Dimmable ceiling lights

sam90_2

Hi Guys,
I am wanting to order a ceiling light (it won't let me post a link but it is called Elias Retro Pendant from John Lewis). It specifies that the fixture is not dimmable, though it says bulbs are not included. It is my understanding that any light fixture could be dimmed as long as an appropriate dimmer and dimmable bulbs are used. Could anyone shed any light on whether this is the case and if so, what kind of bulbs would be recommended for this fitting? Thanks

Le_Kirk

Here's s a link to one such: -
https://www.johnlewis.com/house-by-john-lewis-elias-retro-pendant-ceiling-light-black/p3165257

TELLIT01

The description means that the light fitting doesn't have any direct way of dimming it.  If you hover over the i icon it explains what is required.

Mutton_Geoff

sam90_2 said:

Hi Guys,
I am wanting to order a ceiling light (it won't let me post a link but it is called Elias Retro Pendant from John Lewis). It specifies that the fixture is not dimmable, though it says bulbs are not included. It is my understanding that any light fixture could be dimmed as long as an appropriate dimmer and dimmable bulbs are used. Could anyone shed any light on whether this is the case and if so, what kind of bulbs would be recommended for this fitting? Thanks

You are correct. According to JL product info, this item takes ES lamps. I would strongly advise against LED versions are the driver that is built inside LED lamps are so basic (and built down to a size and budget) that they don't dim very well, especially down to low levels. My preference is for incandescant lamps for dimming as the effect is much nicer.

JL can be very expensive for light fittings, make sure you look at several large online wholesalers for the same item at a lower price. Eg Online Lighting, Lighting Direct, Ocean Lighting, Lights4Living etc (no connection to these companies).

cranford

Just work out how much six 60 watt  incandescent lamps bulbs will cost you to run against the cost of six 6 watt LED bulbs. ie 360 watt per hour, 5 hours a day will  be  12.6 units per week, 655 units a year  or nearly £100 a year against £10 for the LED. I know that summer months usage will be reduced but winter months could easily be more than 5 hrs a day. 

Grenage

I used dimmable LED (filament-style) bulbs in our living room; I have had no problems.

Obviously you need to use a dimmer suitable for LEDs - I think I used a Varilight V-pro module.  LED all the way for me.

Risteard

cranford said:

Just work out how much six 60 watt  incandescent lamps bulbs will cost you to run against the cost of six 6 watt LED bulbs. ie 360 watt per hour, 5 hours a day will  be  12.6 units per week, 655 units a year  or nearly £100 a year against £10 for the LED. I know that summer months usage will be reduced but winter months could easily be more than 5 hrs a day. 

Whilst that's true it's not quite as straightforward as that. Tungsten/halogen etc. lamps will emit considerable heat (which is why they are inefficient). However in the winter months this contributes a reasonable amount to the heating of the room, which will have to be compensated for by having the heating on longer where using LED lamps.

But dimmer switches and dimmable LED lamps should be carefully matched to operate correctly with each other. Some work better with leading edge and others with trailing edge dimmers also. You may also need to adjust the minimum brightness for the dimmer to prevent flashing. Consider minimum as well as maximum load also.

Carrot007

Or just get a wifi led bulb that is dimmable and even colour changable and colour temparate (for the white) changable. Win all round.

cranford

Of course if you are going to use light bulbs because of the heat output just remember that when compared to gas you are just wasting your money and will certainly be wasting money in the summer when you don't need the heat. Stick to LED bulbs to not only save cash but to save the planet!

Risteard

cranford said:

Of course if you are going to use light bulbs because of the heat output just remember that when compared to gas you are just wasting your money and will certainly be wasting money in the summer when you don't need the heat. Stick to LED bulbs to not only save cash but to save the planet!

No-one suggested that they are being used for their heat output. I simply pointed out that it is a real factor when considering the real-world savings. Only the ignorant would dispute this. It's a well known fact which engineers and designers or consultants would understand. Open your mind.