Installed new LED ceiling light and acts like a strobe!

[Olinho]

I recently installed a new light fitting from Ikea.  The previous fitting was for incandescent, non-LED bulbs.  The new fitting recommends LED bulbs: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/lighting/shades-bases/hemma-cord-set-white-art-80306742/ 

The fitting is controlled by the same dimmer switch that was there before.  After installing the new fitting and LED light I turned on the dimmer switch and the bulb flashes like a strobe light and doesn't change regardless of whether the dimmer is turned to low or high.  When the switch is off, the light turns off as expected.

I'm keen to use an LED bulb as I understand they're much more efficient, but what do I need to do to ensure the dimmer switch and light act as expected?

Cheers,

Ollie.

 

[Andy™]

you need an LED that works with that dimmer... many LED's are not dimmable and those that are can be fussy on what dimmer is used

 

[Doc Hudson]

In addition to what Andy said your previous dimmer is probably rated at 60watts minimum up to 250watts maximum, (it may be written on the back of the dimmer switch), your new LED lamp I would guess is somewhere between 3watts to 7watts. (if only 400 lumen as quoted probably 4watts?). So the lamp will not draw enough current for the dimmer to work correctly. However, some LED compatible dimmer switches are only rated down to 10watts minimum, which could still give you flashing (strobing) effects with only one LED in the light fitting. This is all assuming that the LED is dimmable. Not all LEDs are.  Best contact IKEA customer service ask if the lamp you have bought is dimmable and if so what dimmer switch they recommend.

Doc H.

 

[Olinho]

In addition to what Andy said your previous dimmer is probably rated at 60watts minimum up to 250watts maximum, (it may be written on the back of the dimmer switch), your new LED lamp I would guess is somewhere between 3watts to 7watts. (if only 400 lumen as quoted probably 4watts?). So the lamp will not draw enough current for the dimmer to work correctly. However, some LED compatible dimmer switches are only rated down to 10watts minimum, which could still give you flashing (strobing) effects with only one LED in the light fitting. This is all assuming that the LED is dimmable. Not all LEDs are.  Best contact IKEA customer service ask if the lamp you have bought is dimmable and if so what dimmer switch they recommend.

Doc H.

you need an LED that works with that dimmer... many LED's are not dimmable and those that are can be fussy on what dimmer is used

Thanks guys - I've contacted Ikea to see what they recommend

 

[Olinho]

IKEA have thrown it back and won't provide advice on the topic.  I'm wondering if I just change the dimmer for a normal switch if that will do the trick?

 

[Blue Duck]

A normal switch will be fine.

you could try a varilight dimmer which is suitable for low wattage leds or British General also do one  that's supposed to be suitable for most leds.

BUT....

I'm not sure that any ikea leds are suitable for dimming.