Dimmable LED Bulbs: Choosing LED Dimmers
In the beginning, LEDs didn't need a light dimmer. The brightness levels of LEDs weren't high enough to install a dimmer light switch. Since then, LED technology improved to support brighter light outputs over time. But what do you need to know before installing your dimmer?
In this blog, we discuss what light dimmers are and how to choose an LED dimmer for your LED bulb.
What is a light dimmer?
A light dimmer, or dimmer switch, is a device that allows you to adjust the brightness or light level of light fixtures.
By dimming the light output, you reduce the amount of electricity going into the light. Reducing the light output can increase the lifespan of the bulb and improve energy efficiency.
Light dimmers come with different lighting controls like changing the brightness depending on the time of day. You can also use remote controls to adjust the light as well.
Certain types of dimmer switches use lighting controls to set times of day to lower light levels. You can also use remote controls to adjust the light as well.
Dimmer switches are perfect for most places in your home including the bedroom, bathroom, and dining room.
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Incandescent Dimmers:
When retrofitting your LEDs, you are probably replacing a traditional incandescent bulb with a more energy efficient LED bulb. While you have an existing dimmer, you might need a new one for your LED.
Incandescent bulbs require a load level that ranges from 25 to 100 watts depending on the size of the bulb. LEDs, on the other hand, have a load level that ranges from 10 to 40 watts.
Since both types of lighting have different wattages, it is best to change your existing dimmer. This prevents flickering in the bulb as well as improper dimming.
Most dimmers work by quickly turning the power on and off. This process is faster than the human eye can see. The ballasts and drivers from the existing dimmer will not handle the power of the LED bulb.
This means that bulbs need to meet a certain load level or power level to work. And, because LEDs are more energy efficient they are not going to work.Effects of Standard Dimmer:
Some original dimmers that may work with your LEDs, may not give the best dimming performance. This is because they were originally for incandescent lights.
As seen in the above image, using an existing dimmer can have a negative impact on your LED light.
First, you may start with flickering LED lights. In this case, LEDs would flicker because standard dimmers power on and off rapidly.
If the flickering issue persists, it is likely that your LEDs will begin to strobe. The strobing effect is where the light rapidly flickers.
The strobing effect increases the likelihood that your LED bulb will have a shorter lifespan.
LED Drivers:
A common assumption is that you can choose any dimmer switch for LED lights. However, before you decide on the type of dimmer, you must install an LED driver. The driver must be wired with the dimmer you have chosen in mind.
*If your wiring is more than 50 years old, or you are inexperienced with retrofitting and/or rewiring, we recommend contacting an experienced professional first*
How to Choose a Dimmer?
As you choose the LED bulb that you want to install, you need to choose a compatible dimmer. This is due to dimmers requiring a certain load or amount of power to function properly.
Types of dimmers:
- Single-Pole – Controls lights from one location and one dimmer
- Three or Four-Way – Controls lights with one dimmer from multiple locations
- Multi-Location – Controls lights with multiple companion dimmers from multiple locations
- Plug-In – Dims lights in table and floor lamps
You want to make sure that the bulb and dimmer are compatible with one another. You can normally find this information on the manufacturer's website or featured on the box of the product. For example, Eaton will have a compatibility list for you to look at.
Choosing a Bulb:
Once you have chosen what type of dimmer you want to install the next step is to choose a bulb. Remember that the bulb has to be compatible with the type of dimmer that you have chosen.
To tell whether or not the bulb will work with a dimmer all you have to do is check the box. Look for the word ‘dimmable.’ This will let you know if the LED has a dimming feature.
If the LED bulb does has a dimming feature, check to see which dimming compatibility it works with. The main dimming compatibilities that are common with LED bulbs include:
- Leading and Trailing Edge Dimming
- 0-10v regulation
- DALI regulation
Leading and trailing edge dimmers
A leading edge dimmer works by cutting off the ascending portion of the AC voltage wave from the beginning. Leading edge dimmers are also known as TRIAC dimming.
Trailing edge dimmers work by cutting off the descending portion of the AC voltage wave at the end.
0-10v Regulation
0-10v Regulation works by using a DC voltage signal that ranges from 0v to 10v. This controls the voltage going into the bulb.
DALI Regulation
DALI regulation is a digital communication interface for lighting systems. It works by having information flow from a controller to control gears. These control gears will then carry out the orders to produce the light.
It is important to note that when choosing your LED light bulb, you should choose from a recognizable company. Purchasing from a recognizable company ensures that you receive better product warranties, lamp life, and customer support.
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