What is a trailing edge dimmer module?
These more modern dimmers have many benefits over the leading edge type. These improvements include smoother dimming with less buzzing and interference. Trailing edge dimmers have a much lower minimum load than the leading edge, making them far more suitable for powering LEDs.
How do I know what type of dimmer I have?
Determine the number of switches that control the light group. If only one switch controls the light, purchase a single-pole dimmer. If two switches control a single light or a group of lights, you will need a 3-way dimmer. Then look at the bulb type you are going to be using and pick the right type of dimmer.
How does a slide dimmer switch work?
A dimmer switch changes the direction of electrical flow every time that it is used to dim or brighten the lights. Ultimately, the dimmer switch controls the electrical cycle for dimming a light. When the switch is turned down low the cycle takes longer to complete, and the light emits a lower level of brightness.
How do I know if my dimmer is leading edge or trailing edge?
Leading edge dimming cuts of the front edge of each waves’ half cycle. Conversely trailing edge dimming cuts out the second half of each waves’ half cycle. Trailing edge dimmers are now the more popular of the two types.
What does leading edge dimmer mean?
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 ‘TRIAC’ (Triode for Alternating Current) switch to control power, and are sometimes called TRIAC dimmers.
What wattage dimmer switch do I need?
A rule of thumb commonly used to calculate a load for LED dimmers is to divide the stated maximum load by 10. For example a 400W dimmer switch should have no more than 40W of LED bulbs connected to it, which would equate to eight 5W bulbs.
Are there different types of dimmer switch?
There are two types of dimmer switch for mains dimming in your home; leading edge and trailing edge. Trailing edge switches work best with LEDs. If your dimmer switch is old it’s likely a leading edge switch and worth changing to a trailing edge version.
Which is an example of a 3 way dimmer?
An example of a 3- way is the ability to control the same fixture from a switch at the top of a staircase and from another switch at the bottom of the staircase. The Decora Rocker Slide Universal Dimmer can only be dimmed from a single location and turned ON and OFF from the second location (to the current dim level).
What kind of dimmer do I need for 0-10V?
The 0-10 Volt Slide Dimmer provides full-range classic linear-slide dimming for 0-10V compatible dimmable light sources. These units are ideal for light commercial applications and are compatible with decorator style devices and wallplates.
Can A decora dimmer be dimmed from more than one location?
The Decora Rocker Slide Universal Dimmer can only be dimmed from a single location and turned ON and OFF from the second location (to the current dim level). If you require the ability to dim from multiple locations please see the Decora Digital line of controls.
What kind of bulbs can a universal dimmer work with?
Universal dimmers are designed to work with dimmable LED, dimmable CFL, incandescent and halogen bulbs. Some universal dimmers are also designed for Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) and Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) loads. Leviton recommends only LED and CFL bulbs that are labeled as DIMMABLE be used with the Universal Dimmer.