How do I know what type of dimmer switch I have?
If you already have light bulbs and are looking for a dimmer switch, find the product page for the bulbs and check the PDF for a list of compatible dimmers to choose from. The specific dimmer compatibility information will always be with the bulbs rather than with the dimmer.
What are the different types of dimmer switches?
There are different types of dimmer switches available these days, enabled with modern light dimmer circuit and dimmer switch wiring. Most types of dimmer switches use incandescent bulbs, dimmable compact fluorescent light bulbs, Magnetic Low Frequency and Electronic Low Frequent bulbs.
What are the two basic types of dimmers?
The two basic types of dimmers are based on how they are controlled: Mechanical and Electronic.
Are all dimmers 3 ways?
You will need a three-way dimmer and a three-way switch. This lets you dim from one location and turn the lights on and off from another. If only one switch controls the light, purchase a single-pole dimmer. If two switches control a single light or a group of lights, you will need a three-way dimmer.
Is there a difference between a dimmer switch and a LED 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 is the difference between LED dimmer and incandescent dimmer?
They don’t control as well as the new dimmers that are designed for LEDs and it will also drastically shorten the life span of the bulbs. With old incandescents you are just reducing the voltage across the element but with LEDs you are lowering the voltage to the electronics which fire the LED.
What kind of dimmer is needed for LED lights?
LED bulbs have a low wattage, so you’ll need to have a dimmer that is 250W or 400W and ideally intelligent trailing edge, for smooth dimming. See our full range of LED suitable trailing edge dimmer switches.
How do I know what wattage my dimmer switch is?
150 watt rated dimmers are usually for a single bulb. Wattage rating is usually on a sticker on the light fixture.
Multiply result by 125% (1.25).
- 5 fixtures x 60 watts = 300 watts.
- 300 watts x 1.25 = 375 watts.
- Next higher wattage dimmer rating = 375 watts or higher (600 watts).
What size dimmer switch do I need for LED lights?
Generally speaking, you will be looking for either 600 watt max load or 1000 watt. When choosing dimmers for dimmable LEDs or CFLs, you should not load a dimmer higher than approximately 25% of the rated load for the dimmer.
How can you tell if a switch is 3 way master?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If no house current is found on any of the three wires. Go to the other switch. And do the same thing one of the wires will have house current and that wire is the hot wire mark.
What are the 3 wires on a dimmer switch?
Single pole switches will have 3 wires: a hot lead wire, a ground wire, and a traveler wire. Older homes may only have a hot lead and a ground wire. If you have less than three wires, stop and call an electrician.
Do I need two 3 way dimmers?
If you’re replacing two 3-way light switches at the top and bottom of a stairwell or at either end of a hallway, you might think you need two 3-way dimmer switches, but you actually only need one. When using a 3-way dimmer switch, you should only have one dimmer on the circuit.
How do I know if my LED lights 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.
Do I need a special dimmer for LED lights?
Yes, LED lights require a special dimmer. An old fashioned incandescent dimmer switch will not work properly with LED bulbs. You cannot just simply lower the voltage to the LED driver.
Can you put a dimmer switch on any light?
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.
Can I put a dimmer switch on LED lights?
Yes, LED bulbs can be used on a dimmer but they need to be listed as dimmable. LEDs can still work with incandescent dimmers, but the compatibility is an essential factor. Look at manufacturers’ website to figure out the right bulb and dimmer for your home. I’ve done all the research, so you won’t have to.
How do you change a light switch to a dimmer switch?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: These are interchangeable. Start by wiring the bear ground wire from the house to the green ground wire on the three-way switch screw on a wire nut and tighten it. Down.
Do all lights work with a dimmer?
Most light fixtures will work with standard dimmer switches, including those with halogen and incandescent lamps. Determine whether your fixture uses line or low voltage. If you install line-voltage track and rail lights with incandescent bulbs, you can use dimmer switches to control their brightness.
What lights can be dimmed?
The most common bulbs that can be dimmed are:
- Fluorescent light bulbs. …
- LED light bulbs. …
- Incandescent and halogen light bulbs.
What happens if you put a non-dimmable LED in dimmer?
If you use non-dimmable lights in a dimmer circuit, they will either flicker or just run at full brightness. They will likely burn out faster, too.
