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Varilight V-Pro GlowFix for Improving the Dimming Performance of some LEDs when used with V-Pro Dimmers

Model No. GLOFIX by: Varilight
Availability: Usually 2 - 3 Days

£11.75

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This is the Varilight V-Pro GlowFix for improving the dimming performance of LED lamps when used in combination with Varilight V-pro dimmers. 

It is a regulator module for LED dimmers. The Varilight LEDFix load regulator is designed to improve the dimming performance of LED lamps when used in combination with VARILIGHT® LED dimmers. 

A LEDfix can improve performance in two ways:

  1. With certain combinations of lamps the addition of a LEDFix load regulator can improve the stability of the lamps at a lower brightness level, extending the dimming range when used with Varilight LED dimmers.
  2. Due to the extremely low current required to illuminate them, some LED lamps will remain illuminated at a low glow when remote control dimmers (such as Varilight® V-Pro IR dimmers) are switched off. This is because remote control dimmers draw a tiny current in standby mode so that they are ready to receive a signal from the handset. This tiny current may be sufficient to illuminate LED lamps. The addition of just one LEDFix load regulator will solve this problem.

The Varilight LEDFix is super efficient, drawing less than 1 watt. The LEDFix load regulator and can be easily retrofitted by simply wiring it in parallel with any of the lamp fittings.

Varilight V-Pro GlowFix - Features

  • GlowFix is super-efficient: approx. 1W
  • Dimensions: 24mm x 25mm x 66mm with 100mm lead
  • Operating Voltage: 220/250V AC
  • Improves the dimming performance of certain LED lamps when used in combination with VARILIGHT V-Pro dimmers
  • Improves lamp stability at a lower brightness
  • Will correct an unwanted visible glow exhibited by certain LED lamps when the circuit is switched off.
  • Super efficient using less than 1 watt
  • Intended Applications: Indoor Use Only. Domestic power supply.
  • Applicable Safety Standard: EN 61347-1, EN 61347-2-2, EN 61547, EN 55015 & EN 61000-3-2

Note: Some images and pictures are for reference only. The item may differ from the image/picture due to manufacturer's change. Should you require the exact item in the picture, please call or email us to enquire.

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Bespoke human-centric lighting schemes and their benefits on our health

