Do s a d lamps work

Will a SAD Sun Lamp Actually Make You Happy? – Cleveland Clinic

The dark, cold winter months can take a toll on your mental health. If you’re sleeping too much, feeling depressed or have your days and nights mixed up during the winter months, you might want to consider using a sun lamp.

The light delivered through sun lamps is often particularly effective for people suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to family medicine practitioner Robert Cain, MD.

“Long periods of dark and a lack of sun exposure gets your sleep-wake rhythm thrown off and sun lamps help reset it,” says Dr. Cain.

Sun lamps positively impact your body’s regulation of melatonin, a hormone that helps control your sleep-wake cycle, as well as serotonin, which helps regulate your mood by relaying signals in your brain. One study reports that bright-light therapy is now considered to be the first line of treatment for SAD.

Do I need a prescription for a sun lamp?

No prescription is necessary for a sun lamp. Sun lamps are available at many retail stores for a variety of different price points.

“Any doctor who treats depression — a primary care provider, psychiatrist or psychologist — can recommend light therapy, but you don’t need a prescription to buy a sun lamp,” says Dr. Cain.

If you are considering trying sun lamp therapy, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you. If you do decide to buy one, look for a sun lamp with bright, white light. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that full-spectrum light and blue light provides no known therapeutic advantage and causes glare.

Advertising Policy

Are sun lamps safe?

“Sun lamps don’t give off ultraviolet radiation, so they pose little risk to most people,” says Dr. Cain. “Be sure to ask your doctor if any medication you take makes you more sensitive to light.”

Avoid using one if you have:

Macular degeneration.
Connective tissue damage.
Existing skin cancers.
Diabetes.
Lupus.

If you have bipolar disorder, Dr. Cain recommends using a mood stabilizer with a sun lamp because the added light exposure can cause a manic episode. Children can suffer from SAD, too. While there are other effective treatments to treat SAD, talk to their doctor about sun lamp therapy and if this treatment would be the best route for your child.

“If a child has been diagnosed with depression, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it,” he says. “I think it’s pretty safe. Just make sure they don’t look directly at the light.”

How do I use a sun lamp?

No matter if you use a small sun lamp for your desk or one that you extend from the ground, position the lamp about two to three feet away from you. Never look directly into the light.

It’s common to see improvement in your mood within two to four days if you use a 10,000 lux bulb for about 30 minutes every morning.

Advertising Policy

“Light therapy via sun lamps is most effective in the mornings,” says Dr. Cain.”Try to use the lamp daily while you eat breakfast or have coffee.”

Even though it’s a light-based therapy, sun lamps don’t impact vitamin D production. Be sure to get your vitamin D through your diet and/or supplements as your doctor advises.

Do sunrise alarm clocks work, too?

Sunrise alarm clocks are similar to sun lamps.

“These devices are basically alarm clocks that you set to mimic the sunrise,” says Dr. Cain. “They don’t emit UV rays and have equal efficacy to sun lamps. For maximum benefit, set the clock to resemble a sunrise in June or July.”

Your eyes can absorb the light through your eyelids, so you wake up gradually and may take care of your light therapy before you even get out of bed.

All in all, sun lamps can do wonders for your SAD. Remember to work with your doctor to keep them updated on your progress.

Pricing, Benefits, and How to Use

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Symptoms of SAD

There are two types of SAD: wintertime and summertime. SAD affects people differently, but the symptoms may vary based on the type of SAD.

Symptoms of wintertime SAD include:

daytime fatigue
difficulty concentrating
feelings of hopelessness
increased irritability
lack of interest in social activities
lethargy
reduced sexual interest
unhappiness
weight gain

Symptoms of summertime SAD include:

agitation
difficulty sleeping
increased restlessness
lack of appetite
weight loss

In severe cases, people with SAD may experience thoughts of suicide.

Treatment options for SAD

Counseling and therapy are treatment options for both forms of SAD. Some people may also benefit from medications such as antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). People experiencing SAD should speak to their doctor about which medication is the best course of treatment.

