Dimmer switch buzzing and flickering lights

[Keely]

Hi

I'm hoping someone will be able to help me.
I recently had 14 led lights installed in my open plan front room/kitchen, they run on a 3 way dimmer switch, 4 in the kitchen on 1 switch, 5 in the front room on another switch and another 5 in the front room on the last switch.
When I turn any of the switches on it makes a buzzing noise and the 4 lights in the kitchen flicker. Is this normal as Im am awfully worried about it.

Thanks

 

[phatboy]

Its not normal. You need to buy a trailing-edge dimmer switch, as the normal ones for halogen bulbs are not usually suitable.

Using the lights whilst they flicker like this will significantly shorten their life.

All the dimmers need replacing. Are all the dimmers on 1 plate, or each in a different location? This effects if you will need a grid switch system or not.

 

[Keely]

Thanks for your reply phatboy.

Yes the dimmers are all on 1 plate.

Is it dangerous as it is? Obviously I don't know much about electrics.
Would it be ok to use until I can get a trailing edge dimmer switch?

 

[phatboy]

It is safe, but it will shorten the life of your LED's - I suggest re-fitting the original bulbs.

You will need to get some trailing edge dimmers, this would do the job:- http://www.ledstop.co.uk/led-access...g-2-way.html?gclid=CLmHoqDDhr0CFSfmwgodzFYAkg

Other colours are available

 

[Keely]

Great thank you so much, I'll be ordering that today.

Also the cables from the existing lights (2 ceilings roses and a fluorescent tube light) were crimped and put back in the ceiling, is that normal practice?

 

[phatboy]

I assume crimped to new cables, that go to the new lights? Yes that sounds acceptable. I suppose they should either be on a RCD protected breaker (they may well be), or be at least 50mm above the ceiling, but a ceiling isnt somewhere you typically drill into.....

 

[Keely]

I would have thought so but I didn't see them attached to anything, I questioned it and the electrician said that as long as their crimped and not touching each other it's fine. So the cables are literally shoved back in the hole.

 

[ldoodle]

Just to add that some LED lamps have a list of 'preferred' dimmers.

I use Megaman in my house and they rate the Varilight v-Pro series in top 3 dimmers to use (sometimes #1 depending on lamp), and even give percentage of dimming capability.

So they're the ones I use everywhere, including the 3 gang Phatboy posted a link to.

Might be worth checking if your lamps have something similar.

It's also important to note that the guarantee on the LED lamps (the Megaman's have 5 years) is applicable only if your dimmer is on the compatibility list. At least that's what I was told by the supplier.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I would have thought so but I didn't see them attached to anything, I questioned it and the electrician said that as long as their crimped and not touching each other it's fine. So the cables are literally shoved back in the hole.

Not correct. All conductors must be in an insulated enclosure. The ceiling void does not comply!