How Do LED Dimming Drivers Work?

The electricity used to 'drive' lines of LED strip lights is controlled and supplied by LED drivers. They work similarly to conventional transformers by converting 240 volts of mains electricity into a smaller voltage, often 12 or 24 volts. However, LED drivers also convert the alternating current (AC) from the mains into the continuous direct current (DC) that LEDs require to operate. LED drivers control the power provided to the lights so that the voltage is constant by regulating their output in accordance with the electrical characteristics of the LED tape, which change as it heats up.

All LED lights require an LED driver to change the power supply into one that is more appropriate for LEDs since they demand a continuous direct current of 12 or 24 volts, which is significantly lower than the voltage that the mains power delivers. Both the risk of fire and burnout are reduced by doing this.

There are two different types of LED driver: constant voltage LED drivers and constant current LED drivers, which have different functions and applications.

For LEDs that require a constant current yet can endure a variety of voltages, constant current drivers are created. They function by adjusting the voltage sent to the light in order to keep the current constant. For LED downlights or highly powered LEDs, a constant current driver works best since it can regulate the electrical current.

A constant voltage driver is designed for LED lights that need a fixed voltage (of either 12 or 24v) but have a current that's already being regulated by another safety device, like a resistor. These drivers are best for brightly coloured LED lighting that needs a constant voltage to maintain its vibrancy.

If you've picked out dimmable LED strip lights, you want to make sure you buy a dimmable LED driver to go with them. These come in both 12v and 24v varieties, so you can find one that's compatible with your LED strip lights.

When an LED is dimmed, dimmable drivers function by supplying the LED with less power. Leading-edge dimmable drivers (also known as triode for AC or TRIAC drivers) and trailing-edge dimmable drivers (also known as electronic low voltage or ELV drivers) are the two different types of dimmable drivers. Modern dimmable drivers are frequently the least expensive choice, but they need a high-voltage light. Because they won't provide the minimal load needed for them to operate, they might not be the ideal solution for low-voltage LED lighting. This may lead to a significantly smaller dimming range, so even at their lowest level, your LEDs may still be fairly bright.

Leading-edge dimmers are less complex than trailing-edge dimmable drivers, which offer smoother control. Additionally, they work better with low-voltage lights. More information on this is available in our guide to LED dimming controls.