Light therapy can also be used as a treatment for wintertime SAD. This involves using a specialized light box or visor for at least 30 minutes each day to mimic natural light. Light therapy should only be used under a doctor’s supervision and on approved devices. Other light-emitting sources like tanning beds, are not safe for use.

Another type of treatment is a dawn simulator which uses a time-activated light to mimic the sunrise as a way to help stimulate the body’s clock.

Adopting some healthy lifestyle habits can also help minimize SAD symptoms. This can include:

a balanced diet with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables
exercise
regular sleep

Keep in mind

If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Some research shows that light therapy can help improve seasonal depression, even with as little as 20 minutes of exposure. Although the FDA doesn’t regulate SAD lamps, Healthline’s medical affairs team still every pick and brand, diving into medical credibility, the company’s reputation, and its business practices.

We chose the options on this list based on the following criteria:

Intensity: All the picks on this list have at least 10,000 lux, the standard intensity for effectiveness.
Reputation: Each SAD lamp we feature comes from a reputable brand that doesn’t make egregious health claims.
Price: We were mindful of different budgets by including options from various price points.
User reviews: We chose only highly rated options that current users love and don’t have any major complaints about.

Pricing guide

$ = under $100
$$ = $100–$200
$$$ = over $200

Best adjustable SAD lamp

Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp

Price: $$
Features: flexible stand, 2 light settings, glare-free for eye comfort
Size of light panel: 15. 5 x 13.5 inches
Who it’s best for: anyone looking for a customizable lamp that can work well in any space, at any angle
Lux: 10,000

This lamp has a large surface area of 15.5 by 13.5 inches. It generates 10,000 lux and projects light in a downward motion — this helps keep it glare-free no matter how it’s positioned.

The lampstand is adjustable, so chances are it will be comfortable to use no matter your height or chair type. Users say the lampstand doesn’t wobble and that the lamp reaches full lumens quickly for maximum benefit.

Pro

large surface area
glare-free
adjustable

Cons

pricey

Shop now at Amazon

Best UV-free SAD lamp

Northern Light Technologies Boxelite

Price: $$
Features: full-spectrum UV-free light, 5 different height levels, adjustable
Size of light panel: 12. 25 x 17 inches
Who it’s best for: those who like to sit further away from the light source (it’s effective at 14 inches)
Lux: 10,000

In addition to features such as 10,000 lux and a large surface screen, this SAD lamp is designed to last. Many users rave about it 7 or more years after purchase.

The lamp includes long lasting fluorescent bulbs and is UV-free. It also features five different height levels and is easily adjustable. Note that it weighs 11 pounds and is heavier than many other lamps.

Pros

UV-free
long lasting

Cons

heavier than other options on our list

Shop now at Amazon

Best portable SAD lamp

Circadian Optics Lattis Light Therapy Lamp

Price: $
Features: 3 brightness levels, fixed position, one-touch operation
Size of light panel: 6 x 15.75 inches

Who it’s best for: those who want their light to blend in a little better with their decor
Lux: 10,000

If you love the look of modern decor, this lamp may be right for you. It features 10,000 lux of LED, UV-free, full-spectrum white light. It also boasts three brightness levels, so you can uptick or downtick the amount of light you receive.

Many users prefer LED to fluorescent light because it lasts longer. This lamp has a small surface area and a fixed position, which doesn’t allow for adjustment. Even so, it may be great for small spaces or as a lamp for travel.

Pros

stylish look
UV-free
3 brightness levels

Cons

much larger than other options
may not be everyone’s taste

Shop now at Amazon

Best SAD lamp for leisure

Flamingo Floor Lamp

Price: $$
Features: adjustable, rotating head, taller than most
Size of light panel: 7 x 13 inches
Who it’s best for: anyone who’s looking for a little more versatility in where they can get their light therapy
Lux: 10,000

This 46-inch-tall lamp is a great option for those who want to position their SAD lamp near a treadmill or glider. It also fits neatly into corners for use while reading or watching TV.

