You should select a dimmer based upon your wattage requirements. The easiest way to do this is to add up the total wattage of the bulbs you wish to control. For example, a fixture with four 60W bulbs has a total wattage of 240. You can use a 600W dimmer to control this.
What wattage dimmer do I need?
A rule of thumb commonly used to calculate a load for LED dimmers is to divide the stated maximum load by 10. For example a 400W dimmer switch should have no more than 40W of LED bulbs connected to it, which would equate to eight 5W bulbs.
How do you know if a dimmer is compatible?
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.
Mar 25, 2018
What kind of light bulbs can be used with dimmers?
Incandescent light bulbs are dimmer-friendly bulbs, as they work well with any dimmer switch. When using incandescent bulbs, make sure not to crank up the voltage too high, or the bulb will burn out more quickly, lessening the lifespan.
Mar 21, 2019
Can you put a dimmer on any bulb?
Nearly all fixtures with standard sockets can be dimmed using incandescent or halogen bulbs. Many people use standard dimmers and controls to adjust the brightness of chandelier lighting to set the mood in the dining room.
Jul 15, 2016
What are three types of dimmers?
Different Types of Dimmers
- Incandescent/Halogen. These types of bulbs require resistive dimmers due to the filaments inside of them. …
- Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) Transformers that reduce higher voltages to less than 30 volts are called low-voltage transformers. …
- Fluorescent. …
- Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Jan 20, 2020
What are the two basic types of dimmers?
The two basic types of dimmers are based on how they are controlled: Mechanical and Electronic.
How do I choose a dimmer switch?
Choose a dimmer with a wattage rating that meets or exceeds the total wattage of all the light bulbs the dimmer will control. For example, if the dimmer controls a fixture with ten 75-watt bulbs, you need a dimmer rated for 750 watts or higher.
Do dimmable LED bulbs need a special dimmer?
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 determines if a light fixture is dimmable?
What makes a light fixture dimmable is the dimmer controlling it and the light bulb. So it is the light bulb that determines whether you can dim or not (and not the fixture).
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.
Oct 22, 2019
How do I know what light switch I need?
Three-Way light switches (Single Pole/Double Throw) – Three-Way light switches are used in pairs to control lights. A 3-Way light switch can be identified by the extra wire connected to it for the 3-Way switching. A 3-Way light switch will have one Line/Load wire and two traveler wires connected to it.
Are all dimmers the same?
Dimmers all perform the same function, altering the illumination produced by the attached fixtures, but there are many types of dimmer switch controls. These traditional switches have a rotating knob that controls the light level.
Jul 23, 2016
Do you need special bulbs for a dimmer switch?
A dimmer switch can only support LEDs, CFLs and other lights that are made up of advanced technology and have a dimming feature.
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.
Can any LED light be dimmed?
The answer is simple. Yes you can dim LED, but not all LED bulbs are dimmable.
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.
Jun 29, 2021
Why are LED bulbs not dimmable?
Damage or failure – LED driver, circuit or LED is damaged or fails. Load below minimum – The power load of the LED lamp is below the minimum required by the dimmer. Mixed models- Different models of LED will likely have different drivers – since drivers behave differently this could result in dimming issues.
