New lights flickering slightly

victor2

woodsford said:

victor2 said:

woodsford said:

victor2 said:

What sort of bulb is it then? CFL or an ancient incandescent one?

Does the bulb work elsewhere without a dimmer switch?

Why not get a dimmable LED bulb? But be aware they are not compatible with all dimmer switches, so you may need a new switch as well.

Hi Victor,

The bulb works fine and it is just the slight flickering from time to time. Not all the time but I do notice it.

I'm not an expert but it is this bulb: https://lightsandlamps.com/products/e27-bulb-opal?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_pid=4645283430483&pr_ref_pid=6603856674899&pr_seq=uniform

I'd love to try the bulb elsewhere but unfortunately I don't have any other lights which can take E27 bulb.

Any ideas?

That does appear to be an LED bulb. I have seen them flicker when they're on their way out. Don't believe the 20,000 hour life claimed!

But it is quite possibly the dimmer switch. Does it flicker if at maximum brightness? If not, then see about getting a new LED compatible dimmer switch.

Thank you Victor.

The bulb is new and it does flicker at maximum brightness. How can I tell if the dimmer is a LED compatible dimmer switch or not?

I wonder if there is some sort of labels within the back of the switch which state this.

Often an incompatible dimmer just won't work, but if you can see what model of switch it is, if you're comfortable removing it to look at the back, then maybe somebody will be able to tell you.

If you could temporarily replace it with a conventional switch, then you could at least see if the flickering goes away.

Do switch the power off before you mess with the switch though, and don't touch it if you're not confident with household electrics!

woodsford

victor2 said:

woodsford said:

victor2 said:

woodsford said:

victor2 said:

What sort of bulb is it then? CFL or an ancient incandescent one?

Does the bulb work elsewhere without a dimmer switch?

Why not get a dimmable LED bulb? But be aware they are not compatible with all dimmer switches, so you may need a new switch as well.

Hi Victor,

The bulb works fine and it is just the slight flickering from time to time. Not all the time but I do notice it.

I'm not an expert but it is this bulb: https://lightsandlamps.com/products/e27-bulb-opal?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_pid=4645283430483&pr_ref_pid=6603856674899&pr_seq=uniform

I'd love to try the bulb elsewhere but unfortunately I don't have any other lights which can take E27 bulb.

Any ideas?

That does appear to be an LED bulb. I have seen them flicker when they're on their way out. Don't believe the 20,000 hour life claimed!

But it is quite possibly the dimmer switch. Does it flicker if at maximum brightness? If not, then see about getting a new LED compatible dimmer switch.

Thank you Victor.

The bulb is new and it does flicker at maximum brightness. How can I tell if the dimmer is a LED compatible dimmer switch or not?

I wonder if there is some sort of labels within the back of the switch which state this.

Often an incompatible dimmer just won't work, but if you can see what model of switch it is, if you're comfortable removing it to look at the back, then maybe somebody will be able to tell you.

If you could temporarily replace it with a conventional switch, then you could at least see if the flickering goes away.

Do switch the power off before you mess with the switch though, and don't touch it if you're not confident with household electrics!

Thanks Victor - you've been v helpful. Appreciate it!

It is this dimmer by the way:  https://www.toolstation.com/bg-low-profile-push-dimmer-switch/p71663\

It doesn't say whether they are compatible with LED bulbs or not. Any ideas?

casper_gutman

The switch is LED compatible, suitable for loads of 5W upwards according to the info from the manufacturer BG here: https://www.bgelectrical.uk/public/downloads/data-sheets/white-moulded/nexus_moulded_and_900_series_dimmer_switches_push_type.pdf

grumbler

It is a LED bulb.

For dimmers, do read reviews, especially for the cheapest ones.

woodsford

casper_gutman said:

The switch is LED compatible, suitable for loads of 5W upwards according to the info from the manufacturer BG here: https://www.bgelectrical.uk/public/downloads/data-sheets/white-moulded/nexus_moulded_and_900_series_dimmer_switches_push_type.pdf

Thanks. That is helpful. Couldn't find it online.

If it is LED compatible then what could it be? Perhaps the dimmer switch is of low quality?

victor2

This is from the manufacturer of the switch in Screwfix Q&A's for it:

Usually an audible buzzing from a dimmed circuit, and/or flickering, is an indication of an inappropriate load either because the dimmer is not in the correct mode (adjuster on the rear fully anti-clockwise for LED, or fully clockwise for all other lighting types), because the dimmer is over or under loaded (load ranges vary for different lighting types), or because the lighting wants a different dimming type (our dimmers are Leading Edge type).

It sounds like there's an adjustment screw on the back of the switch. Could be worth a look.

woodsford

victor2 said:

This is from the manufacturer of the switch in Screwfix Q&A's for it:

Usually an audible buzzing from a dimmed circuit, and/or flickering, is an indication of an inappropriate load either because the dimmer is not in the correct mode (adjuster on the rear fully anti-clockwise for LED, or fully clockwise for all other lighting types), because the dimmer is over or under loaded (load ranges vary for different lighting types), or because the lighting wants a different dimming type (our dimmers are Leading Edge type).

It sounds like there's an adjustment screw on the back of the switch. Could be worth a look.

You are a legend Victor.

Will chat to the electrician when he comes around to fix other new lights and will report back.

Fingers crossed!