This floor lamp provides 10,000 lux of full-spectrum, UV-free, LED light. It’s also glare-free and adjustable. Users love the sturdy design and long lasting light bulbs, which typically last for about 5 years. Assembly is required.

Pros

UV-free
full-spectrum LED light
glare-free
comes with long lasting light bulbs

Cons

assembly required

Shop now at Amazon

Best affordable SAD lamp

TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp

Price: $
Features: timer, 4 brightness levels, memory function
Size of light panel: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
Who it’s best for: anyone looking for a compact option and doesn’t mind sitting closer to the panel
Lux: 10,000

While this portable option has a smaller screen size than recommended, it still delivers good value for its size and cost.

Designed for on-the-go use, this lamp provides 10,000 lux and one-touch controls.

Pros

portable
one-touch controls

Cons

might be too small for some users

Shop now at TaoTronics

	Price	Who it’s best for	Considerations
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp	$$	anyone looking for a customizable lamp that can work well in any space, at any angle	adjustable, but always faces in a downward position to reduce glare
Northern Light Technologies Boxelite	$$	those who like to sit further away from the light source (it’s effective at 14 inches)	adjustable and has a larger light panel so you can sit further away
Circadian Optics Lattis Light Therapy Lamp	$	those who want their light to blend in a little better with their decor	blends well with decor but has a fixed position and doesn’t adjust
Flamingo Floor Lamp	$$	anyone looking for a little more versatility in where they can get their light therapy	light angle is adjustable but not the height
TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp	$	anyone looking for a compact option and doesn’t mind sitting closer to the panel	compact, but you have to sit closer to the light panel since it’s smaller than others on the list

A SAD lamp uses light therapy to replicate sunlight. It can trick the body into thinking it is a warmer month and cause the body to release serotonin.

The light produced by a SAD lamp is measured in lux. A lux is a measurement of light intensity combined with area. A SAD lamp should offer a brightness of 10,000 lux. The viewing angle of a lamp should allow it to be positioned above the eyes and at a slight downward angle to minimize glare.

Typically, SAD lamps or lights should be used for 30 minutes to an hour. They can be used at any time of day, although they’re usually used first thing in the morning.

SAD lamps are not regulated by the FDA.

SAD lamps simulate sunlight, which helps trigger the brain to release serotonin, often called the feel-good hormone.

Studies show that using light therapy during periods when daylight hours are short can help adjust your circadian rhythm, the body’s process for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. This is beneficial for improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression.

Light therapy has become an accepted practice for alleviating SAD and other conditions such as:

jet lag
dementia
circadian rhythm sleep disorders

There are many lamps and light boxes marketed as SAD or light therapy lamps. Not all of these products are effective or appropriate for this use.

The FDA doesn’t regulate SAD lamps, so it’s important to buy one that provides enough light and is designed to treat SAD.

Here are some features to look for:

Safety

Don’t get a light box that’s designed to treat skin conditions. These devices aren’t meant to treat mood disorders and they won’t be effective.
Make sure the lamp filters out ultraviolet (UV) light and is labeled UV-free. UV light can damage your eyes and skin.
Follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturers.
Use eye protection if you have existing eye issues.

Specs

The lamp should generate 10,000 lux of cool-white, fluorescent light. An output of 10,000 lux is approximately 20 times greater than the light output generated by most indoor lighting. Lamps with less lux may need to be used more often than brighter ones.
Opt for a glare-free lamp or a lamp that can be positioned at a downward angle that reduces or eliminates eye glare.

Size

Look for a lamp with a light surface area of around 12 by 15 inches. The larger the surface area, the higher the lux. Larger lamps also provide you with the option of moving around more, so you can be farther away from the lamp without compromising its effectiveness.
Smaller lamps aren’t as effective and may need to be used more often for longer sessions. That said, you may wish to purchase a second, smaller lamp if you travel a lot. Your doctor can provide individualized lamp use guidelines.

