However, as well as the above, there are also other differences between the two types of dimmers…<\/p>\n
Leading-edge dimmers (TRIAC dimmers)<\/h2>\n
Leading-edge dimmer switches are cheaper and simpler than trailing-edge, and were used originally to dim incandescent and halogen bulbs or wirewound magnetic transformers. They use a \u2018TRIAC\u2019 (Triode for Alternating Current) switch to control power, and are sometimes called TRIAC dimmers.<\/p>\n
Many existing leading-edge dimmer switches have a relatively high minimum load, which often rules out their use with modest LED or CFL lighting circuits. However, leading-edge dimmers are by far the most common dimming control in existence.<\/p>\n
Trailing-edge Dimmers (Reverse phase dimmers)<\/h2>\n
Trailing-edge dimmers are more sophisticated than leading-edge dimmers. They provide a much smoother dimming control, absent of any buzzing noise, and is ideal for use in most premises.<\/p>\n
A trailing-edge dimmer has a lower minimum load than leading-edge dimmers, making it a better choice for dimming modestly sized low-powered lighting circuits.<\/p>\n
LED lights and dimming<\/h2>\n
Unlike incandescent bulbs, which are all dimmable by default, LED retrofit bulbs have a built-in driver in their base. The driver converts AC power to DC power and maintains a constant current to the LED. This is at odds with a phase control dimming system, since the driver attempts to compensate for the sliced-out portions of input voltage.<\/p>\n
LED fixtures such as downlights usually include the LED driver, either of a \u2018constant current\u2019 or \u2018constant voltage\u2019 type, depending on the LED array design. In either case, the same issue arises: the LED driver or power supply will try to patch up the missing parts of input voltage.<\/p>\n
However,\u00a0LED compatibility problems can exist, and\u00a0some dimmable LED driver designs will only work with selective dimming control systems. These problems can show up in a number of ways, including flickering, flashing, and dead travel.<\/p>\n
How to avoid LED dimmer compatibility issues<\/h2>\n
For an LED lamp or luminaire to work with a phase control dimmer, the electronics of its driver must be compatibly adapted.<\/p>\n
Leading-edge dimmer switches are sometimes called \u2018incandescent dimmers\u2019, because they were originally designed to handle the resistive load of incandescent light. Existing dimmer switches tend to have high minimum loads and may require multiple LED lamps in order to even have a chance of working.<\/p>\n
![\"charles](\"https:\/\/www.lyco.co.uk\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Charles-Author-Bio-150x150-1-150x150.png\")
<\/div>\n