0-10V Frequently Asked Questions

A. The 0/1 – 10v protocol is an analogue system used for dimming lighting.

A. The 0/1-10v protocol is DC (Direct Current).

A. The 0/10v protocol began as one of the first and simplest means to control lighting and was mainly used in theatre lighting for dimming PAR cans and theatre lighting. It was also used in commercial/architectural lighting.

A. The 0/1-10v protocol works by applying a variable 0-10v DC voltage to a controller to dim lighting up and down. 0v the light is off, 10v the light is at full brightness.

A. No 0/1-10v is not wireless, it is a wired system, but it is possible to incorporate wireless controls.

A. The difference between 0-10v and 1-10v is the direction of the current between the dimmer and the driver. A 0-10v is a current source system which means the dimmer provides the power for the 0-10v signals. Where as 1-10v is a current sink system so just adjusts the power signals.

A. It can be possible to use a 1-10v dimmer on a 0-10v driver. However, if you do find some which are compatible it is likely the minimum level achieved will not match that available on the driver so it may be brighter. It would be recommended to keep all equipment at either 0-10v or 1-10v and not mix them up.

A. It can be possible to use a 0-10v dimmer on a 1-10v driver. However, if you do find some which are compatible, it is likely you will encounter low end performance issues such as strobing. It would be recommended to keep all equipment at either 0-10v or 1-10v and not mix them up.

A. The difference between current source and current sink is whether the dimmer/controller is providing the current (source) or whether it is dissipating the current (sinking). However, for a driver and dimmer to be compatible, one has to source, and one must sink.

A. The difference between active and passive dimming is the same as current source and current sink. If the dimmer/controller is providing the current, then this is active. If the dimmer/controller is dissipating the current, then this is passive. However, for a driver and dimmer to be compatible, one must be active, and one must be passive.

A. Yes, it is recommended that the cables used for 0/1-10v shielded, especially if running them near to the power cables and for a distance as this can cause interference.

A. Some of the advantages you get with 0-10v dimming are that it is a very simple system to install, it’s easy to diagnose faults and dependent on the hardware used, it is possible to dim thousands of watts worth of lights through 1 switch.

A. Some of the disadvantages you get with are that you need to make sure the dimmers/controllers and drivers are compatible; it is possible to experience voltage drop with this being an analogue system and in more complex settings 0/1-10v can require more wiring + labour costs to install.

A. Yes, it is possible to control colour changing lights through 0/1-10v. However, this needs to be on a 1-10v system not a 0-10v system and you need a cable for each colour in the set up as well.

A. It’s not possible to give an exact figure to how many fixtures you can control on a 0/1-10v circuit as there are many factors. Some of these factors are: Rating on the controller and it’s ability to handle inrush current of the total load.

A. Yes, it is possible to control 0-1/10v using wireless control. There are several control protocols which can be incorporated into a 0-1/10v system and usually just require a converter.

A. Yes, it is possible to control 0-1/10v using DALI and usually requires a converter.

A. Yes, you can use and app to control 0-1/10v. For example it is possible to set up Bluetooth or ZIGBEE control on a circuit using the right equipment which will allow control through and app.

A. Yes, it is possible to set a 0-1/10v circuit up so you can use voice control. An example of this would be to use ZIGBEE which would then allow you to use Amazon Alexa.

A. No, it’s not possible to link 0-1/10v dimmers to other dimmers. They all need to be wired separately from the controller.