Personal style and needs

Think about what activity you would like to do while using the lamp and purchase one that will accommodate that purpose. For example, light boxes have been shown to help with jet lag. So, if you travel frequently, you may want to choose a small, portable option.
Lamp styles vary. You may be better off getting an attractive lamp that matches your décor so it can stay in position for use. For maximum benefit, you’ll want to use the lamp at least once daily, so having it out and easily accessible can be a plus.

Don’t start using a SAD lamp without your doctor’s approval: This is especially important if you have a diagnosis such as bipolar disorder, glaucoma, or lupus.
Always get the green light from your doctor if you’re taking prescription medications of any kind, including antipsychotics and antidepressants: Remember that some prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements can make your skin photosensitive, requiring an adjustment to your use of the lamp. These medications include lithium, some acne drugs, and St. John’s wort.
Use the lamp daily: You can use it until daylight hours increase.
Experiment with time frame: Many people benefit from as little as 20 minutes of use. Others require 60 minutes, which is typically considered the highest exposure you should get. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and slowly increase the amount of time spent in front of a SAD lamp. Avoid exceeding more than 60 minutes of use.
Consider when to use it: Many experts recommend using a SAD lamp first thing in the morning. Your doctor might also recommend that you use it during the day. Keep in mind that more isn’t always better. Overuse of a SAD lamp can produce insomnia or other side effects.
Follow manufacturer recommendations for the position: Your lamp should come with recommendations for how close you should position yourself to it. This is very important, as your distance from it will affect the lamp’s lux capacity.
Position the lamp so that it’s providing you with downward light: This will ensure that it doesn’t shine directly into your eyes.
Talk with your doctor about how to best stop using the lamp: It may be most appropriate for you to wean yourself off slowly. Spending time outdoors, especially in the mornings, can help this process.

Although light therapy is helpful for people who bipolar disorder, be sure to consult with a doctor before introducing it daily. A medical professional who is familiar with your physical and mental health history will be able to help you figure out if light therapy is a good option for you.

Some studies show that SAD lamps can help boost mood and alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression, but they’re not a substitute for proper mental health care. If you feel that your depression is severe or you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to speak with a healthcare professional. Check in with a doctor or mental health professional if:

You feel sad and hopeless nearly every day.
You no longer experience pleasure in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy.
You can’t sleep or are spending too much time sleeping.
You’re feeling irritated and annoyed nearly every day.
Symptoms are interfering with your quality of life.
You’re gaining or losing weight unexpectedly.

Can SAD lamps damage your skin or eyes?

UV light should be filtered out of SAD lamps, so they shouldn’t damage your eyes or skin. However, light boxes used to treat certain skin conditions do emit UV light, so you should be sure that your light box is designed to treat SAD.

Can SAD lamps increase vitamin D levels?

While some people have found that SAD lamps can increase vitamin D levels over time, there’s not enough research to confirm this. Vitamin D is produced by UV light, and most SAD lamps don’t have that.

According to the FDA, UV lights can cause damage to the skin and should be used with caution. Long-term exposure to UV rays can also cause premature aging and skin cancer. If you’re using UV lights on your skin, be sure to speak with your doctor first.

How bright are SAD lamps?

The recommended brightness for SAD lamps is typically 10,000 lux.

How long does it take a SAD lamp to start working?

The University of British Columbia found that people can start to respond to light therapy within a few days and you should see improvements within 2 weeks. Be sure to speak to your doctor if your body does not respond to a SAD lamp after 2 weeks.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t use a SAD lamp?

You should avoid using a SAD lamp if you have an increased sensitivity to light. This may be due to:

macular degeneration
a connective tissue disorder
lupus

Interested in other resources for mental health?

We’re here to help. Explore our evidence-driven reviews of top services, products, and more to support your physical and emotional well-being.

SAD can often be alleviated with proactive lifestyle changes. These include:

going to bed early and waking up at or near dawn
going outside for extended periods of time, especially first thing in the morning
avoiding substances that can adversely affect your ability to sleep, such as alcohol
eating whole, nutrient-rich foods
exercising
seeking out professional help from a counselor or therapist

How to find a therapist for seasonal affective disorder

SAD can bring up serious feelings of depression, so consider talking with a mental health professional.

