Symptoms
- Flickering only started after switching to a new bulb type
- Bulb runs unusually hot or the fixture cycles on and off
- Dimmer behaves oddly since a bulb swap
Likely causes
- CommonNon-dimmable bulb installed on a dimmer circuitStandard LEDs on a dimmer switch commonly flicker or behave erratically.
- CommonA bulb not rated for enclosed fixtures used in oneNon-enclosed-rated LEDs can overheat and trigger thermal cycling in sealed fixtures.
- PossibleA smart bulb installed behind a physical dimmerSmart bulbs need constant power and shouldn't be paired with a separate dimmer.
- PossibleBulb wattage or type not matching the fixture's rated limitsExceeding a fixture's rated wattage, even with efficient LEDs, can cause issues depending on the fixture.
What to do
- Check the fixture's label for wattage limits and enclosed or dimmable ratings.
- Confirm the bulb's packaging matches those same ratings.
- Swap to a bulb explicitly labeled dimmable if using a dimmer.
- Swap to an enclosed-fixture-rated bulb if the fixture is fully enclosed or a globe type.
- Remove a dimmer from a circuit with smart bulbs, replacing it with a standard on/off switch.
- Test with the correctly matched bulb type to confirm the issue resolves.
- Keep the fixture's original packaging or label information handy for future bulb replacements.
Tools and parts
Dimmable or enclosed-rated LED bulbSearch: “dimmable LED bulb enclosed fixture rated”
When to call a pro
This is generally a simple bulb-matching fix; an electrician isn't usually needed unless a dimmer needs replacing.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.