» Need Electrical Help? Get a Quick Reply! Ask the Electrician
Dimmer Switch for LED Light Fixture
|
How to Wire a Dimmer Switch for LED Lighting By: Dave Rongey |
Light Fixture Components and Dimmer Switches
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am trying to identify a problem. I am running a series of 3 LED recessed lights 4 watts each (I know how it’s done) with a dimmer switch. After wiring, the lights flashed quickly and continuously. I tried a regular single pole switch and everything worked. I tried a different dimmer switch, but now the breaker keeps tripping. I double checked the wiring in the switch box. All is good. Will a dimmer work? Wiring it is easy enough (single pole). I thought there might be a short at the light connections, but everything worked with the single pole switch, so ruled that out. Any suggestions?
This electrical question came from: John, a Homeowner from Pooler, Georgia.
See more about Home Wiring for Georgia
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question John.
How to Wire a Dimmer Switch for LED Lighting
- The dimmer switch must be compatible with the type of LED lights that are being used in the light fixtures.
- Check with the documentation that came with the light fixtures.
- You may also have an issue if the light circuit is connected to a low voltage power supply.
- Basically, all the light fixture components must permit dimming and the components must be compatible for successful dimming.
RESOURCES
wiring a dimmer switch
3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.
recessed lighting
How To Install Recessed Lighting
This article is about recessed lighting for your home electrical improvements. Discover how recessed lighting can enhance the mood of any room in your home.
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Dimmer For LED and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Electrical Wiring for Godawan | Checking Baseboard Heating Units |
Hi David,
Using a dummy load is an interesting idea, but keep in mind that the load will create heat so it would have to be installed with that in mind. I would first make sure the dimmer is not sized too large and use the Trim Adjustment that will allow further range of operation. Most dimmer switches have a trim adjustment which is located on the top or bottom of the dimmer switch and the adjustment can only be made before the dimmer is installed into the switch box, and the adjustment is made using a small screw driver. There are a few other dimmers that have adjustments that are accessible behind the front cover plate.
Dave
My led lights flash when I dim them, but have found if I use one 100 watt incandescent bulb on the “string ” of 12 watt LED bulbs they dim fine. Can I use a dummy load to simulate the incandescent bulb? What would I use?
Thanks,
David