Searching the Database
The Dimming Compatibility Database features a number of useful searching features to sort and narrow down results from everything ETC has tested in the last few years.
Selecting any search terms narrows down other possible search terms, but doesn't affect search results until applied. For example, selecting "A Series" as the Device Type will prevent selecting Manufacturers search terms that A Series lamps haven't been tested for, but the actual search results aren't changed until "Search" is clicked.
Device Type
If any Device Type boxes are checked, the search results will only show luminaires of that form factor.
Voltage
If any Input Voltage boxes are checked, the search results will only show luminaires which are compatible with that voltage. Some low voltage luminaires, like MR16 lamps and LED tape, will appear if either the luminaire voltage (e.g. 24VDC) or the driver/transformer's input voltage (e.g. 120V) are selected.
Dimming Type
If any Dimming Type boxes are checked, the search results will only show tests performed with those dimming protocols. Line Voltage (2-Wire) is very common, and almost always covers lamps which screw into some sort of outlet.
Manufacturer
If any Manufacturer boxes are checked, the search results will only show luminaires that manufacturer produces. This cannot be used to search for transformers used in low-voltage applications, like for LED tape.
Sort By Performance
Selecting one of these filters will sort the output results with the best performers for that system. This is a great way to find good results for an existing system, or if a dimming system has already been specced.
View Summary
After some or no search filters are applied, you may View Summary to see a quick representation of how the luminaire performed on all tested systems. This summary shows minimum stable brightness, which isn't always as low as it goes but often the lowest it can dim while remaining completely stable. Also shown is a letter grade for fade performance with a rubric below, which gives a general assessment of dimming performance but lacks specific details.
Full Report
The full report contains all of our testing information, including much which can't fit into the performance summary above. Reading the report is always recommended to get the best understanding of the test results. Reading the entire full report usually isn't necessary, but the sections pertaining to your dimming system(s) can be very helpful. For help reading the report (which can be technical at times,) please read here for clarification on any sections necessary.