You don’t need to have received a SAD diagnosis to seek out help, though. Even if you’re just feeling more down than usual, it’s OK to talk with a therapist or counselor.

When looking for a mental health professional, you’ll want to specifically search for someone who has experience treating SAD, major depressive disorder, or depressive episodes.

If leaving the house is too intimidating, you can check out online therapy or online psychiatry platforms, too.

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, previously known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a condition caused by lowered exposure to sunlight or a change of seasons. Women and young adults are most affected by this condition.

Using a SAD lamp, also known as a light box, can help alleviate symptoms, boosting your mood.

SAD lamps can be effective when used as a solo treatment or combined with other forms of treatment. Either way, always use these lamps under a doctor’s supervision.

LED lamps and their comparison with traditional

Technical parameters of LED lamps
Comparison of LED and traditional lamps

Ilyich's bulb with a filament, which became a symbol of the electrification of Russia (USSR) and the massive transition to electric lighting not only in cities, but also in the most remote and small settlements of the country, is now giving way to more modern and efficient light sources.

Having gone through several stages of technological development, a modern LED lamp no longer refers to an electrician, but to electronics: light is emitted by a semiconductor element - a light-emitting diode (LED - light-emitting diode), and it itself can be part of a “smart home” (“smart home”). building"). The characteristics of an LED lamp, such as: luminous flux, pulsation coefficient, and in some cases, adjustable intensity and color of the glow, are set by the power source built into the lamp - another element of the microelectronic components in its composition, which stabilizes the alternating voltage of household networks, gives the LEDs the necessary current and in some types of lamps receives and processes a control signal. An LED lamp no longer requires additional starters and control gear installed in or near the luminaire.

The technical characteristics of LED lamps put them in a leading position in competition with other types in terms of safety, energy efficiency, color rendering, variety of shapes and bases. At the same time, there are no fragile elements in the LED lamp, like a tungsten filament and a glass bulb; no environment saturated with mercury vapor; nor a hot surface, the temperature of which in traditional lamps can reach from 100 to 300 ° C, depending on the type and power.

A variety of form factors and components used not only allows you to mechanically replace traditional types of lamps one-in-one, but also make it as invisible to consumers as possible: pear-shaped, candle-type and filament (imitating a filament) replace incandescent lamps in chandeliers and household lamps; linear of different lengths and diameters are indistinguishable from luminescent ones; lamps of the "corn" type - an analogue of DNAT and DRL.

The variability of the types and characteristics of LED lamps allows them to be used in any lamps: from domestic to industrial and special purposes, from utilitarian to decorative, from office to street and landscape gardening.

Main technical parameters of

LED lamps

Plinth type. The most common E27 "Standard", E14 "Mignon" are used in low-power indoor luminaires. In high power luminaires (for streets and in industry), lamps with an E27 and E40 socket are used. LED lamps with G4, GU5. 3, GU10 socles replace halogen lamps. The swivel base G13 is installed on linear LED lamps that serve as a replacement for fluorescent lamps.
Power . This is the electrical power consumed from the network by the LED lamp. For wattage comparisons, packaging usually lists the equivalent incandescent bulb (see comparison table below).
Luminous flux . To compare the luminous flux of LED lamps, a parameter characterizing the energy efficiency of the light source is used. It is measured in lumens per watt (lm/W). Incandescent lamps have an efficiency of 10-12 lm / W, modern LED - more than 100 lm / W. The high energy efficiency of LED lamps compared to other lamps is their main advantage.
Color temperature . This parameter characterizes the color of the glow. Incandescent lamps have a color temperature of about 2400-2600 K, daylight and electroluminescent lamps have a color temperature of 4500-6000 K. LED lamps can have any color temperature, the value of which is indicated on the package, and even a multi-colored light palette (RGBW bulbs).
Color rendering index (CRI) . A parameter that characterizes the correctness of the displayed colors of illuminated objects in comparison with an ideal light source. The maximum value is 100, like sunlight.
Pulsation factor (Kp) . Along with the level of illumination (the amount of light), Kp is the most important parameter that affects the occurrence of fatigue, poor health, decreased performance and even headaches, and has an extremely negative effect on well-being and health when constantly exposed to such lighting, especially during the formation of the body (in preschool children). and educational institutions). According to Russian legislation (SP52.13330.2011), in rooms with permanent residence of people, depending on the category of visual work, it is normalized at a level not exceeding 10%, 15% or 20%. Incandescent lamps have a ripple factor of about 20%. Kp of fluorescent lamps is about 50%, which is unacceptable in most rooms. The pulsation coefficient of modern LED lamps is less than 5% (for the best samples
The ability to adjust (dimming) the brightness and color of LED lamps is much wider than other light sources. Not all LED lamps are present, which is also indicated on the packaging.

