Frequently Asked Questions on Dimmable Light Bulbs

Answering various questions relating to the domestic and commercial use of dimmable bulbs, this page is designed to put your mind at ease no matter the concern.

If you find yourself in need of assistance, you can visit our advice pages here or give us a call on 0113 887 6270 to speak to one of our experts.

Dimmable Bulb FAQs

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What Are Dimmable Light Bulbs?

Dimmable bulbs are specifically manufactured for dimmable fittings (i.e. when you have a dimmer switch on the wall). They’re popular due to their aesthetic and energy-saving potential: the ability to lower the lighting can completely change a room’s ambience while using less energy. Most modern light bulbs, such as LEDs and halogen, are available in dimmable versions but fluorescent tubes need to be fitted with a dimmable ballast.

Our recommendation for a domestic and commercial dimmable light:  Bright Source 8w/10w All-In-One Downlight

Why Do I Need to Install a Dimmable Ballast to Dim Fluorescent Tubes?

Just like any dimmable bulb, fluorescent tubes need to have the right control gear in it to be dimmable. Without a dimmable ballast, fluorescent tubes can’t be dimmed.

Are Dimmable Light Bulbs Available for Outdoor Use?

Yes, dimmable outside lights are possible but need to be fitted with a dimmer switch, ideally, this should be a trailing edge dimmer for use with LEDs or a basic leading edge dimmer for halogen lights or similar. Fluorescent bulbs also need the right control gear to enable them to be dimmed, whether it’s fitted indoors or out. Any outdoor light fittings will need to be IP rated so they aren’t affected by water.

If you are wanting to dim an outdoor light such, as such a downlight in a garage soffit, for example, you need IP65-rated downlight fittings and an appropriate dimmer switch, ideally controlled within the house.

Although available, bulbs with dimming capabilities aren’t commonly fitted outdoors as most people want the maximum amount of light in a garden, rather than dim light.

Of course, outdoor lighting needs to have an appropriate IP rating, with a recommended minimum rating of IP54. This makes the lighting splashproof and protects the fixture against dust. You can find out more about lighting for outdoors with our Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Lighting for Your Garden, which includes more information on IP ratings.

What are the best dimmable light bulbs?

This will depend on what type of fitting you have but if you require an LED Downlight then the All In One LED dimmable downlight is an ideal choice. Suitable homes, office, schools, shops, and more, the All-in-One is multi-purposed recessed lighting. The colour temperature can be adjusted from warm white, cool light to daylight and comes with a number of different fascias. For a cheaper option for a downlight try one of the Eco 5w range, these bulbs have weatherproof designs, are dimmable, and are fire-rated up to 90 minutes to comply with building regulations.

No matter the choice, remember to check the product information to correctly match the bulb with the right dimming switch.

Can CFLs be Dimmable?

Compact Fluourescents or CFLs are commonly used in various rooms across the house, often replacing incandescent bulbs. Yes they are dimmable, but you should only use a dimmable CFL in a dimmable fixture. When you retrofit a CFL to a fixture made for an outdated model, it is less likely to be dimmable. If you try to fit a dimmable CFL in a non-dimmable fitting then the bulb is likely to flicker.

A qualified electrician will be able to check and replace existing fittings if needed.

How Can I Tell if a Light Bulb is Dimmable?

Check the packet to see if a bulb is dimmable. It will have one of the following symbols on it:

Difference between dimmable and non-dimmable

Do Dimmable Lights Need Special Bulbs?

Yes, only bulbs marked ‘dimmable’ on the packaging will be compatible with a dimmable fitting.

Can I Fit a Non-Dimmable Bulb Into a Dimmable Fitting?

No, it’s not recommended to put a non-dimmable lamp into a dimmable fitting. Any sort of adjustment on the dimmer, even if by accident, could cause melting from heat and blowing of the lamp. To avoid this, just stick to dimmable lamps only or have the dimmer removed from the circuit, or buy a compatible dimmable bulb instead if you do want dimming capabilities.

