LED Dimmers


Challenges of Dimming CFLs and LEDs with Standard Dimmers

Energy-saving CFLs have been readily available for years, but dimmable CFL bulbs has only recently been invented. LEDs are even newer to the market place and dimmable LEDs are only now available. Both types of dimmable bulbs have presented problems when used with a standard dimmer.

Note: Actual performance of any CFL or LED will vary from bulb type to bulb type and among different manufacturers. It is important to note that only bulbs that have been designed as dimmable should be used on a dimmer. To find out if your bulb is Dimmable, check the bulb itself or contact the manufacturer.

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New C•L Dimmer


Common issues include:

Reduced dimming range:
Incandescent bulbs will typically dim lower than CFL or LED.
Todays dimmable LEDs can reach levels as low as 5% to 15%
The dimming range is dictated by the bulb’s circuitry.

Lights dropping out:
As CFL or LED bulbs are dimmed they can turn off before the slider
reaches the bottom. Referred to as “drop out” it makes it difficult
to set the dimmer at the right level without bulbs turning off.


Lights not turning on:
After being dimmed to a low light level and switched off, sometimes CFL or LED bulbs
will not turn on until the dimmer’s slider is moved up. This is referred to as “pop-on”
which is challenging in a 3-way set up where lights can be turned on/off from different
locations and not just from the dimmer.

Lights turning off unexpectedly:
Dimmable CFL and LED bulbs can be influenced by line voltage fluctuations.
Incandescent bulbs will sometimes dim or flicker when a device such as air-conditioning is used,
a dimmed CFL or LED can actually turn off or flicker excessively in those situations.



The Solution

To help combat these issues, Lutron has developed a dimmer for
dimmable CFL and LED bulbs by incorporating HED Technology.
This will improve the LED's performance compared to standard dimmers by:

• Keeping the lights on as they are dimmed
• Making sure the lights turn on at all light levels
• Eliminating/reducing excessive flicker with the adjustment dial
• Keeping the lights on even with line voltage fluctuations.