Written by Mike Raiolo | LED Lighting Expert

LED power supplies play a crucial role in converting AC power from your wall outlet to the DC power needed to operate LED lights. When it comes to LED power supplies, there are two main types: dimmable and non-dimmable.

Non-Dimmable LED Power Supplies

Non-dimmable LED power supplies hold the distinction of being the most common and cost-effective option available. These power supplies provide a constant voltage to your LED lights, meaning that the brightness of the lights cannot be adjusted except when using a controller, remote, or a PWM Dimmer Switch.

Dimmable LED Power Supplies

Dimmable LED power supplies, on the other hand, offer the ability to adjust the brightness of your LED lights using an AC dimmer switch. There are two primary types of dimmable LED power supplies: Triac Forward Phase and Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV).

Triac Dimmable LED Power Supplies

Triac dimmable LED power supplies are aspectLED’s lower wattage power supplies: 20, 30, 45, 60 and 80 Watts. Triac dimmable power supplies can be dimmed with a forward phase dimmer including models marked for forward phase.

MLV Dimmable LED Power Supplies

MLV stands for Magnetic Low Voltage and is for larger loads: 100, 150, 200, and 300 Watts. MLV is a type of forward phase dimming. MLV is only compatible with strip lights and should not be used with any other type of LED as damage will result. MLV Power supplies also need to be dimmed with a compatible dimmer. Some examples would be the Eaton DUL06P and the Lutron DVLV600P.

Which type of LED Power Supply should you use?

Determining the appropriate LED power supply depends on your specific requirements. If you do not need to dim your LED lights, a non-dimmable LED power supply will suffice. However, if controlling the brightness of your LED lights from a dimmer switch is a priority, opting for a dimmable LED power supply is essential.

Which type of Dimmable LED Power Supply should you use?

Selecting the correct dimmable LED power supply depends on the type of dimmer switch you have. For those with a Triac dimmer switch and a smaller load- opting for an Triac dimmable LED power supply is recommended. On the other hand, if you have a larger load (more than 80 Watts) you will need an MLV dimmer switch, an MLV dimmable LED power supply will suit your needs best. MLV is ONLY Compatible with strip lights.