Comparison of LED and conventional lamps (incandescent, halogen and fluorescent).

Comparison chart

Efficiency and energy efficiency : up to 80% of the energy consumed by an incandescent lamp is spent on heating the tungsten filament and only 20% are converted into light. Efficiency of halogen - about 50% . The LED lamp converts at least 95% of the consumed electricity into light .

The service life of incandescent lamps is only about 1 thousand hours of continuous light. Halogen lamp - up to 2.5 thousand hours, fluorescent - about 7-10 thousand hours. The LED lamp works up to 100 thousand hours.

The spectrum of incandescent lamps is warm white (approx. 2600 K). The spectrum of a halogen lamp is close to cold white. The spectrum of the LED lamp can be anything. There are even multi-colored LED lamps. In addition, the color of the LED lamp can be adjusted.

Durability and safety lamps. The bulb of the included lamp is heated up to 200 degrees. It is easily destroyed not only by a blow, but also by a drop of water that has fallen on hot glass. Sharp shards of glass cause deep and dangerous injuries. LED bulbs are mostly made of plastic. Their temperature does not rise above 50 degrees. Significant effort is required to destroy an LED lamp.

Environmental : Halogen and mercury-containing (fluorescent) lamps require special disposal. In addition, if a fluorescent lamp is damaged, destroyed by impact or falling on a hard surface, mercury vapor is released into the air, potentially hazardous to health. LED lamps are made without the use of gases harmful to human health and the environment and are environmentally friendly, do not require special disposal.

Most of the comparison is clearly in favor of LED lamps. The higher price of LED lamps is quickly offset by savings from low power consumption and a much longer lifespan. This is especially evident in the comparison of LED and halogen spotlights: the cost of replacing halogen lamps with LEDs pays off due to reduced energy consumption and the cost of operating lighting installations.

VENEZIA

STELLA

Compatibility issue. Why dimmers and LED lamps are not "friendly" and how to fix it? / Salon "Bourgeois".

LED lamps have long ceased to be a curiosity, today they are found in almost every home. However, not everyone knows that, unlike "halogen" or incandescent lamps, not all LED lamps can be dimmed.

What is dimming?

Most of us, wanting to create twilight in the room, resort to the help of sconces or table lamps. But what if there are none? Use lamps with a dimmer - a light intensity regulator. By the way, the process of lighting control has its roots in the 19th century. Then dimming was used in theaters. To create a certain atmosphere, the spotlights aimed at the stage were covered with special curtains. A modern dimmer is a device similar to a conventional switch. At the same time, in addition to its main function - controlling the light source, it is able to automatically turn off on a timer, and some models are even endowed with the ability to voice or acoustic control.

Types and characteristics of dimmers

There are many different dimmers on the market today. They may differ in color, design, size and performance. When choosing a model, pay attention to the method of control. The most popular is mechanical. In this case, the device can be equipped with a simple rotary knob, or a knob, the adjustment of which is carried out with a slight pressure. Another version of the module is a keyboard.

