Advice on dimmable E14 (SES) bulbs and suitable dimmer.

Head_The_Ball

We are replacing a pair of living room ceiling lights. At present we have 2 x 3 bulb units with a total of 6 x 40 watts E14 (SES) golf ball incandescent bulbs. We have a single dimmer switch that controls both light units.

Assuming 450 lumens per 40 watts bulb, I estimate a total of 2,700 lumens at full power.

We are replacing the light units with 2 x 5 E14 bulb units and plan to use dimmable LED bulbs rather than incandescent.

10 x 5 watt LED bulbs at 380 lumens each would give a total of 3,800 lumens. That should be plenty giving the option of a brighter light than at present with the option of dimming down to a lower level.

The light units specify a maximum of 60 watt incandescent bulbs so we are well below that.

We are aware that we need a new dimmer suitable for dimmable LED bulbs.

Do these dimmers give a continuous variation of brightness or do they work in steps?

We only want one dimmer. The lights are not individually wired to the switch so a double dimmer would require considerable rewiring.

We plan to use warm white golf ball bulbs rather than cool white.

Is 5 watts the ideal or should we go higher? We don't want to go lower as we would like a bit more maximum brightness than at present.

What are the best quality dimmable LED bulbs and dimmer we should choose? I know this is a money saving site but we prefer reliability and long life rather then cheapness. We will save money by buying quality at a competitive price rather than buying cheap products.

The dimmer needs to be suitable for 10 x 5 watts LED bulbs.

What comment do you have or advice can you give us regarding our plan and which makes and suppliers can you suggest.

Thanks

brightontraveller

Varilight v pro dimmers we have found have worked with the most dimmerble leds With regards lamps then it becomes personal choice lumens is a guide but not a great one you need to choose one you like the design style, the lens clear, frosted etc and produces a light you like unfortunately LED are more trail and error than lumens etc and e14 (ses) dimmable will make your choice quite limited Sylvania, Philips, Crompton all pretty much the same quite good £5- £10 each.
Examples but plenty other sell them

http://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-li/choose-a-bulb/bulb/latest#filters=CANDLE_BULB_SU%2CFK_BULBS_LED%2CFK_BULBS_CAP_E14%2CFK_BULBS_DIMMABLE_YES&sliders=&support=&price=&priceBoxes=&page=&layout=12.subcategory.p-grid-icon

http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/light-bulbs/cat8350001?shape=golf_ball#category=cat8350001&capfitting=ses&dimmable=dimmable&lamptechnology=led&shape=golf_ball

TheCyclingProgrammer

Excellent quality LED bulbs from here:

https://well-lit.co.uk/product/e14-led-bulb/

J_B

Been there, done that ...

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5378505

but 'we' wanted clear bulbs ... :eek:

Jonesya

The Philips dimmable LED bulbs with 'warm glow' are good - the light gets warmer/orange as you dim them, like a conventional bulb. Used them with a varilight dimmer, work well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Small-Edison-Dimmable-Candle/dp/B010UQJ0OU/