LED Panel Lights with 0-10V Dimming; Part 1: Understanding the Lights

[@danielmorrison7161]

Thank you so much for breaking down how that wiring works!

[@rixtrix11]

First ever real world dimmer hook-up, thank you! Most have a totally different "test bench" type of demo that really has nothing to do with hooking up a self contained lighting fixture like the one you have.

[@djm5k]

0-10V dimming is normally used in commercial buildings. If you are trying to install a new 0-10V dimmer into an existing wall switch, you would need to find a way to install the violet and gray low-voltage control wires from first fixture to wall switch, which entails running these wires down through existing wall to switch. I believe many fixture manufacturer’s make a driver that can be dimmed by a triac dimmer that only requires the hot, neutral and ground wires that attach to dimmer. This would be an easier solution than having to run the two control wires to switch in a residential installation. The three color temperature settings that fixture you have are all in the higher(bluer) color temperature range. Most of these fixtures will have 3000K, 4000K and 5000K or higher, for a wider range from warm to cool. The 3000K is more warm and usually the more preferred color temperature for home use. Some fixtures even have an extra setting where you can change the fixture color temperature by toggling the light switch on and off quickly until you get the desired color temperature. The selected color temperature will become the default when operating normally. You can change the color temperature at any time by toggling the switch on/off quickly again to desired setting. Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry these types of edge-lit LED fixtures in many shapes and sizes.

[@tubro007]

If I understand you correctly; since my light manufacturer sold my light with the 0-10w extra wires i'll need to run them down to the switch, i.e. there isn't some "triac" device i can obtain to send the signal down the existing higher voltage wires in the wall, right?

[@tubro007]

Wow. Exactly what i was looking for, your video was golden while the first three i watched from others didn't provide the info i was needing. thank you. subscribed.

[@ryandorofy2306]

Very informative! Helped me out greatly!

[@9Strangz]

man i really LIKE KZbin do it yourself videos thanks

[@projectwithpreston]

Thanks! I really should get some more up. I'm certainly not as polished as the more professional channels, but sometimes that's good.

[@Wave8Form]

.410 meg ohms is 410K ohms. So it's a 410kohm Pot.

[@grabasandwich]

My buddy just gave me an $800 outdoor LED fixture and I asked him about the grey and violet wires. He said it's for dimming and the switch is around $100. He's a licensed electrician with like 25 yrs under his belt. I guess he isn't aware how simple this 0-10v stuff is?? Electronics sure are overpriced for what's actually going on under the hood 😂

[@user-pw6hz8ey8b]

Great video. Very informative. I have 2 of these LED panels and installing them both on one 0-10v dimmer. Searching for info on dimming a pair of panels.

[@projectwithpreston]

I've recorded another video where I do just that, but I haven't edited it yet. The important thing to know is that the wiring is simple: Connect the grey and purple wires from the far light to the near light, and then connect them to the dimmer. So grey to grey to grey and purple to purple to purple. Because the voltage and power levels are low, I've heard of people using all sorts of different wiring. I used speaker wire that I had left over from another project. They make a Romex Duo wire specifically for this, that combines the regular black/white/ground wires with the purple/grey wires in one cable, but it's expensive and hard to find, especially in shorter lengths for one-time projects.

[@7628739]

@@projectwithpreston they sell at the the electrical supply house pre-made 1 pair stranded colored wire

[@frillybobify]

@@projectwithpreston Do you have that video done yet? I'm interested in seeing it.

[@projectwithpreston]

@@frillybobify I need to edit it and get it up. The hold-up is that I made a mistake when I did it, and I want to show what is wrong and fix it. I'll try to get it out soon.

[@frillybobify]

@@projectwithpreston thank you! I'm working on the project myself. I'm concerned about the spacing of the low voltage wire next to the high voltage wire. I've read you need to keep them isolated. Southwire makes a 14/2/2 but it's very expensive.

[@wildmanofborneo]

Can this light be installed against a solid ceiling (in my case, OSB aka waferboard)? Or will it get too hot?

[@projectwithpreston]

I think they make mounting kits for them, but I'm not set up to check the temperature on the back side after leaving them on for a while. My recollection is that they're 40W, which is not insignificant. I wish I had a better answer for you, but I'm glad you're thinking though it enough to ask the question.

[@demeterassociates1211]

How did you measure the internal resistance of the 0-10 dimmer circuit, with an ohmmeter, while the light was ON? Ohmmeter should be used on deenergized circuits only, if you want to measure a remotely correct resistance.

[@projectwithpreston]

It wouldn't make sense to test the resistance on the light fixture, as it is sending out a 10 V signal and then measuring the return voltage. But with the switch disconnected, you can use a multimeter to measure the ohms on the dimmer as you slide it between low and high. I'm not sure I did it correctly, but the theory is right. I failed in finding references online to what the range of resistances should be. The important thing is that when hooked up, it works pretty well. (I have another video in production where I wire up two lights in a ceiling with a dimmer switch.)

[@Peter.Sky.Walker]

That was a solid ass answer.

[@fredyrey3657]

I have 6 led panels and installed then on one 0-10v dimmer but i need 1 of the led panel to be on at night how can i do it thanks

[@projectwithpreston]

I'm not completely clear on what your end goal is, but the dimming control and the power control are separate. There's no reason you can't have all six on one dimmer, but run the power to one of them separately from a regular light switch.

[@fehaciente991]

Probably get direct power to the panel you want on, and just connect the dimming wire along with all the other panels

[@YXW-Judy]

🎉🎉🎉🎉