General Discussion

Omaha Steve

(102,417 posts)

23. It might be the dimmer switch

Thu Jun 2, 2016, 10:38 PM

Jun 2016

I was reading up on LED and found this at Popular Mechanics: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a10104/everything-you-need-to-know-about-led-light-bulbs-16542040/

These Bulbs Dim, Right?

LED bulbs sold as "dimmable" work acceptably with most newer switches. The best dim to about 5 percent, though at that level some produce a faint buzzing. Make sure you buy a bulb that has been verified to work properly with your switch; check the manufacturer's website for a list of compatible dimmers.

If you need to install a new switch, buy something specifically engineered to work with LED bulbs, such as Lutron's CL series or the Pass & Seymour Harmony Tru-Universal Dimmer by Legrand. But be warned: These switches are sometimes larger than older dimmers. In most cases that shouldn't be a problem, but if you have an overcrowded electrical box, you may need to upgrade it to accommodate the new dimmer.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

73 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

We bought our first LED light bulbs today (update) [View all] Omaha Steve Jun 2016 OP

LED bulbs for $3? meow2u3 Jun 2016 #1

We don't normally shop there for political reasons Omaha Steve Jun 2016 #9

I never heard of Menard's meow2u3 Jun 2016 #12

Menards is a midwest big box chain run by a right wing nutjob. Snarkoleptic Jun 2016 #21

Menards indigoth Jun 2016 #25

Like I said Omaha Steve Jun 2016 #27

Strange greytdemocrat Jun 2016 #44

I specifically bought a 4-pack of LEDs from Home Depot about a year ago bullwinkle428 Jun 2016 #65

"they treat the employees like crap and are anti-union" philosslayer Jun 2016 #56

Well I could have gone to Wal-mart it was closer Omaha Steve Jun 2016 #58

Or Ace Hardware philosslayer Jun 2016 #59

They didn't have the items I needed Omaha Steve Jun 2016 #61

You should tell everyone where to shop LanternWaste Jun 2016 #69

They also won't honor the military discount Drahthaardogs Jun 2016 #63

I can't imagine a three-way LED going for $2.99. passiveporcupine Jun 2016 #17

I paid $13 for a 3-way at Wally World meow2u3 Jun 2016 #19

Yes, I know. passiveporcupine Jun 2016 #24

I paid $150 for a three way in las vega . . . . ChairmanAgnostic Jun 2016 #52

The less expensive LED bulbs don't last as many years flyingfysh Jun 2016 #36

We have them less than that at Lowes Bradical79 Jun 2016 #47

I like them. ohnoyoudidnt Jun 2016 #2

Had some for years now Duckhunter935 Jun 2016 #11

Agree, I've had some begin to intermittently flicker after a couple of years. Snarkoleptic Jun 2016 #22

Depends on where they go. plimsoll Jun 2016 #33

This scscholar Jun 2016 #34

This message was self-deleted by its author guyton Jun 2016 #3

CFLs fail quickly because they don't like to be turned on and off. thesquanderer Jun 2016 #8

I gave a big bag of CFL's away just to get rid of them passiveporcupine Jun 2016 #16

They're supposed to last between 10 and 22 years meow2u3 Jun 2016 #13

LED's are getting better... TreasonousBastard Jun 2016 #4

I installed 6 of them in cans and one is starting to flicker after about a year or two Major Nikon Jun 2016 #5

Just moved a year ago Kelvin Mace Jun 2016 #6

I don't like bright, so I was hesitant. demmiblue Jun 2016 #7

Love them. We did 25 6 inch can-light retrofits 3 or 4 years ago. Hassin Bin Sober Jun 2016 #10

It took me a couple of years to get it done passiveporcupine Jun 2016 #14

I did the same thing about 4 years ago rufus dog Jun 2016 #37

Welcome to a bright future Steve. For the next purchases, know that LEDs come in dimmable, and warm FailureToCommunicate Jun 2016 #15

I have a friend going the Costco online route rufus dog Jun 2016 #38

Entire house is LED. We like them except for dimmers. At low light levels, the light flickers which WestSeattle2 Jun 2016 #18

It might be the dimmer switch Omaha Steve Jun 2016 #23

Yeah, the low heat is nice for summer. passiveporcupine Jun 2016 #39

I like them for some things but not others. Laffy Kat Jun 2016 #20

Why would it take a long time to brighten? passiveporcupine Jun 2016 #40

Are you sure those are LEDs? LEDs brighten almost instantly. Some CFLs take a while. BillZBubb Jun 2016 #41

Oh, maybe that's what they are, CFLs. Laffy Kat Jun 2016 #72

Yup, as other said, LEDs are instant on. CFL's can take a while. Adrahil Jun 2016 #64

I'm gradually replacing all my incandescents and CFLs with LEDs OldRedneck Jun 2016 #26

Some electric companies give deals on led bulbs Marrah_G Jun 2016 #28

I love the absolute bright-white light they make. kentauros Jun 2016 #29

Always look at the "Temperature". 4000K or higher gives a great white light. BillZBubb Jun 2016 #42

I knew there was another name for it. kentauros Jun 2016 #43

You may not have to switch to LED bulbs. PADemD Jun 2016 #30

I wonder how fast they will get on the market Omaha Steve Jun 2016 #50

I love LED lights! herding cats Jun 2016 #31

A total win-win, once you get past the initial sticker shock. Warren DeMontague Jun 2016 #32

I purchased 3, and all 3 have failed. scubadude Jun 2016 #35

I think not all brands are created equal and not all types work in all fixtures, etc. Warren DeMontague Jun 2016 #45

I've got the very first I ever bought 7 or 8 years ago still, going strong. TheKentuckian Jun 2016 #46

Have dozens. Never had to replace one yet. Not incorrect for me. whatthehey Jun 2016 #60

Nearly 100% here....but those cheap LED will come back to bite you. ileus Jun 2016 #48

I converted.. sendero Jun 2016 #49

Lowe's usually has some really good sales on LEDs. djean111 Jun 2016 #51

Bought my first LED bulb at Lowes JonathanRackham Jun 2016 #53

Until I could afford LEDs, I got incandescents at Dollar Tree and Walmart. djean111 Jun 2016 #55

We have a CFL disposal bin at work. JonathanRackham Jun 2016 #66

We went all LED when we remodeled last summer. Love them!! Scuba Jun 2016 #54

Still gonna use CFLs blogslut Jun 2016 #57

All but one fixture in our home has LED's only madokie Jun 2016 #62

I never expected this response Omaha Steve Jun 2016 #67

Anyone tried halogen bulbs? KamaAina Jun 2016 #68

LED bulbs marybourg Jun 2016 #70

My entire house has been lit with LEDs since 2012 REP Jun 2016 #71

I bought several 2 paks of LEDs from Costco on sale $5 per pak. They flicker though, I may have Dont call me Shirley Jun 2016 #73