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Dimmer switches and buzzing LED lightbulbs - Sharon (19th Jan 2021 - 09:55:22) Hi I have now realised that the reason some of my lightbulbs buzz and flicker is because I am using new technology bulbs with an old technology dimmer switch. So before I do anything about it, I wondered if any knowledgeable person out there would be able to offer any advice. I think that the option of using 'old fashioned' filament light bulbs is a no-go, because you can't buy them anymore - you only seem to be able to get LED bulbs. So that leaves me with 2 options: Either I change the dimmer switch to a non-dimmer switch, or I change it to an LED dimmer switch. So my questions are: Do I need a special LED switch if it's not dimmable? or If I change it to an LED dimmer switch, is it a straight forward replacement? Does the back box need to be bigger? Are there extra transformers etc? The switch I have is a 2-gang. One switch operates 4 bulbs and the other operates 6 bulbs - will this make a difference to the dimmer switch I use? I've read that you should not mix different types and makes of bulbs on the light fittings operated by 1 switch. This means that I shall have to invest in 10 new bulbs, as I have all sorts!! This will be pricey, so I want to be sure that I'm doing it right before I spend money!! Any advice gratefully received!

Re: Dimmer switches and buzzing LED lightbulbs - Liphookean (19th Jan 2021 - 16:06:18) Sharon I feel for you as I am generally pretty good with electrics but have been challenged by getting a working combination of switch and bulbs, mainly because bulbs and switches that claim to be dimmable don't always work as well as they say. If you don't want your lights to dim, then this is the cheapest option. You can buy non-dimmable bulbs and fit an ordinary on/off switch. If you do want them to dim, and you want LED bulbs then you must buy dimmable LED bulbs. You must also buy a LED compatible switch. I have used a Varilight V-Pro switch previously which you can buy a 2-gang from Screwfix for £22.49. This switch does require a 25mm deep back box which may or may not be deeper than your existing one, you would have to measure it to find out. Even with compatible bulbs and switches, it is possible you will hear a quiet buzz from the switch with some bulb and switch combinations. Finally, you could consider halogen bulbs and retaining your current dimmer. Halogen bulbs are not as energy efficient as LED but are better than traditional filament. We should all be doing our bit to save energy but the wasted energy from bulbs produces heat which isn't such an issue in homes in this country where for most of the year when we need lights we also heat. It is a disaster in places with air conditioning of course. Good luck

Re: Dimmer switches and buzzing LED lightbulbs - Stu (19th Jan 2021 - 22:02:04) Hi, We had exactly the same problem and realised that if changing to new dimmable LED bulbs then the old halogen dimmer switches, don't work with LED. We use VPro dimmer switches and they seem to have worked. Alternatively, I can highly recommend a local electrician: Ian Clark 07836 722184.

Re: Dimmer switches and buzzing LED lightbulbs - Ian (20th Jan 2021 - 10:23:07) Just to re-iterate what Liphookean was saying. If you want to dim led bulbs you must use dimmable led bulbs and a led compatible dimmer of sufficient capacity ( e.g. minimum 40 watt for 8 x 5w bulbs). For a double switch each side must be able to handle the maximum load on its own circuit.

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