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Introduction
MK Electric is the UK’s market leader for electrical wiring devices. We offer a
comprehensive portfolio of dimming solutions suitable for a wide range of
applications and lamp technologies. The lighting market is rapidly changing,
with innovation bringing developments in lamp capabilities and functionality .
The information contained within this guide is designed to provide an overview
of MK Electric’s portfolio and compatibility. For the latest information, we
advise to always consult lamp manufacturer’s websites and technical installation
instructions.
Understanding Lamp Types
incandescent/Tungsten Filament
Traditional lamp type, gradually being phased out and replaced with new low energy lamps.
Compact Fluorescent
A type of discharge lamp with integrated ballast. Some CFL’s are dimmable. Typically 25% of the
energy consumption of standard incandescent lamps, for the same amount of light.
CFL’s rely on having full mains voltage applied to “start”. Dimmable CFL lamps can suffer shortened
life by cold starting at a minimum brightness level. To overcome this, the MK CFL dimmers are
designed to apply full voltage to the lamp at the initial switch on, before lowering the voltage to the
preset dimming level. This enhances CFL lamp life.
Fluorescent
Available in various shapes and sizes. These require an external ballast to drive the lamp. Typically
15-20% of the energy consumption of standard incandescent lamps.
Fluorescent lamps are only dimmable using special ballasts and analogue or digital controllers.
MK’s Grid Plus 1-10V analogue controller can be used in conjunction with 1-10V compatible ballasts.
The ballast then controls the power supplied to the lamp hence providing dimming control.
Low Voltage Halogen
A type of incandescent lamp distinguished by its higher filament operating temperature, slightly lower
energy consumption of 70-80% and enhanced colour properties compared to incandescent lamps.
Low voltage tungsten halogen lamps require a transformer to supply the correct voltage to the lamp.
These transformers must be compatible with the chosen dimming control. MK Electric’s intelligent
dimmers incorporate load sensing software that can modify performance to suit, most low voltage
halogen transformers.
LED
LED lamps use electronic components. Light-Emitting Diodes to efficiently convert electricity to
light. Typically they have 10% of the energy consumption and 20-100 times the lifetime of standard
incandescent lamps. LED Lamps are available in dimmable and non-dimmable versions, various
colour temperatures and colour quality.
Whilst LED lamps are the newest and most efficient lighting solution, they can differ widely in their
performance levels. Premium brand manufacturers have led the way, supplying high quality lamps
which are most consistently compatible with dimming switches.