LED dimmer switches are a rather luxurious product for most people in the UK and are brilliant at showing off at dinner parties with your superb new lighting fixture.
At LED Supplier, we are experts in the field of LED lighting and we would like to help you on your journey to getting the LED setup of your dreams!
In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about LED dimmer switches, from how they work to what to look for when buying one and hope that, by the end, you'll be an expert on LED dimmer switches and be able to find the perfect one for your needs.
What is a LED dimmer switch?
An LED dimmer light switch is a special kind of light switch, typically installed to a ceiling, that controls the brightness of an LED light and is some of the most popular lighting fixtures around.
The more common types of dimmer switches work by controlling how much current flows through the lamp, while others control the voltage instead.
Many people assume that they can only be used with lamps, but this isn’t true! They also work very well with other kinds of lights such as strip lights, spotlights and downlights.
Dimming your LED lights can be an incredibly satisfying moment at the end of a long and stressful day, it can be a small thing to set your evening off on the right foot.
Unlike Incandescent bulbs, LEDs are not prone to heating, therefore they are incredibly safe and efficient making them perfect for home and outdoor/back garden usage.
Can Any LED Light Bulb Be Dimmed?
A common question that many people seem to ask is if any LED light bulb can be used with a dimmer switch in order for it to work.
The short answer to this question is no, there is a very specific kind of dimmable LED light bulb that must be used in order for an LED dimmer switch to work.
Trying this can cause both your dimmer and light bulb to become severely damaged and therefore it is imperative that you ensure you have the correct bulb and correct dimmer switch.
To do this, you will need to check the packaging which should be stated clearly if the bulb is able to be dimmed, then you can collect your tools from your storage area (such as ladders or screwdrivers) and finally add your bulb to your lighting arrangement.
Can Any Dimmer Switch Be Used With LED Bulbs?
When buying dimmable LED lights, you must make sure that you have a dimmer switch that is eligible to be used with LEDs before making any commitments.
Most switches are made exclusively for halogen or incandescent bulbs and will not work with any type of LED bulb making the importance of an upgrade even greater.
It is also important to know that some bulbs cannot be used if the switch has been designed for use with a regular incandescent light bulb.
There are many different types of dimmers, each with its own set of rules. For example, most three-position (on/off/dim) switches can only be used with two-wire cables, while others require a single-wire cable.
Leading Edge Dimmers vs Trailing-Edge Dimmers
Leading edge dimmers are the much more popular of the two as they have been around for much longer, being used traditionally for halogen or incandescent bulbs.
These dimmer switches (LED) tend to work at a specific wattage range which most LED lights do not reach due to their greatly improved energy efficiency compared to older bulb types meaning that you are required to purchase a trailing-edge dimmer for this purpose.
Trailing-edge dimmers are what are most commonly used with LED lights as they meet their requirements of wattage and therefore will be able to dim them with optimum results.
The extra compatibility of these lights makes them the perfect choice for usage with LED lighting and they are available in a wide range of different wattages so you will be able to find one which meets the requirements of your bulbs.
When using these dimmers it is important that you check the maximum power rating as this will ensure that your LED lights do not overheat or burn out due to being over-dimmed.
With a leading-edge dimmer, if you exceed the maximum power rating then there is a chance that your bulb will blow and therefore it is recommended that you do not exceed 25 watts of power with this type of LED dimmer.
Are Leading Edge Dimmers Compatible with Incandescent Bulbs?
Incandescent bulbs, unlike LEDs, are rather easy to dim and are compatible with most light dimmer switches however leading-edge dimmers are perfect for doing this job.
Despite this, incandescent lamps are not the most ideal form of lighting for most people, especially in 2023 as more people look to make the switch to LED technology amongst the financial issues in the UK.
How many LED Light Bulbs Will My Trailing Edge Dimmer Support?
One of the larger problems that people experience with their new dimmer switch is how many light bulbs can you use on your dimmer.
The source of this problem tends to be misunderstandings and miscalculations regarding the wattages of incandescent and LED lights.
Conclusion
Overall, these switches (LED dimmers) can be utilised in so many ways and are exemplary in the world of safety, so you can be assured that there are no electrical issues while away from your home.
Some important considerations for LED dimmers are to ensure that your sockets and bulbs are suitable for use with the dimmer switch that you use to make sure that you get the best out of your brand-new dimming accessory.
We hope that we have been able to give you a comprehensive guide on LED dimmers and the options available to you.
If you would like to view the stock that we have available please do not hesitate to click on our home page and explore the rest of our website, we offer free postage for all orders over £75.
You can view some of our excellent reviews and product ratings from clients to assure you that our lights are built to the highest standards.
For any more information, you can get in touch with us at 0151 318 9003 or you can email us at sales@ledsupplier.co.uk and we will reply as soon as we see your query.
