Are our dimmers compatible with LED lamps?

One of the questions we regularly get asked is whether you can use our standard dimmers with LED bulbs and lamps. The answer is maybe, but we wouldn't recommend it normally.

All our standard dimmers are leading edge dimmers, which are designed for use with traditional incandescent or halogen lamps. Whilst these still work with certain LEDs, they can cause problems and as a result we would not recommend using them with LED bulbs.

What problems could I get with LEDs and dimmers?

There are typically two problems you get with LED lamps working with leading edge dimmers:

1. The bulbs flicker

This can happen in a variety of ways. Sometimes the bulbs can flicker when the light is on bright but, more often than not, they flicker when the lamps are dimmed low.

2. The dimmer module buzzes

You might hear either a buzz or a hum from the dimmer itself, which is an indication the dimmer is not compatible.

Can I avoid problems with LEDs and dimmers when I buy?

Yes, we have an alternative dimmer for all the ranges we have available. These LED dimmers are LED compatible and will work with LED bulbs, as long as the bulbs are dimmable LED (normal LED don't usually work with dimmers).

What if I already have the dimmer?

If you are changing your lights to LED and have them on a standard dimmer it is possible to change the dimmer module only. It is relatively simple to do, and means you can use the same plate and dimmer cap, just replacing the electrical component in the back of the dimmer.

What if it still doesn't work?

Our LED dimmers use trailing edge modules, which are designed for the electrical profile of LED lamps and give the best compatibility with dimmable LED bulbs. If you're still having problems, it's worth working through the available programming modes on the module rather than assuming the dimmer is faulty, as most trailing edge modules offer more than one mode.

If your dimmer module has V-Pro printed on the back, it's a Varilight Professional module. We fitted these for a number of years before moving to Hanlight modules, so a good many are still out there. There are separate instructions on how to change the settings on a Varilight V-Pro dimmer here.

Which LED bulbs would you recommend?

We no longer supply lamps and bulbs ourselves, so we won't steer you towards a particular brand. The important thing is that the lamp is specified as a dimmable LED, and that the total load across all the lamps on the circuit falls within the dimmer's rated range. Our guide to working out the load on your dimmer covers how to calculate that, and it's worth reading before you buy, because LED lamps don't load a dimmer in the way you'd expect.

I still have some questions; can you help?

Of course! Just get in touch by email or phone and we'll be happy to answer your queries. You can also read our guide to how dimmers work to find out more about the technical side.