Which LED lights are dimmable (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my LED lights are dimmable? ›

The only ways to tell if they are dimmable are to check the packaging, check the instruction leaflet or ask the manufacturer. If the lights being referred to are commercial light fittings with a separate driver, or a driver which is accessible inside the fixture, then you will need to check the writing on the driver.

Yes, all LEDs can be dimmed, but it is not always simple. If it is practical or not to dim a particular LED lamp or lighting fixture will depend on the driver that is being used to control it.

In most cases, all models of LED bulbs are available in a dimmable version. But they are not always standard dimmable. Make sure the product name or specifications mention 'dimmable'. This way you can be sure that the LED bulb is dimmable.

Not all LED bulbs are compatible with dimmer switches. If you already have a dimmer installed, it might not work with new LED bulbs. Always ensure you buy dimmable LEDs and check the product specifications or the manufacturer's website for compatibility information to avoid issues.

You should NOT use a non-dimmable lamp in a dimmable circuit as it may cause damage to the lamp and or circuit. Integral lamps are clearly marked as dimmable or non-dimmable on the packaging and on the lamp.

No, not really. Most LED lights are dimmable, but some are not. That said, this should not pose a problem if you are looking for dimmable LEDs. Most times (if not always), the packaging clearly indicates whether the LED bulb in question is dimmable or not.

Not all dimmers are compatible with LED lights, and using an incompatible one could cause flickering, reduced lifespan of your LEDs, or they might not even dim properly at all.

Simply connect the two output wires from the power supply to the dimmer unit, and then the two input wires from the LED strip. The dimmer simply acts like a valve, and the power supply unit will automatically provide the rated current and voltage to depending on the dimmer's knob position.

There are various kinds of these bulbs that do not work with a dimmer switch. In many cases, LED light bulbs cannot be dimmed as low as the dimmer switch allows with incandescent bulbs. This is because LED bulbs often do not have the right wattage capabilities to work with the dimmer switch.

Therefore, as long as the LED lamp's actual wattage and heat released is less than the socket or fixture rating, you should not encounter any issues.

Do dimmable LED bulbs need a special dimmer? ›

Use an 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.

Remote control-operated light bulbs or fixtures is another option to dim lights without a dimmer. Smart lighting options allow you to dim the lights, change color, and even set timers with the help of your smartphone.

#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.

Check Your Existing Dimmer

The type of dimmer switch and it's minimum/maximum load range will indicate the compatibility with LED light bulbs. Trailing edge dimmers work best with LED light bulbs and leading-edge dimmers work best with traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs.

For the best possible compatibility, look for a dimmer that includes a trim wheel, like the Cloudy Bay In Wall Dimmer Switch for LED, our pick for best for LED lights. The trim wheel allows you to adjust the switch to stop flickering and unwanted noises, if your bulbs aren't compatible right out of the box.

There is a dimmer symbol on dimmer switches which indicate which type of dimmer switch it is and which type of bulbs it is compatiable with, this is usually on packaging of bulbs.

So it is the light bulb that determines whether you can dim or not (and not the fixture). It's important that the dimmer matches up to the light bulb technology in order for it to work properly, because not all bulbs are dimmable, and not all dimmers dim all bulbs.

Yes, only bulbs marked 'dimmable' on the packaging will be compatible with a dimmable fitting.