You swapped old bulbs for LEDs and now the lights flicker, buzz, cut out at the bottom of the dimmer or won't go fully dark. It's one of the most common lighting complaints we get in DMV homes, and it's almost never a problem with the wiring itself. It's a mismatch between the dimmer and the LEDs.
THE USUAL CAUSES
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Flicker at low settings | Old incandescent dimmer that isn't rated for LEDs |
| Lights won't turn fully off, or glow faintly | Dimmer needs a minimum load the LEDs don't reach |
| Buzzing from the switch or fixture | Dimmer type mismatched to the LED driver |
| Some bulbs dim differently from others | Mixed bulb brands or models on one circuit |
| No dimming at all, or rapid strobing | Non-dimmable bulbs |
| Random flicker even at full brightness | Loose connection: have an electrician check it |
THE FIXES
- Check the bulbs say “dimmable.” Not all LEDs are.
- Use one brand and model of bulb or recessed light on each dimmer.
- Replace the dimmer with an LED-rated one. Most major brands publish compatibility lists for which dimmers work with which bulbs.
- Adjust the low-end trim. Many LED dimmers have a small dial or setting that sets the lowest level; raising it stops the flicker at the bottom of the range.
- Check the minimum load. Two or three LED bulbs may not draw enough power for some dimmers. A dimmer rated for low loads fixes it.
Flicker that appears at full brightness, comes and goes, or affects lights on different switches isn't a dimmer problem. Loose connections cause heat, so have it checked by a licensed electrician rather than living with it.
WHAT IT COSTS
A quality LED-compatible dimmer typically costs $25–$80, and installation is usually a short visit by an electrician. When we install new recessed lighting, we match the dimmer to the lights from the start, which avoids the problem entirely.
RELATED READING
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Spacing rules, distance from walls, sizes and what recessed lighting costs per light in the DMV.
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What light fixture upgrades cost in the DMV, which ones make the biggest visible difference, and what requires a licensed electrician.
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Planning a project? See our Light Fixture Installation service page for scope, process and recent work.
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