light dimmer leading/trailing edge FAQ

I've had better success with the v-Pro dimmers, than MK LED-specific dimmers (flickery) the v-pro can be 'programmed' to different modes to suit the lamps.

So when you change the lamps you need to set the dimmer to something they expect. Different modes on the dimmer can be helpful here.

Another option is to fit one halogen bulb in the fitting which gives a more continuous current waveform through the whole cycle. I have a V-Pro dimmer with some dimmable GU10s and without that they flicker at low dim settings.

Theo

In general, trailing edge dimmers are recommended for LED bulbs but some are fine with leading edge ones. The LE dimmers were fitted ( about) 1998 so long before LED bulbs were around.

We used LE ones with some LED bulbs - IKEA large globes ( I think 120W equivalent) and 3 40W equivalents in wall lights without issues in two rooms. ( We originally used ordinary bulbs - I fitted LED ones once they became available.)

When one of the IKEA globes failed - after a several years- I bought a dimmable globe of Amazon ( in fact a pack of 3). They were hopeless. Erratic dimming and like a cigarette end. I returned them. I ordered some non- globe dimmables, which are fine.

I bought a pair of dimmer switches, which claim to be able to self adjust, to suit either leading, or trailing edge dimmable LED lamps. I'm not clear how that works?

These were to replace a pair of ancient dimmers, which had continued to work fine, after I had swapped the lamps from halogen, to dimmable LED, but the LED lamps were just too low wattage. I replaced them with higher wattages, but then they no longer dimmed, so time for new dimmers to suit.

This is a good argument for a 12V DC supply for lighting. Then PWM dimmers can be employed.

Update:

Fitted a V-pro dimming switch as suggested in this thread. The lights now dim as expected on the default trailing edge mode. I haven't had to programme any of the other functions.

The current needed is 20x that at 240v!

LEDs use hardly any power.