Advice sought on LED house bulbs

[Pitlamp]

I was just on the point of ordering a set of low energy 100 W equivalent bulbs when I noticed the words "non dimmable".

One light switch is the dimmer type. I never use it for dimming lights, merely for "slow" switch on so bulbs don't blow as often. Does it matter if a non dimmable LED bulb is switched on and off via a dimmer switch? Will the bulb merely be on or off?

Sorry, nowt to do with caving (unless possibly of interest to clubs with hostels?) but I thought someone on here would be able to tell me the answer, in which case thanks.

 

[Ian]

I was just on the point of ordering a set of low energy 100 W equivalent bulbs when I noticed the words "non dimmable".

One light switch is the dimmer type. I never use it for dimming lights, merely for "slow" switch on so bulbs don't blow as often. Does it matter if a non dimmable LED bulb is switched on and off via a dimmer switch? Will the bulb merely be on or off?

Sorry, nowt to do with caving (unless possibly of interest to clubs with hostels?) but I thought someone on here would be able to tell me the answer, in which case thanks.

I believe it does matter. You also need to check the type of dimmer - old dimmer switches are not compatible with LED lights.
LED lights don't need a slow switch on so you may be able to just remove the dimmer itself.

 

[Pitlamp]

Thank you Ian. Is it possible to buy dimmable LED bulbs?

Or . . . the dimmer switch has an on / off switch together with a rotating control. Couldn't I merely leave the rotating control turned up full and just use the on / off switch? (the dimmer switch is >20 years old.)

Or is life not that simple?

 

[JoshW]

i don’t know for certain but I believe that they would work but would either be in an off or on state I.E. dimmer wouldn’t do anything.

 

[Pitlamp]

Ta Josh - I was hoping that'd be the case. Can anyone confirm for sure?

 

[Chocolate fireguard]

Ta Josh - I was hoping that'd be the case. Can anyone confirm for sure?

If the switch is very old the minimum current it needs to work may be higher than that drawn by a single led bulb.
You can get dimmable led bulbs, but there are so many different methods of dimming that I wouldn't bet they would all work with all bulbs.
A switch older than 20 years doesn't owe you anything, and a modern plastic on/off switch costs peanuts and is easy to fit.

 

[Ian]

The old style dimmer doesn't work with LEDs. LEDs need a trailing edge dimmer whilst old switches were leading edge dimmers since those work best with incandescent bulbs. Basic difference is whether do you cut the front or rear of the voltage waveform.
Yes you can get dimmable LEDs, slightly more expensive - and often you have a limited range of dimming.

 

[Pitlamp]

Many thanks everyone.

One final question, if I may - would anything awful happen if I try one of the standard bulbs in the socket controlled by the dimmer? Or would it simply be a case of no light coming from the LED bulb, or just flickering, or whatever?

In other words, is there any harm in trying?

 

[Ian Ball]

Dimming for Dummies - Your Complete Guide | Lightbulbs Direct

Using a dimmer with LED light bulbs can seem complicated, follow our 4-step for your complete guide to dimming to simplify the whole process.

blog.lightbulbs-direct.com

Seems decent data here

 

[LadyMud]

Dimmable LED bulbs - not cheap, though!

 

[Pitlamp]

That looks very useful Ian - I'll read through it tomorrow. LadyMud - um yes, not the cheapest. Maybe I'll just take Chocolate fireguard's advice and swap the switch for a standard on!

 

[Loki]

I think I tried it years ago with an early led bulb and it flickered and went pop straight away. As said probably the switch was the issue. I will say the light level is a bit harsh at 100w equivalent. I’ve swapped to lower power in the living room.

 

[aricooperdavis]

In other words, is there any harm in trying?

I've done it by accident and it's done no harm, it's just flickered. If you're buying a new dimmer switch make sure the minimum current is low enough, as some assume that they're driving a big array of LED lights.

 

[aricooperdavis]

Also, try to get one with an adjustable low so you can get a better range of brightnesses. E.g. https://www.toolstation.com/bg-screwless-flat-plate-brushed-stainless-steel-dimmer-switch/p27927

 

[Pitlamp]

Many thanks; I think I'll go for a conventional switch and just keep life simple!

 

[Duncan Price]

Many thanks; I think I'll go for a conventional switch and just keep life simple!

I bought some LED GU10 bulbs for the kitchen to replace the halogens which kept blowing. They just flickered all the time due to the dimmer even though it was on max. Replaced switch and then found the bloody things were ultra-white which the missus didn't like so bout some cool white ones. I now have 3 ultra-white GU10 bulbs going spare. I might take them apart and turn them into video lights as they include a step-down transformer and if you strip this out you can run them from batteries.