How to Fix LED Lights That Flicker on a Dimmer Switch (2024)

A steady and reliable light source is a basic feature of any light fixture. However, many LED fixtures leave their owners dealing with dimming and flickering issues. To address these issues, we have created an outline with key insights you should know.

Our expert technicians are here for youSchedule Online Today

We investigated the main reasons why LED lights flicker on the dimmer switch and how to avoid these issues, alongside looking at other problems with LED lights. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand what to do if you experience a problem with your lights.

Top Tips for Avoiding Flickering LED Lights

LED lights can flicker on the dimmer setting for several reasons. Here are some of the most common ways to avoid these issues:

Purchase Dimmable LED Bulbs

Not all LED lamps or light bulbs are dimmable. Before wondering what is wrong with the product, double-check that it’s actually dimmable. If the LED light bulb is not dimmable, you can return the product and search for a dimmable alternative.

If the product is dimmable, you can try the remaining solutions. It’s also important to double-check that both items are dimmable. A dimmable light fixture won’t work well if the bulb in it isn’t also dimmable.

Know the Connection Between Lamps and Controls

A defective connection between the lamp and controls can cause your LED lights to flicker on a dimmer switch. The controls may be out of sync with the lamp or the controls can be too old. In addition, the controls may not be designed in a way that allows them to work with the lamp. In any of these cases, the items will not be in sync.

Read More: What Causes Ice to Build Up on Air Conditioner (AC) Coils?

Buy Well-Tested Products With Good Reviews

Sometimes, you can do everything right prior to purchasing a dimmable LED bulb, but it still will not work. In this case, it may be the product itself. There are many cheap yet ineffective LED light bulbs on the market.

Avoiding these defective products requires some research. Look for something that others have tested and that has good reviews. In addition, restrict your purchases to companies with a reputation for producing good products.

Work with a Lighting Specialist

Working with a lighting specialist is the best solution for dealing with lighting issues. They have the skills and knowledge necessary to address the issue. They may have even dealt with the same issue in the past and know how to fix it quickly.

This is a great solution when other options do not work out. It’s also a great solution for anyone who simply wants to get a fix without having to do all of the troubleshooting themselves.

How to Fix LED Lights That Flicker on a Dimmer Switch (1)

Common LED Lighting Problems and Ways to Respond

While LED lighting can fail for various reasons, a few problems are more likely to pop up than others. Luckily, this also means that equally common methods of responding to these problems exist.

Using the Wrong Current

LED bulbs are designed to handle specific currents. They will experience problems or stop working altogether when dealing with higher currents. The solution to this problem is to match the bulb to the proper current. This simply involves knowing what current you are dealing with and finding a bulb that suits it.

LED Bulbs Overheat

LED bulbs shouldn’t be exposed to high levels of heat. Doing so can cause them to fail. The best way to avoid this problem is to not put LED bulbs in an environment where they are exposed to too much heat.
Some light fixtures pack too many bulbs too close together, and the heat from all of the bulbs spreads across the fixture. Situations like this can and should be avoided.

Read More: Electric Hot Water Heaters vs Gas: Cost, Efficiency, and Accessibility

Low-Quality Solder and Wire Bonds

Low-quality LED bulbs and fixtures can cause a handful of problems. If the quality of the solder and wire bonds is low, the connections may work for a while but will eventually fail. The easiest way to avoid this issue is to only buy quality products from companies that you trust. This prevents a scam product from leaving you with a headache.

Improper Use of LED Lighting

Some people think throwing an LED bulb into any fixture will work. However, many LED bulbs will not work properly when placed in fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs.

This often comes back to heating, as many old light fixtures aren’t designed to dissipate heat as LED bulbs need them to. The solution here is to only use fixtures designed specifically for LED bulbs. Most modern lamps and other fixtures will fit into this category.

How to Fix LED Lights That Flicker on a Dimmer Switch (2)

Lighting Installation and Repair Services

If your LED lights are flickering in your bedroom or living room, contact our team by phone at (703) 543-9649 to receive assistance. Our team of skilled electricians in Centreville, VA offer dependable lighting installation and repair services for homes.

Our team also offers other types of electrical repair services such as electrical panel replacement, ceiling fan installation, and whole-house generator replacement. Our team is ready to help you fix broken light fixtures and other types of electrical issues in your house.

How to Fix LED Lights That Flicker on a Dimmer Switch (2024)

FAQs

How to Fix LED Lights That Flicker on a Dimmer Switch? ›

LED bulbs may flicker on these switches if their total load is too low, particularly when dimmed below 50%. A potential solution is to use a resistive (or dummy) load to increase the circuit's load, resolving the issue.

