Flickering bulbs - 6.5W LEDs and dimmer switch

[David_DIY_idiot]

I just changed two light fixtures and put new bulbs in. They're controllable from a dimmer switch. When I turn them on, they flicker like crazy.

I've since figured out that dimmer switches have a min load (usually 40W), but the bulbs are LED and only 6.5W - is this the likely cause of the flicker? (I can't try out the old bulbs as the new light fixture only takes SES/E14.)

The light fixture itself says it only accepts 10W max - does this rule out just using old fashioned filament bulbs at 60W?

Thanks in advance.

 

[terryplumb]

10 watt max means exactly that !!
The dimmer isn't compatible with your LED's.

 

[David_DIY_idiot]

10 watt max means exactly that !!
The dimmer isn't compatible with your LED's.

Ok so it sounds like the only solutions would be:
- New LED compatible dimmer switch, or remove dimmer for normal switch
- New light fixtures that take non-LED bulbs with 40W+ bulbs

Pretty clear that the first option would be best!

Thanks for input.

 

[terryplumb]

Upto you really. Whatever suits you.

 

[ericmark]

Even a new dimmer may not cure the problem. Clearly the dimmer needs changing, but I found with an electronic switch which did not need a neutral some bulbs caused problems. In my case G9 bulbs, my E14 were OK, but it is a gamble with LED bulbs.

 

[David_DIY_idiot]

Even a new dimmer may not cure the problem. Clearly the dimmer needs changing, but I found with an electronic switch which did not need a neutral some bulbs caused problems. In my case G9 bulbs, my E14 were OK, but it is a gamble with LED bulbs.

Thanks for input. There are two switches controlling the light and only one is a dimmer. Ideally I'd just have two switches - never use the dimmer anyway! Would changing the dimmer for a normal switch rule out any compatibility issues?

Edit: actually, to make things a little more complicated the dimmer is a double switch.
- One dimmer controls the kitchen and the other controls the dining room.
- The kitchen has a second non-dimmer switch, while the dining room only has the dimmer switch

To replace the double dimmer in the dining room, I'm not sure if I could just get a 2 gang, 2 way switch or if I'd need to get a 2 gang switch that has one 2 way and one 1 way.

Think this might be a job for a professional

 

[JohnW2]

Ok so it sounds like the only solutions would be:
- New LED compatible dimmer switch, or remove dimmer for normal switch
- New light fixtures that take non-LED bulbs with 40W+ bulbs
Pretty clear that the first option would be best!

That does, indeed, sound 'pretty clear' to me, too!

Kind Regards, John

 

[David_DIY_idiot]

I doubt anyone will have time to check this out but just in case I've put a diagram with my question in red.

Thanks again in adance!

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks for input. There are two switches controlling the light and only one is a dimmer. Ideally I'd just have two switches - never use the dimmer anyway! Would changing the dimmer for a normal switch rule out any compatibility issues?

Yes.

Edit: actually, to make things a little more complicated the dimmer is a double switch.
- One dimmer controls the kitchen and the other controls the dining room.
- The kitchen has a second non-dimmer switch, while the dining room only has the dimmer switch
To replace the double dimmer in the dining room, I'm not sure if I could just get a 2 gang, 2 way switch or if I'd need to get a 2 gang switch that has one 2 way and one 1 way.

I'm a bit confused by that, can you explain in words of one syllable that even I can understand?

2-way switches can be used as 1-way, so that is not a problem.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

I doubt anyone will have time to check this out but just in case I've put a diagram with my question in red.

Ah, that answers the question I've just asked. If understand correctly, the answer to your 'red' question is 'Yes'. You will, of course, then have no dimmer for either room, but I presume that's what you want?

Kind Regards, John

 

[terryplumb]

Change the two gang dimmer for a two gang conventional switch. And give up on dimming altogether !

 

[333rocky333]

Do any of the 3 switches in the kitchen still work with the Dimmer OFF,

 

[David_DIY_idiot]

Thanks @JohnW2 and @terryplumb. This answers my question.

@333rocky333 the three switches all work with the Dimmer off. I'm guessing that's a good sign?