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Can I Use Led Bulbs In A 'Standard' Dimmable Room Light?
7 Answers
My parents want to replace their incandescent light bulbs in their sitting room with LED ones. The room has a rotary knob controlled dimmer switch. I know that some LEDs are dimmable and some are not, but I have also read that even the dimmable ones will not work properly on an 'old fashioned' dimmer circuit, and might even be a fire risk as they will overheat. Any electricians out there know the facts?
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I agree with the others. "trailing edge dimmers cost a bit more but they are far more sophisticated, and they work on a very much lower "load".
LEDs take so much less current that conventional dimmers either won't operate, or their characteristics are such that when you turn the knob, everything happens just up one end of the travel.
The big deal (as it was with old-style lighting) is to match the "load" with the characteristics of the dimmer.
Add up all the wattages of the LEDs and match this to the right dimmer.
A dead match isn't completely essential. There is some slack.
LEDs take so much less current that conventional dimmers either won't operate, or their characteristics are such that when you turn the knob, everything happens just up one end of the travel.
The big deal (as it was with old-style lighting) is to match the "load" with the characteristics of the dimmer.
Add up all the wattages of the LEDs and match this to the right dimmer.
A dead match isn't completely essential. There is some slack.
Things to look out for:
1. Assuming the current dimmer is the 'leading edge type', upon replacing incandescent bulbs for LEDs, it is most likely you'll hear a buzzing sound at the dimmer. I will not bore you, let's just say it's down to the characteristics of the semi-conductor device within the dimmer.
2. When purchasing the LEDs, ensure they are suited to a dimmer circuit. Not all LED lights lend themselves to being dimmed.
3. For the cost of approximately £10, you'd be better installing a 'trailing edge' (LED) type dimmer.
Good luck!
1. Assuming the current dimmer is the 'leading edge type', upon replacing incandescent bulbs for LEDs, it is most likely you'll hear a buzzing sound at the dimmer. I will not bore you, let's just say it's down to the characteristics of the semi-conductor device within the dimmer.
2. When purchasing the LEDs, ensure they are suited to a dimmer circuit. Not all LED lights lend themselves to being dimmed.
3. For the cost of approximately £10, you'd be better installing a 'trailing edge' (LED) type dimmer.
Good luck!
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