Can You Put Led Lights On A Dimmer Switch

It s a common misconception that any led dimmer can be paired with any dimmable led light bulb.

Can you put led lights on a dimmer switch. This means that the led driver has built in circuitry that can detect the ac being chopped and dim the led light accordingly. When purchasing your new dimmer switch you ll need to know whether the lighting circuit is a single pole lights controlled from one location or a three way lights controlled from two locations. Or you may have dead areas as you slide your dimmer switch. You will need a three way dimmer and a three way switch.

Test it again for a ground. For example a 600 watt incandescent dimmer can support up to eight 75 watt bulbs. Led light bulbs can be used in light fixtures controlled by dimmer switches but you may well find that traditional dimmers may not work or may work inadequately with some led bulbs. With a three way dimmer you can control a light with two switches.

If testing reveals your box isn t grounded you can still install the dimmer but you must use a plastic cover plate and make sure no bare metal parts are exposed. How to know if your bulbs and dimmer are compatible. If the tester lights the box is grounded. A common issue with led dimmability is sudden turn on or turn off when you try to adjust light levels with your dimmer switch.

Led and fluorescent dimming works a little differently. This lets you dim from one location and turn the lights on and off from another. Turn the power back on. Or your led lamps may simply flicker or flash when paired with certain dimmer switches.

Contrary to popular belief it is possible to put a dimmer switch on led lights without the help of a professional. Some dimmers are universal and will work for both single pole and three way circuits but read the packaging to be sure. However you need to familiarize yourself with ways to safely install a dimmer switch to ensure that it adheres to the national electrical code requirements. The cost for installing a trailing edge dimmer usually ranges from 60 to 200 depending on the contractor you hire and ease of the installation.

Led dimmer switches are a great way to save on electricity and set the right ambiance for your home. If only one switch controls the light purchase a single pole dimmer. Here s how we d describe some of those symptoms. The bottom line is compatibility.

If you try to use a dimmer switch with a standard non dimmable led driver then the lights will go off or may start to flicker. Then place the leads of a voltage tester between each screw terminal and the metal box.