Why Use a Triac Dimmable LED Driver?
2019-10-08 17:27:45
The term “TRIAC dimmable LED driver” tends to be used to refer to a LED driver that is compatible with leading edge, or trailing edge dimming switches.
Leading edge dimmers use a TRIAC (triode for alternating current) switch to control the power. Which, of course is where the term “
TRIAC dimmable LED driver” comes from.
However, trailing edge dimmers use a completely different technology, typically using MOSFETs or IBGTs to control the
power supply . Hence, why the term “TRIAC dimmable LED driver” is not always an accurate description.
TRIAC dimmable LED driver that can be used with leading edge (TRIAC) dimmers and leading edge dimmers that you find in most homes. This means that they are ideal if you are retrofitting LED lighting and want to be able to use the existing wiring and dimmer switches.
They are also used in commercial retrofit projects.
Most modern lighting control systems use either an analogue control signal, such as
1-10V, 0-10V or PWM to control the LED drivers, or the DALI lghting communications protocol. Typically, when installing LED lighting in a commercial project you will find that 0-10V, 1-10V, or
DALI LED drivers are used. This sort of installation requires dedicated wiring to be run from the control systm to the LED driver, which means internal walls and ceilings need to be removed and replaced.
With heritage sites it is not always possible to tear down walls and ceilings to run new wires. So, a solution that can work with existing wiring is required.
