All About 0-10V Control for LEDs

This is an electronic lighting control system which consists of a DC voltage varying from 0-10 volts. This happens to be among the earliest electronic lighting control systems.

In this blog, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at 0-10V LED lighting control.

The two popularly recognised standards of 0-10V lighting are current sourcing and current sinking. This system provides diverse lighting intensity depending on the voltage it is set at.

0-10V was initially used and is still being used as a fluorescent dimming system. It is now used as an LED dimming control protocol. At 10V, the system gives 100% lighting output and at 0V the light is usually very dim.

Why choose 0-10v?

0-10V control can be utilised in different settings. This is inclusive of office space, at home and in retail spaces. For those who are looking at utilising this for multipurpose lighting, you will find this very effective catering to your needs and with the intensity that you need.

The dimmers have the capability of shutting lights off without the need of having an additional switch, which saves on cost. You are also able to have more control over electrical power as well as fixtures. If you looking for efficiency, then this is it, you will be able to save on light and energy.

0-10V lighting control by InStyle LED

What does 0-10v mean?

0-10V lighting is an analogue lighting control protocol. It applies a voltage between 0-10V to provide varying light intensity. There are two distinct standards that are not compatible with each other. One of the standards is most typically used in controlling fluorescent lights (current sink), while the first standard was mostly used in theatrical lighting (current source).

How do you control 0-10v?

If you are working with current sourcing, the controller will send volts to the device and the light usually scales its output in order for you to have 100% when the output is at 10V and at 0V, you have 0% output.

For current sinking, it uses ballast or a 10V DC. The controller works by reducing the returned volt ageto the light. At 10V, the light is very bright. In case no volts are returned, the light is very minimal.

What is a 0-10v controller?

This is a dimming controller that offers the ability to control on/off functionality, especially for fluorescents as well as LEDs. The majority of 0-10V controllers have an inbuilt line voltage or an external voltage. Depending on what you need, you can choose the 0-10V option that work best for you.

What is a 0-10v Receiver? / 0-10v Decoder?

This is a single output module that enables PWM dimming from 0-100%

How do you wire a 0-10v LED control system?

You can choose to have a class one or two circuits. This means you can either have protection, or no safety protection warning. It is important to be very careful when using class one circuits, especially while working with high voltage. On the other hand, class two circuit drivers do not risk electric shock as the power running through the circuit is restricted. Class one circuits are more efficient because they are able to accommodate more LEDs.

Using a purple wire, you can connect the dimming signal to the driver and this represents more than 10V. The grey wire, on the other hand, represents the signal. If the two wires do not touch, you will have 100% output from your dimming control. When the wires are in touch, you will get 0% from your dimming control. Zero volts is the lowest your driver can go, and your fixture is likely to turn to its sleeping mode or even shut down.

There a couple of pointers that you need to take note. These include: While installing your power or analogue controls. You should also separate the class one and two circuit wiring. This separation is important as it helps avoid inducing alternate current voltage to lower voltage signals that can bring about undesired effects.

Can I control other lighting using the same 0-10v controller? – for example, LED lights and other things?

Definitely! The majority of the LED drivers are compatible with 0-10V control devices, as well as other systems such as photocells and wall box dimmers.

Can 0-10v work with home automation systems such as Lutron and KNX?

Absolutely!!

0-10V works well with basic applications for the sink-type controls, such as wall box dimmers, Nova and RadioTouch RF wireless control systems, among others. These products have the ability to interface with 0-10V LED products, as long as they comply with IEC standard for current sinking.

Lutron is one of the many home-automation systems that can be paired with 0-10V dimming

What is the difference between 0-10v and 1-10v?

The first difference between the two is that they are of different standards. The major difference, however, is in the direction of current in the two systems between the dimmers and the driver. 0-10V is a current source system, and this translates to power ranging from 0-10V signals which means you need a mains connection.

1-10V, on the other hand, is a current sink system. In this case, your dimmer will not need a mains connection. It is important, however, to have a mains switch in case you need to switch off the light.

What cable do I use for the signal of 0-10v?

The most popular wiring type is a stranded copper twisted-pair (18AWG) cable. This type of wiring provides a stable current path.

The twisted pair provides protection from noise, you also get to economise and it offers the flexibility of being moved from one place to another.

There are different sizes available in the market from 14AWG-22AWG, though 18AWG is the most popular.

What 0-10v control products do InStyle LED offer?

At InStyle LED, we have you covered with our 0-10v control products. These are inclusive of single-channel (8 amps)and 4-channel 0-10v receiver. These two receivers are compatible with standard 0-10v protocol.

Our single-channel 0-10v receiver works best with white/single colour LED strip lighting and offers a maximum of 8 amps.

Our 4-channel receiver is capable of controlling colour change LED strips (which is inclusive of RGBW/RGB), as well as dual white LEDs. It has a 4×5 amp output.