Lighting
Dimmer Curve / Law
01 — Definition
The mathematical relationship between the dimmer's control value (0 to 100%) and the light actually produced. Under linear law the output follows the control value — what LED drivers expect. Under square law the output follows the square of the control value, to compensate for the eye's non-linear perception. Get the curve wrong and you get an abrupt snap-on at the bottom of the travel, or a dead zone at the top of the fader.
02 — In the field
An LED that snaps on at 1 or 2% instead of fading smoothly? The dimmer is on linear law while the fixture expects square law, or the other way round. Change the curve in the dimmer or fixture settings.