Why are my lights flickering on the dimmer switch? ›

If you experience flickering and dimming lighting with a dimmer switch, make sure you are using the correct type of bulb. Most dimmer switches don't function well when you use fluorescent, LED, or certain CFL light bulbs. Check the bulb and make sure you are using one that is compatible with your dimmer switch.

Why are my LED lights not dimming properly? ›

Typically, LED dimming problems occur because the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing or, more specifically, the LED lamps aren't in sync with the controls, or dimmer switches. In order to get LED lamps to dim, you need a proper pairing between the lamp and the controls.

Why do my LED recessed lights flicker when dimmed? ›

In most cases, flickering recessed LED lights result from a compatibility issue between the lamp and the fixture. If you're using a LED light incompatible with your particular system, the device isn't providing enough power to operate the light properly.

How do you adjust a LED dimmer switch? ›

Turn ON the dimmer and move the slider to the maximum level, then back to the minimum level, rapidly three times within 5 seconds. The dimmer enters the low-end trim level adjustment mode, and the connected light bulb will slowly ramp up to the maximum intensity and then back to the minimum intensity.

What are the signs of a bad dimmer switch? ›

Here's how we'd describe some of those symptoms:
  • Drop out. This symptom occurs when you are trying to dim the lighting down and the light suddenly cuts out before you slide to the bottom of the switch.
  • Pop on. ...
  • Dead travel. ...
  • Ghosting. ...
  • Flickering. ...
  • Strobing. ...
  • Flashing.
Aug 1, 2019

How to fix flashing LED lights? ›

Deal with LED Light Bulb Flickering Issues
  1. Check the entire fixture to see if loose wires are present and tighten as needed.
  2. Secure or tighten the screw lamp in place.
  3. Review the connection point to ensure it hasn't become loose for some reason.
Mar 6, 2022

How do I stop my dimmable LED lights from flickering? ›

Top Tips for Avoiding Flickering LED Lights
  1. Purchase Dimmable LED Bulbs. ...
  2. Know the Connection Between Lamps and Controls. ...
  3. Buy Well-Tested Products With Good Reviews. ...
  4. Work with a Lighting Specialist. ...
  5. Using the Wrong Current. ...
  6. LED Bulbs Overheat. ...
  7. Low-Quality Solder and Wire Bonds. ...
  8. Improper Use of LED Lighting.
May 19, 2023

How to fix flickering recessed lights? ›

Tighten loose bulbs

If a light bulb is in too loosely the socket isn't making proper contact with the bulb, and that can cause intermittent flickering. Even recessed lights can loosen, so check those connections first. Replacing switches can solve common flickering issues.

Can you put a dimmer on LED recessed lights? ›

The short answer to this question is: Yes, LED lighting is certainly dimmable! However, there are few essential things that you have to take into account.

Why can't you use LED bulbs with a dimmer switch? ›

They lack the internal circuitry required to handle varying electrical loads from a dimmer switch. Potential Damage: Attempting to use non-dimmable LEDs with a dimmer switch can lead to the bulb's flickering, buzzing, or even complete failure.

Do LEDs need a special dimmer? ›

LED bulbs are manufactured with different circuits that determine whether they are dimmable or non-dimmable, and they are not interchangeable. If you try to dim a non-dimmable light bulb, it may create an unpleasant flickering effect, and is likely to damage the bulb itself.

What is the correct dimmer for LED lights? ›

There are two types of dimmer switch for mains dimming in your home; leading edge and trailing edge. Trailing edge switches work best with LEDs. If your dimmer switch is old it's likely a leading edge switch and worth changing to a trailing edge version.

How to fix flickering light switch? ›

If your lights are flickering, first check if your bulbs are loose and tighten them up to see if that solves the problem. Then tighten the wiring in your light switches. Finally, make sure the screws in your breaker box are tight and see if this fixes your problem.

What would cause lights to flicker and dim in a home? ›

Improper Wiring

Depending on how old or strong the wiring of your home is, the lights dimming could be due to faulty wiring. If the circuitry throughout the house is not efficient enough to support the load of the lighting that is connected to the circuit, then this could cause the lights to dim.

Can dimmer switches go bad? ›

Older, poor quality dimmer switches can be prone to 'buzzing' or 'humming' especially when the lights are dimmed. This is down to a combination of how this type of dimmer operates and either age or poor quality.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5826

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Birthday: 1996-01-14

Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

Phone: +3571286597580

Job: Product Banking Analyst

Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.