Can I Fit Dimmable Lights in a Bathroom?

Yes, dimmable lights can be used in bathrooms and can be fitted with purpose built dimming switches or operated with dimmable pull cords.

Dimmable pull cords work by pulling the cord for a prolonged length of time until you find the right light level for your bathroom. Regular dimmer switches are not recommended for use in bathrooms as they are deemed unsafe due to the proximity of water and won’t be approved by building regulations. An alternative to installing a dimmable pull cord is to fit a standard dimmer switch outside the bathroom.

Click here to learn more about lighting your bathrom..

Are Dimmable Light Bulbs Available for Under Cabinet Lighting?

Yes, options for this type of design is available.

Dimmable under cabinet lighting can add a versatile addition to the lighting set up in your kitchen. LED Tubes and Downlights are an excellent choice for under cabinet lighting. LEDs, fluorescent tubes and halogen bulbs are all dimmable and all suitable for under cabinet lighting, depending on the fitting you have.

Are Dimmable Light Bulbs Available as Recessed Lighting?

Yes, dimmable LEDs are a good choice for recessed lighting. When choosing your LEDs (or any other type of bulb), ensure that the bulb is dimmable. If you are upgrading from halogen bulbs to LEDs then you might need to replace the existing recessed light with a dedicated LED housing and trim instead of just replacing the bulb.

A great option for this are LED Downlights as they have dust-proof and splash-proof builds, are fire-rated to comply with building regulations and are dimmable. For commercial purposes, the 40w LED Panels are also dimmable.

Why is my dimmable light bulb buzzing?

When a light bulb is dimmed, it isn’t because there is less power going to the bulb, it’s actually because the bulb is switched on and off so quickly that it looks as though it’s generating less light. In some cases, the rapid switching on and off can create a buzzing sound.

The most likely reason for a buzzing bulb is that the light bulb used in the fitting is not a dimmable bulb. Your first check should be to change the bulb for a dimmable one and see if this stops the buzzing. If changing the bulb doesn’t work then try changing the dimmer switch to a more modern version. Cheap or old dimmer switches don’t dampen the vibration from the electromagnetic field within the dimmer switch, and this can cause the buzzing effect.

Why is my dimmable light bulb flickering?

As with buzzing bulbs, the most common reason why a dimmable bulb flickers is that it is not compatible with the dimmer switch. The first option is to change the bulb, and then if this doesn’t make a difference, upgrade the dimmer switch.

How will I know if a bulb is the cause of buzzing or flickering?

Whether a bulb is dimmable or not will be clearly marked on the packet; however, there may also be the following symbol as well, which indicates that the bulb may not be suitable for use on certain dimming systems. With LEDs, this symbol indicates that the bulb will work better with a trailing edge dimmer rather than the old fashion leading edge dimmers.

How do dimmable LED light bulbs work?

Unlike other types of dimmable bulb, LEDs are not dimmed by a drop in voltage. The LED creates a dimming effect through either pulse width modulation (PWM) or analogue dimming. PWM is a digital signal whereby the LED is either on or off and the lower you set the dimmer, the less the signal is on, and vice versa. The human eye then assimilates the average amount of light from this ‘pulsing’ effect.

With analogue dimming, the current being fed to the LEDs is reduced.

Our team are always happy to help with your enquiries. To speak to one of our experts, you can call us on 0113 887 6270.

Click here to visit Lampshoponline's Advice Centre.

Related articles:

• How To Stop Your LEDS From Flickering, Buzzing, Glowing And Burning Out
• Which Light Bulb Wattage Do I Need?
• Why Have Our Energy Labels Changed?
• Easy fixes for slow to start, flickering or faulty fluorescent tubes
• T8 Fluorescent Tubes - Frequently Asked Questions
• T5 Fluorescent Tubes – Frequently Asked Questions

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