Why don’t my LED bulbs dim properly? Why do my brand-new LED bulbs flicker when I dim them?
If you’ve asked yourself either of these questions, you’re not alone – it’s something I get asked all the time. Let me explain why it happens and what you can do about it.
Why don’t my LED bulbs dim properly? - Harrison Electrics, Rotherham
Not all LED bulbs are the same
Some LED bulbs are dimmable, and some aren’t. The dimmable ones are usually a bit pricier, but if you pair them with the right dimmer switch, they’ll work perfectly.
So why do they still flicker?
You’ve fitted your new dimmable LEDs at your Rotherham home to replace your old halogen or incandescent bulbs, but now they flicker or strobe when dimmed. The reason is down to how LEDs work.
Old-style bulbs use a simple filament – turn the dimmer down, less voltage flows through the filament, and the light gets dimmer. Easy.
LEDs, on the other hand, are electronic and need the right type of dimmer to work properly. Most of the time, that means using a trailing-edge dimmer, which is designed for LEDs.
The minimum load problem
Another common cause is the minimum load on the dimmer.
Here’s an example:
Six 50W halogen bulbs = 300W total.
Replace them with LED equivalents at 5W each = 30W total.
If your dimmer has a minimum load of 100W, the 30W from the LEDs isn’t enough for it to work properly – so you’ll see flickering or strobing. The answer? Swap it for an LED compatible dimmer.
Most dimmers have the minimum and maximum loads printed on the back, so it’s always worth checking before you buy any lighting for your Rotherham home.
Flickering LED's? Contact Me
If you’re in the Rotherham area and need a hand sorting out flickering LEDs or upgrading your lighting, give me a call. I’ll make sure everything’s set up properly so your lights work as they should – no buzzing, no flickering, just a tidy, professional job done right