Changes in modern society during the early 21st century have led to many problems concerning people’s sleep cycles and general health. Bespoke human-centric lighting schemes are something that we should all consider. The adoption of electronic light has changed the ‘circadian rhythm’ of our bodies, which controls key features such as sleep-wake behaviour and hormone secretion. This disturbs the 24-hour sleep cycle we should be operating on for optimal health and happiness. Recent studies have shown we now spend close to 90% of our lives indoors, a historically unprecedented amount. This means we are simply not getting enough natural sunlight. ‘Human-centric lighting’ is a solution that works to maintain a natural light cycle indoors, no matter where you spend the majority of your day. In this article, we will discuss the practicalities and benefits of a tailored human-centric lighting scheme - especially in workplace environments. Human-centric lighting: what is it exactly? Human-centric lighting solutions can support the human circadian rhythm and enhance concentration. They also prevent sleeping disorders and improve our overall mental well-being. So how do they work exactly? Recent innovations in lighting technology (in particular with LEDs) has meant that ‘tuneable’ white light can be achieved in an energy-efficient manner. This light is then managed with advanced control systems. New, smart, connected lighting systems create endless possibilities with better user control. For instance, the SkyLux works its magic by replicating a natural 24-hour day cycle. It has a panel which realistically depicts scenes of sky, clouds and sunshine. The main control will be the level of brightness intensity, which is scaled all the way from 0 (which gives the effect of a cloudy day) to 100 (which exudes the light of an intensely sunny day). This means that the owner of this advanced lighting system can choose what type of weather is simulated in a building. Practical considerations for human-centric lighting schemes Luminaire specifications This is the Megaman 180162 - part of the Renzo range of drum fittings / LED bulkheads for wall or ceiling mounting. It is a 10.5W round LED fitting offering a warm white 3000K with a diameter of 280mm. You can buy it online.The components that make up the luminaire must guarantee an adequate level of performance. First and foremost, they must pass tests to ensure they meet all electrical and mechanical test requirements. They should also be tested to make certain that ‘LED flicker’ is kept to an absolute minimum. LED flicker originates from a mismatch of components - when the LED module, driver and control system are not working in harmony. This mismatch causes a flickering light which has damaging consequences. If left unchecked, flicker can result in chronic discomforts such as eye-strain and headaches. In workplaces, this is shown to lead to an increase in absenteeism. Manufacturers must guarantee that LED flicker is minimised to avoid this problem.Light distribution You must consider that not all luminaires are appropriate for human-centric lighting systems and certain design criteria must be satisfied. Many of the existing general-purpose lighting fixtures in commercial settings cannot meet these design criteria. The distribution of light from a luminaire in a human-centric system must not create glare. Glare is a serious problem at workplaces as it can cause long-term health problems. Excessive brightness entering the eye from intense luminaires reflecting from working equipment (such as screens) prevent workers from being able to read data and reduces productivity. However, if you arrange a system of quality luminaires in a well-spaced pattern there will be minimal amounts of glare caused. Furthermore, the optimal amount of light needed to aid the natural circadian rhythm will be achieved. The advantages of a human-centric lighting system The sheer quality of LED light has improved leaps and bounds over the last few years. New developments in LED colour schemes mean that we can now match the colour output that is created by the natural light spectrum. As previously mentioned concerning the SkyLux, this means we can accurately simulate weather conditions that are occurring halfway across the world. Human-centric lighting schemes are designed using ultra-high colour rendering LEDs, which consistently depict a colour accuracy of over 95 percent. This increase in the quality of colour rendering will reap health benefits. Currently, there are efforts to move colour accuracy performance even further, using ‘sunlight’ criteria for LEDs. These LED modules are designed to mimic the spectrum of sunlight. In doing this, LED manufacturers are seeking to reduce the ‘blue spikes’ in the LED spectrum that are considered poor for our health. Lighting control With human-centric lighting comes dynamic lighting control. The latest thinking from designers is that the core lighting should be set according to a fixed scheme, which will fit a general ‘working pattern’, convenient to employees. Health benefits As mentioned before, the presence of blue wavelengths is negative for our health. It suppresses the effect of the pineal gland, which ‘tricks’ the brain into thinking that it’s safe for us to carry on working, when we should be preparing for a good night’s sleep. Human-centric lighting has the ability to reduce blue content in white light by shifting the ambient colour spectrum from ‘daylight’ to a comfortable warm light as we come to the end of the day. Lighting levels (illuminance) are also adjustable across the working day so they can replicate external conditions. As evidenced by the pioneering SkyLux, human-centric lighting is really making waves in the lighting industry. Hopefully, in the near future, bespoke lighting will be the norm in all modern workplaces.

