There are three ways to dim NSL tape lighting.
Method 1 - Using a dimmer/drive combination device.
There is no easier way of powering and dimming tape light than using a combination device like the NSL DimDrive. You are limited to using single color tape of less than 100 watts. There is no remote controls available for this system.
Method 2 - Using a dimmable driver and a conventional dimmer.
Dimmable drivers work with compatible conventional dimmers providing a familiar and intuitive method of controlling the lighting. It also allows you to match the other dimmers in your room for a consistent look.
Here is a list of compatible dimmers.
Method 3 - Using a controller with a non-dimmable driver.
This method utilizes a controller on the output side of the driver and a 0-10V dimmer or more commonly a remote control (either dedicated device or phone app). Although slightly more complicated these systems have several advantages over the previous methods.
- Uses less expensive non-dimming drivers
- Incorporation into a dimming system that utilizes 0-10V control (single color tape only, see CNTRL-0-10V-DIM)
- Enables control via wireless remote controls
- Enable control via bluetooth controls and phone apps
- Enables networking of several tape light runs together for uniform performance
- You can control multiple controllers with the same remote, they sync via 2.5gHz wireless signal
Here are some of the remotes available.
If you have large installations that require multiple drivers you can network them together using amplifiers as shown below. Using a single controller and multiple ampliers will guarantee uniform performance between all tape light circuits.
For more information on controllers and amplifiers see our article about networking tape light here.