Dimmer switch woes...

[Deleted User]

Hi guys,

As above. Been in our house, a 2000 build, since 2003 and had the original kitchen lighting until around 10 years ago when the lights/switches were all replaced during a professional refit. No issues.

Then, about 8 years ago the dimmer switch stopped working, so I replaced it. Problem solved. Then we got some new lights, which were fine for a bit, probably about 6 months, then I needed to fit a new dimmer. All okay but then the bulbs started to blow, more than they should... probably energy savers, looking back, so not the best choice for dimmers but we persevered. Since then we've been using dedicated dimmer bulbs, not branded but recommended in the local hardware shop and although they've not blown, they've persistently flickered at low setting.

Anyway, with it being Christmas and me having a bit of free time, I went to Screwfix and got some LAP dimmer bulbs and a £22 dual dimmer switch. Fitted everything today but unfortunately the bulbs both still flick, albeit more uninformed now, on low settings.

Any suggestions? Forgot to mention, we had BG out under a care plan a couple of years ago and they said there was absolutely nothing wrong with our electrics

One thing I noticed today, and I'm no spark, is that the earth wire was tucked back? Not connected to anything. BG were the last to look behind the face plate.

Thanks.

MX5huggy

Which bulbs and which dimmer did you buy? Post a link or the item codes from Screwfix.

savemoney

I assume you have led bulbs, is the dimmer led compatible? Not all are

Jono111

Dimmer switches can have a minimum wattage they work with and will flicker if the bulbs used are below the wattage. Try some standard 100W bulbs and see if they flicker. The minimum value should be in the instructions.

FreeBear

LAP is the B&Q/Screwfix own brand - Not the best quality, but cheap. You could try a better quality dimmer & lamp in just one room. If that solves your problem, go and buy some more.

[Deleted User]

MX5huggy wrote: »

Which bulbs and which dimmer did you buy? Post a link or the item codes from Screwfix.

Thanks everyone!

Dis: https://www.screwfix.com/p/varilight-v-pro-2-gang-2-way-led-dimmer-switch-white/98455 and dise: https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-es-gls-led-light-bulb-806lm-9-5w-5-pack/5283t :cool:

Carrot007

Just get wifi bulbs and an app on your phone to dim, much easier than switches if you ask me.

However your dimmer appears to have both elading and trailing options. You will kill builbs if it is set to the wrong one.

Jonesya

Re. The earth, if that's the earth wire at the switch then yes, normally it should be connected to the metal back box or the earth connection of the switch or dimmer.

My guess is that the flickering is due to the interaction between the led bulbs and the dimmer, I've used Varilight dimmers to dim some Philip's LED bulbs and that worked fine. But I think it's still a bit of a gamble about how the two interact.

Maybe try another model of bulb, the Philip's ones are more expensive so perhaps try just one?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Edison-Screw-Dimmable-Light/dp/B01IBOGC6M