To verify their proper functionality, we have tested (and still are testing) various CFL and LED bulbs. The wiring of the tested sources is identical with that in dimming incandescent bulbs, see Chapter 6.8.1. Dimming incandescent bulbs with rated input up to 500W.
The measured values of selected samples of some types of CFL and LED bulbs are listed in the following table.
The table also lists the measured values of PCD dimmable switching power supplies made by MEAN WELL, whose characteristics are similar, but by their nature they represent a capacitive load, which means that the RC type of load must be set.
A table with the measurement results of the CFL and LED bulbs samples tested:
Type |
Marking |
Input [W] |
Luminous flux [lm] |
Light on threshold [%] |
Upper limit [%] |
The type of load |
CFL |
Philips Tornado 1% Dimmable |
15 |
900 |
30 |
70 |
RL |
CFL |
Philips Tornado T3 Dimmable |
20 |
1200 |
30 |
70 |
RL |
CFL |
Philips Softone 20W WW E27 |
20 |
1150 |
45 |
70 |
RL |
CFL |
Philips Master, PL-Electronic Dimmable |
20 |
1200 |
30 |
70 |
RL |
CFL |
Osram Dulux intelligent dimmable classic A |
16 |
880 |
45 |
70 |
RL |
CFL |
Sparsam (IKEA) |
15 |
820 |
30 |
70 |
RL |
CFL |
Megaman 3U218d dimmerable |
18 |
1008 |
35 |
90 |
RL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
RL |
LED |
Philips Master LEDluster clear |
4 |
250 |
20 |
70 |
RL |
LED |
Philips Master LEDspot PAR 20 |
7 |
- |
20 |
70 |
RL |
LED |
Megaman LG0911dv2 dimmable LED classic |
11 |
620 |
40 |
90 |
RL |
LED |
LEDON LED LAMP |
6 |
400 |
40 |
80 |
RL |
LED |
Osram PARATHOM CLASSIC A 40 ADVANCED |
6 |
470 |
30 |
90 |
RL |
LED |
Osram PARATHOM CLASSIC B 25 ADVANCED |
3,8 |
250 |
25 |
90 |
RL |
LED |
MEAN WELL PCD-16-1050B + LED chips SOC20-1M |
- |
- |
20 |
80 |
RC |
LED |
MEAN WELL PCD-25-700B + LED chips SOC20-1M |
- |
- |
20 |
50 |
RC |
Type the source type – compact fluorescent light (CFL), LED bulb or a source for LED (Mean Well)
Marking the name of product
Input nominal input of the source according to the manufacturer's specification
Luminous flux maximum luminous flux according to the manufacturer's specification
Light on threshold the level at which the tested sample starts to emit light when being switched on (i.e. from a switched-off state)
Below this level, the light flickers, or the source does not emit light.
The switching off limit the level when the tested sample is completely switched off (i.e. from the switched on state) is about 10 to 15 % lower in comparison with the ignition level (temperature dependent) – it is not stated in the table.
Upper limit above this level, the human eye can no longer distinguish any increase in brightness.
The type of load setting the dimmer (setting the type of load).
The table shows that, for example compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) can be dimmed in the range of 30 ÷ 70 % (the LEVEL variable). These values are not always the same, they differ depending on the type, but also a particular piece, as well as the operating temperature. The regulation should also be adapted to these parameters - it is often less than half of the whole 0 ÷ 100 % range that is made use of.