Why won't my dimmer work?

Andrew_Ryan_89

I had a new light fitting which has 8 G9 bulbs. As soon as we fitted it in, the dimmer did not work (previously did with our old light). Was told this was because the Halogen G9 bulbs were not dimmable. After 6 months or so, the majority of the G9 bulbs blew so I just replaced them with LED variants that state they are dimmable. The bulbs I purchased can been seen here.

However, these are not dimming either! I suspect it may be something with the actual dimmer itself but before I go out and buy one, I want to be certain that it will work. Is there any way to tell from the item description which dimmer I should be looking for? Assuming that is the problem.

martinsurrey

Andrew_Ryan_89 wrote: »

I had a new light fitting which has 8 G9 bulbs. As soon as we fitted it in, the dimmer did not work (previously did with our old light). Was told this was because the Halogen G9 bulbs were not dimmable. After 6 months or so, the majority of the G9 bulbs blew so I just replaced them with LED variants that state they are dimmable. The bulbs I purchased can been seen here.

However, these are not dimming either! I suspect it may be something with the actual dimmer itself but before I go out and buy one, I want to be certain that it will work. Is there any way to tell from the item description which dimmer I should be looking for? Assuming that is the problem.

Its the dimmer, LEDs need special dimmers or they dont work, or break very quickly.

You need to know if your bulbs are leading edge of trailing edge compatible and then make sure your dinner is of the right type

https://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/article/led-dimmer-switch-compatibility/

TheCyclingProgrammer

Not all dimmers work with all dimmable bulbs. There are two types of dimmer - leading edge and trailing edge and you need one that will work with your LED bulbs.

http://www.lyco.co.uk/advice/dimmers-trailing-edge-v-leading-edge/

Your dimmer is probably a leading edge dimmer and you'll probably need a trailing edge dimmer.

Andrew_Ryan_89

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

Not all dimmers work with all dimmable bulbs. There are two types of dimmer - leading edge and trailing edge and you need one that will work with your LED bulbs.

http://www.lyco.co.uk/advice/dimmers-trailing-edge-v-leading-edge/

Your dimmer is probably a leading edge dimmer and you'll probably need a trailing edge dimmer.

Thank you both for the replies. How I love this forum,

I spotted this review for the bulbs I purchased and they confirm what you mentioned.

Excellent luminosity and colour (whiter than several others, not too yellow). Exactly what I needed. Would say equivalent to 45W halogens. Better than the ones replaced, which cost 7 quid each! Highly recommended. Arrived on time, well packaged and all working. Dimming fine on my trailing edge switch. Can't fault them to date.

TheCyclingProgrammer

If you want a decent quality trailing edge dimmer then have a look at Varilight switches.

Andrew_Ryan_89

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

If you want a decent quality trailing edge dimmer then have a look at Varilight switches.

Funny you should mention that as I just picked out this one.