Lighting
Dimmer Load Calculator
Dimmer Load estimates dimmer loading from the visible inputs and keeps the assumptions close to the number.
Check Dimmer loading
Document whether connected lamp power and the other entries are measured, rated, assumed, or calculated.
Set up Dimmer Load carefully
The setup starts with Connected lamp power, and Dimmer rating. Keep those entries on one unit basis before the formula is evaluated.
- Connected lamp power: 420 W in the sample case.
- Dimmer rating: 600 W in the sample case.
What dimmer loading means here
This worksheet is for calculate dimmer loading from connected lamp power and dimmer rating. The answer is easier to trust when the entered values describe the same equipment, period, and operating condition.
Dimmer Load changes with mounting height, beam shape, surface reflectance, and driver limits.
When the scope changes, move to Candela Lumens and leave this run as the original reference.
Using the Dimmer Load answer
Read dimmer loading together with the input values, not as a standalone fact. The same number can imply different decisions under a different equipment rating or operating period.
Changing connected lamp power while leaving dimmer rating fixed is a useful way to see which assumption controls the answer.
If the next step shifts toward Lumens Watts, keep that as a separate worksheet instead of forcing the numbers into Dimmer Load.
Testing connected lamp power
Using the sample values, Connected lamp power = 420 W; Dimmer rating = 600 W, the primary result is 70.00%.
This Dimmer Load one-input test is a scale check, showing direction and sensitivity without turning the changed case into a recommendation.
If the changed dimmer rating comes from a real measurement, keep the original Dimmer Load run so the source of the difference remains clear.
Checks outside Dimmer Load
LED compatibility cannot be inferred from watts alone.
- Surface reflectance
- Beam angle
- Fixture spacing
A numerically valid Dimmer Load result can still be wrong if the field condition, connection type, tariff period, or equipment rating does not match.
When your notes point to Daylight Factor, open it after saving this baseline so the two cases do not get mixed.
Before saving dimmer loading
Can the default values be used as a recommendation?
No. The Dimmer Load defaults only demonstrate the form. Replace them with measured or rated values for the actual lighting case.
When should this be run again?
Run a new Dimmer Load case when the source condition changes, such as voltage, load, rate schedule, temperature, component, connection, or period.