How to Avoid Disappointment when Dimming Retrofit LED Lamps - 9 General Rules

Everyone in the know will tell you that LEDs will dominate the lighting world, having made their proper breakthrough in recent years. However, there remains the problem of ‘retrofitting’ dimming LEDs, wherein consumers are looking to swap their CFLs and traditional incandescent bulbs to dimmable LEDs. The problem of retrofitting dimming LED lighting It is no wonder today’s consumers are looking to buy LEDs over CFLs, which have off-putting and unseemly designs. And as for traditional incandescents, who would choose to pay so much more in energy bills if they could just make the switch and help the environment in the process? Especially since now LEDs have been designed in many cases to resemble traditional incandescent bulbs. A big problem with the LED ‘revolution’ was the switchover to LED dimmer lights. However, companies such as Varilight and MK Electrics stepped in to make a huge variety of new dimmers for the swathe of LED lights that were being produced. Dimming Retrofit LED Lamps - 9 General Rules 1. Ensure that you are purchasing an LED light that is compatible with your existing LED dimmer. It is a common misconception that every single LED light can be dimmed. It is essential to choose lamps that the manufacturer has described explicitly as  ‘dimmable’ in their literature. 2. Stick to recognised brands. Unfortunately, many manufacturers are all too happy to incorrectly label their lights as ‘dimmable’. This is mainly due to a lack of an industry standard that establishes a precedent for dimmable LED drivers. We would heartily recommend choosing from the most established lighting manufacturers. Setting dimming considerations aside, bigger names are more likely to offer you better warranties, longer lamp lifetimes, and more customer support. In this article, we discuss three Manufacturers who made reliable dimmer compatible LEDs: Varilight, MK Electric, Danlers, and Lutron, though there are many more who do the job well. This article discusses the issue in more detail. Varilight's various ranges of 'V-Pros' are recognised for their silent operation and programmable intelligent functionality, for instance, the ever-popular Varilight JQP252W, which can be purchased here. 3. Do read the label. The brightness range of a bulb must be considered carefully if you are replacing an incandescent bulb with an LED, as it may not be worth your while. This is due to the great advancement in the number of lumens produced by LED bulbs, which have achieved halogen-mimicking ‘white light’ type of looks. Some LED bulbs can produce as much as 100 lumens per Watt. So, if you are using a vintage LED lamp that is emulating the old-school low lighting of traditional bulbs, then LED dimmers shouldn't be of any concern to you; you’ll be sticking to a single dim light anyway! 4. Ask Manufacturers about Compatibility Most renowned lighting brands will publish data on their websites concerning compatibility when it comes to switching light types. Dimmer switches have been tested to discover what type of lights they will be compatible with, when looking at loads, lamp performance and so on. These trustworthy manufacturers will give grades, or even a compatibility guide, as a useful reference point which can help considerably when choosing a dimmer for your LED. This can be ultimately confusing when navigating international sites that do not use the same grading standard. If you are in any doubt you should contact the company to ask for their recommendation for a light switch. 5. Don't use a standard dimmer Some lamp manufacturers state that LEDs don't need a specialised dimmer and that a standard dimmer will do the trick: don’t be fooled! The LED technology is advancing, but we are not there yet: even though the likes of Megaman come out with LEDs that can be dimmed with both a trailing-edge and leading-edge dimmers, we cannot yet recommend using a regular dimmer for LED lamps. Standard dimmers tend to be under-loaded in most LED applications, leading to unpleasant flickering and strobing effects, which dramatically reduce the lamps lifetime. Standard dimmers are never even equipped to exploit the full brightness range of an LED bulb like a specialised remote could do. 6. Choose a dimmer designed for LED lighting The most top of the range, sophisticated dimmers will likely deliver the best possible performance you can expect from your LED light. Some, such as Varilight’s LED Dimmer have several dimmer modes that enable you to gracefully dim across the various and diverse driver technologies across the entire market. Another advantage of this dimmer is that it accounts for the difference in maximum brightness between brands. This means you have an easily adjustable minimum brightness setting that will enable you to harness the full brightness potential of your lamp. The adjustable minimum brightness also ensures that a lamp will not experience the flickering, malfunctioning behaviour outlined in point 5. 7. Don’t buy your lights without first selecting a Dimmer Don’t buy your lights without first selecting a Dimmer - make sure your LED light is dimmable! See the Integral LED Ciclo LED Outdoor Wall Light 11W, to be purchased here. Like all dimmer switches, those designed specifically for LED lighting have a minimum and maximum load recommendation. Your lighting installation should be designed in a manner that means you don’t exceed the maximum load of dimmers available. Dividing the load across more than one dimmer could provide you with a brilliant solution by giving you great light control levels that can be zoned within a multi-functional space. Until very recently it was problematic to find a dimmer that was capable of controlling upwards of 100W of LED lighting. However, the launch of Varilight’s V-Com series has opened the door for potentially much larger loads - upwards of 600W. 8. Do read the Instruction Leaflet Don’t rush with your LED dimmer switch as you may be missing out on a lot of fun! LED dimmers come with features solely intended to enhance their performance, but this may require a little bit of programming first. For instance, with Varilight’s V-Pro remote control dimmers, there is are enhanced scene-setting features, unlocked through the innovative ‘LightScene’ handset. Many manufacturers have ‘how to’ videos featured on their website. 9. Dispose of your old lights Responsibly When it comes to old, still-functioning halogen lights, you need to throw them away or recycle them. You can find more information on doing this here. Never throw CFLs into your general waste as they contain dangerous mercury. Further information on this topic (and inspiration for our article): LED lighting information (via the guardian) The best LED dimmers for your LED lights (via sparks blog) Varilight LED dimming and dimmable LED guide (via varilight) Top picture credit: here.

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Returns

We offer 30-day returns for unwanted items - please email us to request a returns number which will need to be quoted when the items are returned. For faulty items or items damaged in transit, please advise via email, and an appropriate returns number will be provided. Full details concerning returns and refunds can be found via our Terms and Conditions.