Flashing LEDs

[Deckie]

I fitted a wall light with two 4w G9 LED dimmable bulbs and connected it to a dimmer switch. When I turned the dimmer switch on and faded it up the lights came on but above a certain brightness they flash (not flickering, they alternately flash about once a second). When I dim them again they glow steadily when it reaches about half way. I’ve never seen this happen before, is it due to the bulbs or the dimmer switch? Should I change the bulbs to halogen?

 

[NozSpark]

I’m afraid the LED dimmable lamps will need a LED compatible dimmer switch, they pretty much always don’t work correctly with older dimmers

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

As NozSpark almost said, it's a compatibility problem between lamp and dimmer. I am not saying the following is g'teed to solve your problem, but I suggest a programmable dimmer, the original one I have is no longer available, but has a replacement Click me do follow the instructions to the letter, and if it doesn't work for you, you can send it back.
What ever you do, please let us know.

 

[Mike P]

Are the lamps dimmable, some are not.

 

[Deckie]

Thanks all but I found the problem eventually. It seems at only 8w the dimmer switch wasn’t switching enough current. After I connected the other wall lights to it the dimmable LEDs stopped flashing and they work ok now at all brightnesses.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Thanks all but I found the problem eventually. It seems at only 8w the dimmer switch wasn’t switching enough current. After I connected the other wall lights to it the dimmable LEDs stopped flashing and they work ok now at all brightnesses.

Dimmer switches have always had both a Minimum and Maximum power rating for them to work correctly..
Typically the traditional minimum rating was around 40watts or 60watts...
which was never a problem with most incandescent light bulbs..

But most dimmable LEDs do not draw enough current to allow the dimmer to work correctly..

Hence LED compatible dimmer switches are also needed, they can typically operate correctly with loads less then 5watts..
BUT.. not all dimmer switches work 100% with all dimmable LED's

It is often easier and more reliable to use SMART wi-fi connected LED's that you can control from a phone App for all sorts of features including dimming/warm/cool/colour change/Timer automation etc.. etc..

 

[Deckie]

Thanks SL, it seems to be working ok with the other wall lights connected. If I was going to change the dimmer switch I would fit a SMART one as you say but they all appear to need a neutral connection which isn’t there. Any ideas?

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

You would have to run a new switch cable with a neutral.

Several attempts have been tried of smart switches that don't require a neutral, but they don't work as expected/claimed

 

[Deckie]

Thanks Rt9th, anyway I can’t find a suitable smart switch with a remote. I don’t want to have to log into my phone, find the app and log into that just to turn on the light!

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

I don’t want to have to log into my phone, find the app and log into that just to turn on the light!

But isn't that the reason you change to a smart switch?

You could always install a voice assistant, and ask that to turn on the light (Via the smart switch)

 

[Deckie]

I’d prefer one with a dedicated remote.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Thanks SL, it seems to be working ok with the other wall lights connected. If I was going to change the dimmer switch I would fit a SMART one as you say but they all appear to need a neutral connection which isn’t there. Any ideas?

I would never personally use or recommend a "Smart Switch"... and/or a dedicated remote?

As I said I use wi-fi connected LED's.. which I can use from my phone app and/or as Richard said via voice activated devices e.g. Alexa..

I really like the automatic timer controls you can set via phone app, so you can have various lights coming on/off while you are out / on holiday etc.. (saves faffing around with timer plugs).

Are there any dedicated smart remote controls that you can use while you are away from home?
As I can control my lights from wherever I am providing I have internet access.. On/Off/Dimmer level/Warm/Cool/Colour/etc..

I was up in Sheffield today visiting granddaughters, and I turned on a couple more lights as well at the few timer controlled lamps already set-up, while approx 80miles away from home, so that the house didn't look black and empty, offering a calling card to any low-life opportunist looking for an easy picking..


But when I am at home I don't tend to use the App much? I just tell Alexa which room/lamp(s) I want to control....
I Also have some Alexa controlled 13A plugs, which are useful for other Non-light appliances..

{ This can also be fun when the grandchildren visit and they know how to say "Alexa All Lights On/Off/Red/Blue/etc.." so they can set every smart LED in the house to whatever setting they like!! We had a few mornings over the Christmas holidays waking up to lights going on/off/and changing colour!! ,}

Smart LED's + phone app require; No wiring accessory replacements.. No extra neutral wiring at switches.. No LED compatible dimmer switches.. No minimum quantity of bulbs connected for smooth dimming.. No additional remote controller (inc batteries)..

To me the easiest option is a no brainer if using smart LED lamps, where you just plug in new lamp, power-up, pair and name with phone app... My personal choice are Philips smart LED's, and three Alexa pods in various rooms, (I only use Alexa as they were birthday/Christmas presents from the children!!), with no problems so far.. But other brands/makes are available, and maybe others on here can offer alternative solutions and their experience?

Alexa type devices are also good for listening to live radio / podcasts in key rooms, Lounge/Kitchen/Bedroom, hence we have three!!