Why do LED lights not work with dimmers?
The downside is that LED bulbs are extremely low-wattage (they use up very little energy), which means leading edge dimmers can’t read or control their circuitry very well. Trailing edge dimmers, on the other hand, have a much lower wattage range and can read and control LED bulbs easily and effectively.
What happens if you use a dimmer switch for LED lights?
LED Bulbs may not shut off at the lowest dim setting like traditional bulbs. This happens because the dimmer thinks the bulb is completely off due to the low amount of wattage the LED consumes. In traditional dimming systems you are simply lowering the voltage/power to the bulb, which in turn dims it down.
Why do my LED lights flicker on a dimmer switch?
There are many reasons why an LED lamp can flicker, but the most common cause is a lack of resistance in the lamp to allow the dimmer curve to work correctly. This is not a new issue; it’s been around for a long time, but is becoming more “noticeable” with the major increase in LED usage.
Can LED recessed lights be dimmed?
The answer is simple. Yes you can dim LED, but not all LED bulbs are dimmable.
Do LED lights need a special dimmer switch?
A standard dimmer switch cannot be used with an LED light as you will never be able to dim the LED light either completely or not very well. LED lights need their own special electronic dimmer switch to have a fully functioning and dimming light.
What happens if you put a non dimmable LED bulb in a dimmer?
If you install a non-dimming LED bulb in a circuit with a dimming switch, it will likely operate normally if the dimmer is at its 100% or fully on. Dimming the bulb, will likely cause erratic behavior such as flickering or buzzing and ultimately may cause damage to the bulb.
Can you use an incandescent dimmer on LED lights?
A standard incandescent dimmer can be used to dim dimmable LED/CFL bulbs; however performance may vary. In some instances, it will work perfectly and in others you may experience issues such as flickering, reduced dimming range and fluttering.
Do you need a dimmer switch for a dimmable light?
The short answer to this question is: Yes, you can use dimmable LEDs without a dimmer switch, just like normal light bulbs. This is handy to know because many retailers are reducing the number of non-dimmable LED bulbs that they stock.
How many recessed lights can you put on a dimmer switch?
A general rule of thumb when it comes to LED recessed lighting is to allow for roughly 100 watts per recessed light fixture. Therefore if you have a 600W dimmer, you should have around six lights on the switch and no more. Keep in mind that dimmer switches also have a minimum requirement to run correctly.
How do I know if my LED bulbs are dimmable?
#1 – If you bought a finished LED fixture or bulb, check to make sure the packaging specifically states that it is dimmable. This should be stated in the description or the technical specifications of the light.
Can you put dimmers on any lights?
A dimmer switch can be installed anywhere that an existing on or off switch is in place. Replacing the current toggle switch with a dimmer switch will allow you to change the lights’ brightness, so long as you are using a light bulb that is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.
