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Old 03-18-2017, 10:55 AM   #1
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LED (Lighting) Wall Dimmer anyone?

I'm wanting to dim the 12v LED recessed lights in the ceiling. Anyone do this yet and what success (or failure)...

Here's what I was thinking for single switch 12v locations, this unit is rated 12-24v DC and states "LED dimming".
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Old 03-18-2017, 11:18 AM   #2
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I too think the overheads are way too bright for most use as well. I know that others have discussed using a dimmer on the ceiling LEDs but have heard little regarding success or failure. Some LEDs are dimmable...some are not. In addition, I think that the biggest problem is that most dimmers require connection to both the positive and negative leads that feed the lamps. On many installations the 12 volt plus lead is switched, but the negative return does not go through the same location. The dimmer that you are looking at requires connection to both plus and ground leads. If you have access to them, PWM dimmers might work although there have been complaints of radio frequency interference from the PWM dimming function.

Bottom line...might work but I wouldn't simple assume so.
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Old 03-18-2017, 12:41 PM   #3
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I use this and other products from this site. Simple wireless button you stick where you need it and it controls the lights. You have to install the dimmer in the light circuit but that is far easier than running wires from the light circuit to the control button.

Micro Wireless LED Dimmer

Also have this. http://www.solidapollo.com/5-zone-wi...ed-dimmer.html
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Old 03-19-2017, 08:16 AM   #4
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Did one dimmer work for all the lights on one switch?
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Old 03-19-2017, 03:34 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by jb4xx View Post
Did one dimmer work for all the lights on one switch?
Here is my whole story regarding dimmers.
1. Small camper, Rockwood 2306. I had previously upgraded the light over the table to a fancy one with LEDs. The switch for this light is on the control panel as you come in the door. However that switch is very high and hard to find in the dark. I left the original switch active but added a light dimmer module to it. This one has the dedicated button as I referenced in the first link. Micro Wireless LED Dimmer I put the button on the wall just inside the door. When we come into the camper and it's dark we just reach in and push the button and we have light. Works great. We can dim that light to any level and then a push of the button turns it on and off.

2. I also installed the same button and dimmer module in each of the 2 bunks.

3. Two of my ceiling lights are joined together and cover most of the camper. I intercepted the wiring and installed a dimmer module there. That is the type in the second link. 5 Zone Wireless PWM LED Dimmer That comes up on position one on the remote. We use that to dim the lights when we are watching TV or similar activates.

4. This season I will be adding another module to position 2 on the remote and use it for the lights over the sink / stove. Not sure I will go any further after that.

Additional info. The light over the table gave out a high pitched whine after hooking in the dimmer. It didn't bother my old, loss of high frequency ears, but it did my 22 year old daughter. I installed a simple bridge rectifier and smoothing capacitor on the output to the light and all is quiet now. Added the same filter to the variable speed fan switch I installed to the fan over the stove. Simple stuff. I think you can still get at Radio Shack if the store near you hasn't closed.
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Old 03-19-2017, 04:29 PM   #6
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LED Dimmer

I too complained to the dealer about the sun tanning led lights in the slideout over the bed. He installed a slide dimmer and it works perfectly.
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Old 03-20-2017, 01:07 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by ScottBrownstein View Post
....................The dimmer that you are looking at requires connection to both plus and ground leads. If you have access to them, PWM dimmers might work although there have been complaints of radio frequency interference from the PWM dimming function.
Shouldn't be too hard to find a ground or chassis/frame etc for the ground required. I'm sure the wall switches are just hot wire interrupted I/O.

I have heard of some LED dimmer units "humming", especially when dimmed way down low. Most report this is only on dead silence also, if any TV or conversations going on, you never hear it.

I just purchased one, and before jig sawing the switch opening to fit, I will test it out on my 34' 5er. The one I really want it for however is the new 422AMP.... good to have guinea pigs!
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Old 03-20-2017, 01:20 PM   #8
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Actually they don't just need the ground, they need to connect to the actual return from the fixture. In other words, both sides of the specific circuit that feeds the load.
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Old 03-20-2017, 01:31 PM   #9
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Actually they don't just need the ground, they need to connect to the actual return from the fixture. In other words, both sides of the specific circuit that feeds the load.
X2
I installed a dimmer on the awning lights and you must have the + and - hooked directly to the dimmer. You can not just grab a ground and hook it up. The ground that feeds the dimmer must go to the ground of the fixture. That is the hard part on some light to get right.
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Old 03-20-2017, 11:37 PM   #10
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X2
I installed a dimmer on the awning lights and you must have the + and - hooked directly to the dimmer. You can not just grab a ground and hook it up. The ground that feeds the dimmer must go to the ground of the fixture. That is the hard part on some light to get right.
So unlike any 12v with a common ground, you're saying they have an isolated ground? If that's the case, I'll bet there is both wires already at the factory switch. Tbc
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Old 03-21-2017, 04:16 PM   #11
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So unlike any 12v with a common ground, you're saying they have an isolated ground? If that's the case, I'll bet there is both wires already at the factory switch. Tbc
Don't confuse IG (isolated ground) and EG (equipment ground) they are not the same. No the ground wire most likely will not be behind the panel. Manufactures, to save money, ground to a common point and then run the hot wires around to switches thus cutting the amount of wire they need to run.
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Old 03-22-2017, 03:32 PM   #12
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I found a dimming switch that took the place of the wall mount switch
. Has a smaller on/off with a slide dim switch. Put one in bed room and bath. Make good night lights.
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Old 03-22-2017, 05:38 PM   #13
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A32Deuce do you have a link or picture?
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Old 03-22-2017, 05:44 PM   #14
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Ill have to look. I think ebay. Did a search. Ill look. Not near rv now.
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:04 PM   #15
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12 volt on/off led dimmer switch. Do a google search and the 2 I got have 2 wires red and white. I cant find a way to copy/link!
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:09 PM   #16
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I'll give it a try
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:15 PM   #17
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The ones I got on ebay are not there now, but others also sell them.
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Old 03-26-2017, 09:02 AM   #18
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I agree... the ground / common is tucked in behind the switch. My answer was to add a warm white LED strip above the slider; side to side; low to hide it and added a dimmer... one of the most practical mods I've made.
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Old 03-26-2017, 10:01 AM   #19
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I agree... the ground / common is tucked in behind the switch. My answer was to add a warm white LED strip above the slider; side to side; low to hide it and added a dimmer... one of the most practical mods I've made.
WW
I did the same only put a strip around entry door and one in bed room, on dimmers. Great mod!
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