Dimmable LED bulbs are ideal for creating ambience lighting, whether it’s for a romantic evening, watching a movie or even playing your favourite video game. Before you go out to purchase new dimmable LED bulbs, consider these five key pieces of information that will help you make an informed decision.
How Dimmable LED Lights Work
There are two primary ways to dim LEDs: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and analogue. Dimmable LEDs function by generating a dimming effect with PWM. Traditional lighting like incandescent does not utilize voltage to control light level; instead, dimmable LED bulbs rely on a cycle of being on and off. These cycles run in milliseconds, so you won’t notice them coming on and off. If your lights are dimmed to 10%, for example, they will be ‘on’ for 10% of the time and ‘off’ for 90%. In the case of analogue, things are a little simpler. This is where current is regulated to either dim or brighten the lights – hence increasing or decreasing accordingly.
What Causes Flickering in Dimmable LED Lights?
The dimmer switch is generally responsible for the flickering in dimmable LED light. The smallest load compatible with a dimmer switch is called the minimum acceptable load (shortly, the amount of Watts it can handle). Because most leading-edge dimmer switches are meant to control older bulbs with higher wattage, their minimal requirement will be high. In many circumstances, you won’t be able to meet that threshold because LEDs consume so little power (and fewer Watts). That’s why it’s crucial to use an LED dimmer switch to ensure that your lights don’t flicker. The dimmer switch you choose will have a significant influence on the performance of your lights. A good dimmer switch should provide a variety of modes and degrees of dimming regulation. In most cases, altering the mode on the dimmer switch or resetting it to its factory settings may help eliminate flickering dimmable LEDs.
How to Install Dimmable LED Lights
The first step is to ensure that you have a suitable dimmer switch. If you’re switching from standard halogen or incandescent bulbs to LEDs, it’s probable that your existing dimmer switch won’t work. We recommend getting a specialized LED-compatible dimmer switch for a more pleasant, silent, and flickering-free experience. You will need a dimmable transformer if you are using 12v LED spotlights such as MR16s or G4s. A LED dimmable transformer enables the dimming of constant voltage LED goods and works with most standard dimmer switches, so you may avoid having to replace your current dimmer switch. There are several different powers available for LED dimmable transformers. Before purchasing a transformer, be sure you know how many bulbs will be powered. It’s also critical to note that we strongly advise against using bulbs with a total wattage greater than 80% of the transformer’s power. For example, if you’re using four 4W MR16 bulbs for a total of 16W, you’ll need a 20W transformer to generate enough power (and the resultant 20% wattage deficit).
Why Are Dimmable LED Lights More Expensive?
When it comes to eco-friendly lighting, there are some features that you should look for. The first is that LEDs are dimmable. This is due to the fact that dimmable LEDs employ additional manufacturing technology, resulting in a higher manufacturing cost (by about £1 per bulb or spotlight). They’re also more expensive than halogen or incandescent bulbs. This is because they have superior technology and offer long-term advantages. When compared to halogen bulbs: LED bulbs will save you more money in the long run than they cost to purchase. LED bulbs use 90% less energy and, as a result, save you a lot of money on your power bills. They last up to 20 times longer, so you won’t have to buy new ones as often. Because conventional lights buzz when used with a dimmer switch, they consume extra energy and shorten their lifespan.
When are Dimmable LED Lights “worth it”?
“Location, location, location” is the motto for property experts. It isn’t just applicable to real estate. You have to be strategic about where you place your dimmable LED bulbs. It’s all about context and purpose. If you’re lighting a workspace or an area where you need concentration, such as a kitchen counter, dimmable LEDs are unlikely to help much. We’d suggest going for a non-dimmable cool white LED that casts a clean light to assist you in focusing on the task at hand and seeing more of what you’re doing if you’re lighting a workspace or an area where attention is required, such as in the kitchen counter.
Dimmable LED bulbs are ideal for creating ambience lighting – that’s when they shine. They’re also great for living rooms, bedrooms, and accent lighting. Dimmable LED bulbs can be all you need to create the perfect atmosphere for movie nights or romantic dinners. They’re also excellent for highlighting certain ornamental items, such as paintings or sculptures, because they may be adjusted to a different degree of light from the rest of the space.
