Over the past few years, LED technology has developed by leaps and bounds. Today, LED dimming is very effective!What's more, they actually produce better quality light than incandescent and fluorescent lights!Modern dimmers work on a completely different principle. The most popular is the "phase-controlled (or tangential)" dimmer, which adjusts the voltage at each phase of an alternating sine wave to reduce the output power of the lamp.

The two types of phase-controlled dimmers available are the "trailing edge" and the "leading edge", two different types that work in different ways.The way they work is different, which ultimately affects their compatibility with certain LED dimming drives.What is the frontier?Frontiers: inductive responsibility (e.g., magnetic low-voltage transformers), resistive loads (e.g., incandescent lamps)

What is a trailing edge dimming？

Trailing edge dimming (electronic dimming) utilizes a current that is turned off at the end of the AC waveform (i.e. before zero crossing).This type of dimming is usually used with electronic drivers and does not result in a voltage shock to the light source (which in turn leads to a current shock). Trailing edge dimmers are suitable for capacitive loads, such as low-voltage transformers and LED drivers, and resistive loads, such as incandescent bulbs.In short, leading edge dimmers tend not to be suitable for LED bulbs, so if you are switching to an LED and use a dimmer, you will need to switch to a trailing edge dimmer as well.

How does the trailing edge dimmer work?

The trailing edge dimmer works by cutting the back half of each half period in the AC waveform.

Why choose a trailing edge dimmer?

Modern trailing edge dimmers are fully compatible with resistive or capacitive loads, thereby shortening the A/C cycle and effectively reducing the 240V main power supply to 12V or 24V loads, ideal for dimming LED lights and bulbs.Front-edge dimmer technology doesn't work for all types of bulbs, the back-edge dimmer it works for all types of lighting, and the universal availability of smart back-edge technology means you don't have to check that the LED lights are on and off correctly.The soft start technology of most trailing edge dimmer switch helps to maximize the use of LED lights, so the bulb/light source should last longer.

A trailing edge dimmer has the advantage over a leading edge dimmer by providing smoother, silent dimming control without buzzing and other distractions.The minimum load of the trailing edge dimmer is much lower than that of the leading edge, making it more suitable for powering LEDs.Although front dimming switches are generally cheaper and simpler than back edges, they were originally used to dim halogen lamps and incandescent bulbs or wire-wound magnetic transformers.Their ability to control low power loads (typically 10W or less) makes them a better choice for dimming low-power lighting circuits of medium size.Front-edge dimmers are still common, but as more and more homes use LEDs, the selectivity of back-edge dimmers will increase.

How can I avoid trailing edge dimmer compatibility issues?

In order for an LED lamp or illuminator to work with a phase-controlled dimmer, the electronics of its driver must be compatible.The indoor and outdoor 5-in-1 dimming drive power supply developed and produced by YSD has a very good compatibility with major brand dimmers, such as: Luchuang, Qisheng and Philips, with smooth dimming without flicker.For increased compatibility, trailing edge dimmer switch tend to work better under the capacitive load of the LED driver.