In this case, one key turns on the light, and the second is responsible for the intensity of the light. There is also a type of control, LED lamps, a “bell button” type key. Recently, electronic control regulators - touch dimmers - have been very popular. The devices have a fairly presentable appearance, and therefore they are especially loved by designers. By the way, some models also offer remote control. With this function, you can change the brightness, turn on or off the light from anywhere in the room. Complete the list of models with voice or acoustic control. By choosing such a dimmer, you can control it using voice commands or ordinary claps. It is worth noting that there are also multi-channel models with the possibility of wireless and remote control. The only drawback of combined systems is the high cost. However, the devices pay for themselves in full. make it possible to unleash the full potential of dimmers for LED systems, spotlights and conventional fixtures. In addition to standard features, this option can even scare off burglars by simulating the presence of the owners' home.

Brightness control with dimmer or call button

Compatibility issues

Going for a dimmer, remember that you have to not only buy the necessary system components, but also check their compatibility. Using the first LED lamp that comes across with a conventional dimmer, you risk ruining both. After a while, the lamp will begin to crackle, flicker unpleasantly, and then completely stop turning on. The dimmer will also fail due to constant overload. In order for the devices to work together to give the desired result, consider a number of important points:

decide what effect you want to get from dimming, whether it is possible to use it in the right room;

decide on the dimmer control option - mechanical, electronic or remote;

determine the type of load for the dimmer - LED, halogen or resistive;

pay attention to the power. It depends on how many lamps the device will control.

To calculate the desired dimmer performance, multiply the lamp power by the number of lamps. If it is possible to increase the number of lamps in the future, consider this as well. Insufficient power of the device can lead to the fact that the purchased regulator will immediately fail, and at best it will simply not start. Attention should be paid to the number of light sources that one dimmer can control;

So, when you have chosen the dimmer of your dreams - simple mechanical or elegant with touch control, it's time to pay attention to the characteristics of the lamps you are going to use. Each of the regulators corresponds to a certain type of light bulb! First of all, examine the packaging. It should have the inscription "dimmable" or a special icon "dimmable".

Dimmable and non-dimmable lamps

Separately, it is worth dwelling on the recently popular so-called filament lamps. Outwardly, they resemble ordinary incandescent lamps. However, according to the characteristics, it is still the same LED lamp. So, carefully read the labels on the package.

Based on the foregoing, we recommend buying dimmers and lamps for them in one store, with a visual check for compatibility. Then you will save yourself from unpleasant surprises.

Dimirvoination notation

Change color temperature

Practice shows that at maximum power, an ordinary incandescent lamp will shine as usual, and when the brightness decreases, its color temperature will change. While this does not happen with LEDs. Whether this is good or bad is up to you. However, in the latter case, you will not feel the very comfort that is created in dimmed light. This will be especially noticeable if you use a dimmer to turn a simple lamp into a night light. In this case, it is better to choose traditional night lamps that give a subdued and comfortable light.

Apparently, in order to influence the situation, manufacturers began to mass-produce LED lamps with a temperature of 2000K and even give the bulb an orange tint. This is done in order to achieve maximum similarity with the good old incandescent bulbs that we love so much.

Warm Dimming

Minimum brightness level

Perhaps, it is impossible not to mention the moment associated with the minimum level of brightness. The fact is that when dimming LED lamps, it is impossible to achieve the same minimum illumination as a barely luminous filament of incandescent lamps. With the maximum unscrewing of the regulator (in the direction of decrease), a fairly visible stream of light will still be observed. If you want to lower it even more, the light will just turn off. Also, do not forget that different dimmers and light bulbs each have their own minimum level. And if the lamp worked perfectly with a “store” dimmer, it’s not a fact that you will get the same effect with your home regulator.

Light at minimum and maximum brightness

Benefits of using dimmers

In conclusion, I would like to outline the main advantages of using dimmers:

ease and safety of use;

wide model range; You can choose a dimmer of the required color, design and control method that is comfortable for you;

functionality.
Learn more

Therapist book recommendations

It came to me that every time i lose a dog

Obsessive compulsive control disorder

How to get over things

Is native american a culture

Definition sociopathic narcissist

Creative journaling prompts

Encoding psychology example

Routines and mental health

Anxiety attack feeling

Narcissistic symptoms in women