What is the difference between a leading edge and a trailing edge dimmer?

Modified on Fri, 26 Jan at 4:59 PM

These two types of phase cutting dimmer inherit their names from the part of the AC wave that they cut off. Leading edge dimming cuts off 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 the most popular type of dimmer. They have several advantages over leading edge dimmers including smoother control, soft start and silent running when in operation.


The reason behind trailing edge dimmers being the most popular is that as LEDs become more accessible to everyone and that most LEDs bulbs are trailing edge. This allows the dimmers to be more compatible with a greater amount of products.

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