Dimmable LED bulbs

marc81

Can anyone recommend a dimmable LED bulb, Around 60-75w equivalent, warm white? I've got Philips bulbs in my rooms that don't have dimmers and they are good. I couldn't find a dimmable Philips so ended up buying one made by Diall which i think is B&Q's own brand and it was dreadful, just buzzed and flickered constantly so took it back. Any recommendations appreciated.

TheCyclingProgrammer

They are a bit pricier but never had any problems with the bulbs I've bought from https://well-lit.co.uk.

Megaman are supposed to be a good brand and Phillips do also do dimmable LEDs - just make sure whichever you get it is compatible with your dimmer. Most LEDs (perhaps all?) require a trailing edge dimmer, not a leading edge one.

Chrishazle

Problem may well be your dimmer switch, as "normal" dimmers are not suitable for dimmable LED's, you need a dimmer switch specifically for LED's, and they're not cheap.

WestonDave

B&Q sell Philips dimmable ones - I've got their candle bulbs in the dining room and they work fine - no buzzing etc.


One thing to bear in mind is that it needs a proper dimmer - our old dimmer switch used to hunt if the power output was too low leading to a disco effect as it cut out and cut back in again.

marc81

Thanks for all the replies. I don't think I can be bothered changing the dimmer switch itself especially if they are quite expensive. Are there any CFL bulbs that are bright and work with a dimmer? I've always found them to be far too dull until they have 'warmed up'.

TheCyclingProgrammer

You can get dimmable CFLs but personally wouldn't bother. You can get a trailing edge dimmer switch for as little as £15;

http://www.screwfix.com/p/varilight-trailing-edge-push-dimmer-1g-1-2w-400w-va/94816

Obviously you'll pay a bit more if you want something a bit more decorative.

Head_The_Ball

Chrishazle wrote: »

Problem may well be your dimmer switch, as "normal" dimmers are not suitable for dimmable LED's, you need a dimmer switch specifically for LED's, and they're not cheap.

I bought a Varilight trailing edge dimmer for under £15 at Screwfix a few months ago.

That isn't much more than a traditional leading edge dimmer at circa £10 to £12 for decent quality.

I bought it as I plan to use LED bulbs once my stock of incandescent bulbs runs out.

OP, if you do decide to buy a trailing edge dimmer, make sure you get one rated for the planned load. Google for details.

Sausage11

I would steer well clear of Megaman dimmable LEDs. I put 60 into a house we rebuilt and I'm now being ignored by Megaman after 25% of them have failed less than 10% into their rated lifespans.

Grenage

I swapped my dimmer modules out with Varilight V-pro modules, so I kept the original faceplates. All our dimmable bulbs are LAP filaments, from Screwfix; I think they're about £7 each.

Chrishazle

FWIW, I looked at swopping a 2 gang dimmer in our living room so I could change 9 x 40W candle bulbs (5 in room centre fitting, 4 in 2 x double wall lights) to LED. the 2 gang LED dimmer was twice the price of the ordinary one at about £25, 9 dimmable LED candle bulbs another £20ish (Ebay) so about £45 cost to swop. As these lights get little use (and I have quite a few spare candle bulbs) I decided the payback time does not ATM justify changing.

Conversly, our kitchen with 8 x GU10 non dimming, originally fitted with 50W normal, changed to 11-12W CFL and then to 12W LED, that change was well worthwhile, especially as the LED's come on immediately whereas the CFL's take a minute or two to get to full brightness.

eastonian

Have 13 dimmable Philips bulbs in our kitchen and they've worked flawlessly for 2-3 years now.