Why dimmers are different for normal and LED bulbs when both are connected to normal power?

Question

The title 😀

I would understand it for LED strips and so on, but if both bulbs are made for 230V (or whatever in US), why do they need different dimmers? Is there a difference in some dim range or something?

Thanks.

In: 14

Answer 1

The reason you can use a normal dimmer is that normal globes brightness is based on the voltage so you add some resistance and the brightness lowers. LEDs are a semi conductor they will glow at a voltage based on the construction of the led and the brightness is affected by the current through it.

There are some factors like AC and high voltage but they could be easily accounted for in the design if not for the current dependant brightness.

Pulse width modulation (turning on and off fast) is more because it is cheaper and easier than building a current controlled supply.

I taught electricity design