Symptoms
- Flicker appears mainly at low dimmer settings
- Flicker changes as you slide or rotate the dimmer
- Different bulbs behave differently on the same dimmer
Likely causes
- CommonNon-dimmable LED bulb installed on a dimmer circuitStandard, non-dimmable LEDs can flicker or behave erratically on any dimmer.
- CommonDimmer type mismatched to bulb typeOlder leading-edge dimmers work poorly with many LED bulbs, which often need trailing-edge or LED-specific dimmers.
- PossibleToo few bulbs for the dimmer's minimum loadLED wattages are often below what older dimmers were designed to handle smoothly.
- PossibleMixing bulb brands or models on the same dimmerDifferent LED drivers can behave inconsistently together on one dimmer.
What to do
- Confirm every bulb on that dimmer is labeled dimmable.
- Use the same brand and model of bulb throughout the fixture if it currently has a mix.
- Check the dimmer's specification for LED compatibility and minimum wattage.
- Replace the dimmer with an LED-specific model if it's an older incandescent-style dimmer.
- Test at different dimmer positions to see if flicker is limited to a certain range.
- Try a known-good, high-quality dimmable LED bulb as a test.
- Call an electrician if flicker continues with matched, quality bulbs and an LED-rated dimmer.
Tools and parts
Trailing-edge LED dimmerSearch: “trailing edge LED dimmer switch”
When to call a pro
Call an electrician if flicker persists after matching bulbs and dimmer type, since it could point to a wiring issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.