimmers to the market without considering the need to develop dimmable lighting that can be guaranteed as compatible.

This is one of the main reasons why our focus remains on producing the most comprehensive range of dimmer switches available and why we will continue to work with leading lighting manufacturers as they develop new lamps.

If you take all of this into account then it is perhaps unsurprising that there has been an overwhelming level of interest in both the V-Pro push-on/off, rotary dimmer and the new V-Pro Eclipse touch/remote control dimmer, which was short-listed for the 2012 Lighting Design Awards.

We have always thrived on new challenges and that has earned us a strong reputation for bringing innovation to the market. Reaching the finals of the Lighting Design Awards has therefore given us a great platform to publicise what we believe to be ground breaking technology.

If we look to the future it is clear that demanding loads such as dimmable LEDs are set to become increasingly popular as replacements for conventional lighting and therefore it is important that installers choose a dimmer which can be tailored to the characteristics of the load. But more importantly this technology will allow them to future-proof any installation ensuring that it meets the demands now as well as in many years to come.