Dimmable downlights too bright

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

Hi,
I recently had some dimmable down lights installed but even on the lowest setting they are way too bright. The lights are Collingwood DLT551500X and they have functionality on the unit itself to adjust the brightness / warmth, but again even on lowest setting way too bright. The dimmer switch has no functionality for low level trimming. Can anyone offer any suggestions on easiest way to adjust the low level brightness? Thanks in advance!

Richard-the-Ninth · Aug 31, 2024

Change the dimmer. You can get programmable dimmer switches. I have one, very easy to set up It dims more than the original

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

Richard-the-Ninth said:
Change the dimmer. You can get programmable dimmer switches. I have one, very easy to set up It dims more than the original

Thank you. I did buy another dimmer but it didn’t work. Any suggestions/links to what dimmer I should go for? Attached is what is currently being used.
Thanks again.

Richard-the-Ninth · Aug 31, 2024

You say the new dimmer did not work, what did it do? (I am looking up the one I have)

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

Richard-the-Ninth said:
You say the new dimmer did not work, what did it do? (I am looking up the one I have)

It didn’t work at all, so assume it just wasn’t compatible with the lights?

Murdoch · Aug 31, 2024

How many lights ?

How big is the room ?

What is the wattage of the lights ?

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

Murdoch said:
How many lights ?

How big is the room ?

What is the wattage of the lights ?

Room is 2.4x3m. 6 lights. See attached.

Thanks!

Murdoch · Aug 31, 2024

Do they dim at all ?

And 6 lights is too many imho

This is why it’s never a good idea to fit sealed units

Those look like existing holes - what was there before

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

Murdoch said:
Do they dim at all ?

And 6 lights is too many imho

This is why it’s never a good idea to fit sealed units

Those look like existing holes - what was there before

Yes they dim but not to a suitable level. We left it all in the hands of the electrician so had no input in types of unit used. The holes were newly drilled for the lights.

Thanks

Murdoch · Aug 31, 2024

Struggers89 said:
Yes they dim but not to a suitable level. We left it all in the hands of the electrician so had no input in types of unit used. The holes were newly drilled for the lights.

Thanks

So did you discuss the pros and cons of 4 lights versus 6?

Best you get them back - it’s not finished until you are happy

Richard-the-Ninth · Aug 31, 2024

You say the new dimmer does not work, before you get another, what happens if you put "The first dimmer" back? Do the lights work?

This is the dimmer that I have Click me

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

Richard-the-Ninth said:
You say the new dimmer does not work, before you get another, what happens if you put "The first dimmer" back? Do the lights work?

This is the dimmer that I have Click me

Richard-the-Ninth said:

You say the new dimmer does not work, before you get another, what happens if you put "The first dimmer" back? Do the lights work?

This is the dimmer that I have Click me!

Click to expand...

Thank you. Yes I’ve put the first dimmer back and works fine. Thanks for the link!

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

Murdoch said:
So did you discuss the pros and cons of 4 lights versus 6?

Best you get them back - it’s not finished until you are happy

Yes we did, but even if we opted for 4 the brightness level would be too bright

Andy™ · Aug 31, 2024

Struggers89 said:
Thank you. I did buy another dimmer but it didn’t work. Any suggestions/links to what dimmer I should go for? Attached is what is currently being used.
Thanks again.

that dimmer has a min load of 60w. your LED's will be less than that

get a better dimmer designed for LED's. many also have another dimmer on the back to adjust the min dimming level (some LED's flash when dimmed too much, turn that up until the flashing stops)

SPECIAL LOCATION · Aug 31, 2024

The dimmer switch in your photo states loads from 60watts min to 400watts max.

The photo of your lights states 6watts each and you say you have 6 of them. 6x6watts = 36watts.

36watts is too low for the dimmer switch which requires 60watts min.

Your electrician should have been well aware of this very basic common issue with LED's and dimming and compatible dimmer switches.

binky · Aug 31, 2024

Struggers89 said:
Thank you. Yes I’ve put the first dimmer back and works fine. Thanks for the link!

dimming LEDs can be a right mare! Ive got a set to fit, KSR downlights and Hamilton dimmer, the dimmer needs setting up to work, it will be interesting to see how well it dims.

Struggers89 · Aug 31, 2024

SPECIAL LOCATION said:
The dimmer switch in your photo states loads from 60watts min to 400watts max.

The photo of your lights states 6watts each and you say you have 6 of them. 6x6watts = 36watts.

36watts is too low for the dimmer switch which requires 60watts min.

Your electrician should have been well aware of this very basic common issue with LED's and dimming and compatible dimmer switches.

Thanks! So would this suit? https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLKSP101.html

SPECIAL LOCATION · Aug 31, 2024

Struggers89 said:
Thanks! So would this suit? https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLKSP101.html

If you click onto the DataSheet in the bottom right of your above link
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLKSP101.html

You find the product Description:
1-Gang 2-Way Push-On/Off Rotary LED Dimmer 1 x 0-100W (max 10 LEDs)

Is states minimum load 0watts. Maximim load 100watts
As your 36watts is within 0 to 100 it should work fine..

However occasionally some dimmable LEDs can be a bit temperamental about which dimmer switches they are happy to work with.

You could always try contacting Collingwood's customer support just to double check.
https://www.collingwoodlighting.com/contact/

truffle pig · Sep 1, 2024

if you get a varilight MJP120 dimmer module you will be able to adjust to min & max levels to suit your requirements.

monkey5 · Sep 1, 2024

Defo uuse a varilight VPro, used 100s and never had a problem, set the minimum level and use the childlock feature after.

Dimmable downlights too bright

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