What type of G9 (LED) bulbs to buy for a dimmer switch (dimmer function no longer working)

[Steph123]

Hi, I am replacing some bulbs in my parents' lounge ceiling light to G9 5W (LED) bulbs. It was originally operated by dimmer switch, but the dimmer function no longer works, so am unsure whether to buy dimmable or non dimmable bulbs. Advice gratefully received, many thanks.

 

[Dartlec]

Is the dimmer switch the sort that pushes on/off or rotates? If it rotates for on then it may well still be adjusting the voltage, and non-dimmable bulbs may cause problems with flickering or short life.

Are the existing ones LED? If so and they are non-dimmable then that may be why the dimmer function isn't working.

If you think the dimmer switch is ever likely to be replaced then it may make sense to buy dimmable bulbs now, although not all dimmer switches work with LED anyway, so it can be a bit of a minefield. Alternatively, Buy non dimmable and have the dimmer switch replaced with a normal switch. In my experience not many people dim lights routinely these days.

 

[Steph123]

Is the dimmer switch the sort that pushes on/off or rotates? If it rotates for on then it may well still be adjusting the voltage, and non-dimmable bulbs may cause problems with flickering or short life.

Are the existing ones LED? If so and they are non-dimmable then that may be why the dimmer function isn't working.

If you think the dimmer switch is ever likely to be replaced then it may make sense to buy dimmable bulbs now, although not all dimmer switches work with LED anyway, so it can be a bit of a minefield. Alternatively, Buy non dimmable and have the dimmer switch replaced with a normal switch. In my experience not many people dim lights routinely these days.

Thank you Dartlec. The switch pushes on/off initally and then rotates for lighter or darker (or did when it worked). They are having a new light fitting, hence the new LED bulbs, would seem sensible to change the dimmer to a normal light switch, thanks again for your advice.

 

[pc1966]

If the dimmer is not working properly then you should replace it. It might just become unsafe.

Simplest is to replace it with an on/off switch, that is within most DIY capabilities so long as you take care to properly isolate the power (safest is to switch off whole home, otherwise you need some means to check you really have isolated that light). Unless they have a strong preference, I would just use a plain MK switch such as this one:

MK Logic Plus 10AX 1-Gang 2-Way Light Switch White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

But please do not get the "MK essentials" range, they are rubbish!

If you are looking to replace the dimmer with another one you do get ones that are optimised for LED lighting. Unfortunately that is not as simple or reliable as filament lamps were. I have used these to reasonably good effect along with dimmable lamps:

VARILIGHT V-Pro LED Dimmers

Engineered by VARILIGHT for Flicker-Free, Silent LED Dimming

www.varilight.co.uk

 

[Steph123]

If the dimmer is not working properly then you should replace it. It might just become unsafe.

Simplest is to replace it with an on/off switch, that is within most DIY capabilities so long as you take care to properly isolate the power (safest is to switch off whole home, otherwise you need some means to check you really have isolated that light). Unless they have a strong preference, I would just use a plain MK switch such as this one:

MK Logic Plus 10AX 1-Gang 2-Way Light Switch White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

But please do not get the "MK essentials" range, they are rubbish!

If you are looking to replace the dimmer with another one you do get ones that are optimised for LED lighting. Unfortunately that is not as simple or reliable as filament lamps were. I have used these to reasonably good effect along with dimmable lamps:

VARILIGHT V-Pro LED Dimmers

Engineered by VARILIGHT for Flicker-Free, Silent LED Dimming

www.varilight.co.uk

Hi pc1966, thank you. I think I have made up my mind to change to a normal switch for them, thank you for the recommendation from Screwfix

 

[pc1966]

Hi pc1966, thank you. I think I have made up my mind to change to a normal switch for them, thank you for the recommendation from Screwfix

Good to hear! Hopefully you can let us know how it went?

 

[KennyKen]

Just a side note if you decide to stick with a Dimmer. Make sure the lighting LED drivers are Dimmable and choose a negative edge (Trailing edge) dimmer, They work better for LED applications.

 

[loz2754]

Just a side note if you decide to stick with a Dimmer. Make sure the lighting LED drivers are Dimmable and choose a negative edge (Trailing edge) dimmer, They work better for LED applications.

Good advice. And the Varilight vcom and vpro dimmers can be programmed for either leading edge or trailing edge.