Fluctating led dimmer

[nicholas221078]

Hi All.
Been a long time since I've had a dimmer.

I have bought a 14w paul Russel day white dimmable led bulb.

I bought a toolstation dimmer (rated for leds) , now the light fluctuates brighter and duller , not all the time but when it does I have to adjust the dimmer then it settles.

Any ideas?

 

[mcprinter]

Dimmers can be a pain with LEDs
Are you using it on a single bulb?
Which dimmer did you buy from Toolstation?

These ones work down to zero load. A little pricey but often recommended because they work.

Varilight V-Pro 1-Gang 2-Way LED Dimmer Switch White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. A wide range of dimmer to suit most application. Suitable for domestic or commercial installations. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[nicholas221078]

Thanks for the reply .
I've attached a picture of the toolstation one it does seem to be when we dim it,

 

[mcprinter]

The spec on that is 5-100W
I would guess your 14W (Max brightness) is getting to the dimmers limits when you turn it down.

The one I linked usually sorts this type of problem.
It operates from 0W to 300W
I have one running 8 x 3.6W downlights and it smoothly dims them to almost nothing.
Available in various colours if you don't want white.

 

[ericmark]

In side a LED bulb one has a driver, these are designed to limit the current through the LED so it will not burn out, is also needs to turn the supply to DC and smooth that DC so there is no stroboscopic effect. There are many ways to do this, from the simple capacitor to complex chips, and although unless stated that they do not dim, they must dim under EU law, it does not define how one must be able to dim them, so only way is to buy as a pair, I got a bulb and dimmer and they work fine, and there are clearly bulbs designed to be dimmed with anything from a phone, PC or voice commands, but I know I must look to see if it works with google home, and my son looks to see if it works with Alexa.

The problem arrives when you want to dim an array of bulbs, and the Varilight does seem to work with many makes, but it is always a lottery as to what will work with what, and it always has been.

 

[Murdochcat]

Thanks for the reply .
I've attached a picture of the toolstation one it does seem to be when we dim it,
View attachment 344233

That one isn’t suitable for LEDs

 

[SFK]

Another vote for the varilight v ,pro.
Annoyingly expensive, but work very well with led.

 

[RandomGrinch]

That one isn’t suitable for LEDs

Yes, the problem seems to be with Toolstation and their description...

The product is the 881P-01, rated for 60-400W...

The spec on that is 5-100W
I would guess your 14W (Max brightness) is getting to the dimmers limits when you turn it down.

The one you found has the product number 881-01.
It may well work for the OP, and is probably what Toolstation has mixed up their description with.

The actual ratings/minimum loads should be indicated in the rear of the dimmer.

 

[Murdochcat]

My go to LED dimmer module is this :

Hamilton LEDITB100 Dimmer Switch 2 Way 5W-100W

<p>Hamilton Litestat is a British manufacturer of high quality decorative wiring accessories. All their products are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and match the needs of their domestic and commercial customers. They have 18 designs available in a range of materials including metal...

www.tradesparky.com

Always have one in my van stock

 

[nicholas221078]

Thanks all for the answers , you are no doubt right about the dimmer as its onky when i dim it the issue happens.
It's a bit misleading of toolsation saying it's good for dimming leds.
, I'm going to take it back to toolstation .
Which one would could I get today to guarantee to work?
I've attached a pic of the rear

 

[RandomGrinch]

I've attached a pic of the rear

60-400VA - 60 Watts is the minimum load.

If you're sticking with Toolstation, you could try the 881-01 (if minimum load > 5W), but as above, there are better dimmers available elsewhere.

BG White Low Profile Intelligent LED Dimmer Switch

This Nexus 800 series white moulded trailing edge single dimmer switch from British General allows you to control your light levels and set the mood. The intelligent electronic circuit monitors the connected load and provides a soft-start with protection against thermal current and voltage...

www.toolstation.com

 

[mcprinter]

Available Today. Get the Varilight Pro from Screwfix. Likely to work.
They are good at taking items back if they don't work.

Looks like the the one Murdo linked would need ordering in.

 

[Murdochcat]

The problem with toolstation is that you often need to select the drop down against the item to select the correct product

 

[nicholas221078]

Thanks again all.
I'll take this one back to toolstation and buy the screwfix 0w min load varilight.

 

[nicholas221078]

Sorted.
Got the varilight installed , no fluctuation so thanks all again.
It is slow to respond to inputs, there's like a delay when you turn it, is this normal ?