Dimmable bulbs, how do they work, how to install them?

A dimmable LED bulb, what is it? It's a lamp that can vary its brightness! To do this, using a dimmer, we will indicate to the bulb that we want more or less light power. Easy to use, reliable, and as decorative as they are efficient, dimmable LEDs are perfect in a multitude of situations, from home to professional spaces!

What is a dimmable bulb?

It is also possible to vary the amount of light that a bulb will emit with LED lighting. We will act on the amount of lumens delivered. Dimmable is a term (derived from English) which means "whose light can be reduced". We can play with lighting according to needs and desires, with a simple dimmer!

Does a dimmable bulb work without a dimmer?

To vary the intensity, the LED bulb needs a controller to indicate the number of lumens to be delivered. For this, it is essential that a dimmer be correlated with the luminaire. Available in various shapes and uses, dimmers come in the form of knobs to turn. Sometimes we exert multiple pressures on a switch to vary the intensity (generally 3 different modes), but some lamps offer tactile dimmers, where a longer or shorter finger pressure is enough to vary the light intensity. Practical and modern!

Warning! LED dimmers are specific. We recommend not mixing technologies and using an LED bulb with a suitable dimmer. The risk is not to benefit from the maximum performance of your bulb, to see it flicker or hear an unpleasant noise during use. Dimmers for incandescent lamps have a minimum operating capacity. Given that LEDs are more economical, they are not suitable for use with a dimmer delivering too much power.

Can a dimmable LED bulb be used on a connected device?

Yes, and it's even one of the main features of connected lamps. Imagine, you'll be able to prepare a lighting atmosphere using a phone application on your smartphone and when you arrive home, everything will be dimmed and soft, or ready to welcome you to prepare a meal of choice!

Dimmable LED bulbs offer flexibility, allowing you to reduce your electricity consumption by adjusting the light intensity to your needs. You will adjust the lighting atmosphere according to the time of day and your desires. To reduce eye strain when you've decided to read on your couch: full power! You're going to watch a movie? Soft light... Obviously, the dimmable LED consumes less energy when it is at reduced intensity! You will also partially extend the lifespan of your bulbs, as you will save them by using them less and better.

How to know if a bulb is dimmable?

Check the product specifications on its technical sheet or packaging. Dimmable bulbs are clearly specified as such. You will also need to check if the chosen bulb is compatible with your dimmer model. These support a maximum load variation, and the bulb power must fit within the dimmer's capacity.

Note: all LED luminaires can be dimmable. Bulbs, but also LED strips, fixtures, wall sconces, panels…

How to make an LED bulb dimmable?

A bulb is either dimmable or not. You can't make it dimmable, but you can add a dimmer to your electrical installation (and we recommend calling a professional if you're not used to it) and equip yourself with suitable bulbs to benefit from these adjustable performances. You will improve your quality of life and limit your electricity consumption.

If you install a non-dimmable LED bulb with a dimmer, it won't work. The bulb will flicker and may fail quickly. Its light intensity will not be variable. Conversely, if you put a non-dimmable bulb on a system equipped with a dimmer, nothing will happen, but the bulb will work!

How to know if your dimmer is compatible with an LED bulb?

First and foremost, it must be LED compatible.

Then, there are 3 other things to know:

• the power of the dimmer

• the number of bulbs allowed on the dimmer

• leave a margin of 10 - 15%

For the dimmer's power, it must not be lower than the total power of the bulbs you want to put on it.

Beware, some dimmers limit the number of bulbs. It may be noted that 10 bulbs maximum are allowed. It is important to take this into account.

Furthermore, we recommend leaving a margin of 10-15% free. This prevents the dimmer from being saturated and maintains a good lifespan for the bulbs and the dimmer.

Example:

Your dimmer allows 100W LED. The notice indicates a maximum of 10 bulbs. We leave a 10% margin. The LED bulbs consume 7W each.

100W x 0.10: 10w

100W - 10W: 90W maximum

For this dimmer, you will only be able to put 10 bulbs of 7W each for a total power of 70W. (7W x 10 bulbs: 70W)

Dimmable fixtures and bulbs

You can buy fixtures with integrated dimmers, such as the black LED desk lamp, which also offers 5 different light color tones.

Dimmable bulbs with different bases are available, such as the set of 3 GU10 base bulbs for recessed spotlights.

Do you like pretty bulbs? Smoke is a filament bulb with a large glass bulb, very designer and dimmable. It will be perfect for an industrial-style lamp or just to hang on a wire.

We also offer a dimmable battery-powered camping lamp, for BBQ evenings with friends or for reading in the tent!

Indoor or outdoor, dimmable LED wall sconces are perfect for creating intimate lighting atmospheres, to mark a path to the entrance of your house, for example.

Find all dimmable bulbs on Eclairage Design, sort by category and make your choice!