Everything You Need to Know About Dimmable LED Lightbulbs

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Dimmable lightbulbs are a great way to create the exact ambience you want. You can adjust the brightness according to your needs.

If you're looking for dimmable light globes it's important to choose the right bulb - halogen, LED or smart LED. Here's what you need to have in mind.

Types of Lightbulbs

When picking out a bulb shape, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Does your new bulb have to match the old one’s shape perfectly? Some replacements are designed to be identical, so if you're swapping out a spotlight, you'll want to grab a spotlight-shaped bulb.

On the other hand, certain styles, like chandeliers, look great with candle-shaped bulbs. The most popular bulb shapes you’ll see in homes are the traditional/GLS, globe, mini globe, decorative, candle, reflector, capsule and ST64.

Bulb Technology

•    Halogen Bulbs - these light up right away, but they don’t last as long and can be pricier to run than LED bulbs.  

•    LED bulbs - LED, or Light-Emitting Diodes, are more cost-effective in the long run. They generate less heat and have a much longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. While the upfront price of LED bulbs might seem high, they’ll save you money over time because they use less energy. Plus, you can find dimmable options too.  

•    Smart LED bulbs - Smart bulbs let you control your lighting from your phone or with voice commands through a smart assistant. They come in various colours and styles, packed with cool features. Just remember, these are LED bulbs that are also smart.

What Are Dimable Lightbulbs?

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Dimmable light globes are designed for use with dimmable fixtures, like those with a dimmer switch on the wall. They're a popular choice because they can really enhance the vibe of a room while also saving energy. By turning down the lights, you can totally transform the atmosphere and use less power at the same time. Nowadays, you can find dimmable options for most modern bulbs, including LEDs and halogens, but if you're using fluorescent tubes, you'll need a dimmable ballast to make it work.

Difference Between Dimmable and Non-Dimmable Bulbs

Back in the day, incandescent bulbs were super easy to dim. If you had the right switch and circuit, you could easily adjust the brightness with a compatible bulb.  But with the rise of LED technology, things got a bit trickier. You can still find both dimmable and non-dimmable options, but installing them isn’t as straightforward anymore. If your setup doesn’t support dimming, you might not be able to adjust the brightness at all.

Is My LED Dimmable?

You can usually tell if an LED light bulb is dimmable or not just by checking the product description. Dimmable LED lights let you tweak the brightness to match what you need. So, if you're working, you can crank up the brightness, and when it's movie time or you're diving into a book, you can dim it down.

On the other side, non-dimmable LED lights provide a steady lighting experience. They always shine at the same brightness when you switch them on, and you can't adjust that. Both types of LED lights have their advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose based on what you need. For example, dimmable lights are great for homes and schools, while non-dimmable ones work well in places like warehouses.

What Changes Lumen or Brightness in Dimmable LEDs

Dimmable LED lights adjust their brightness thanks to dimmer switches, which control how much energy flows to the light fixture. These switches also let you turn the lights on and off like a regular switch.

When you use a dimmer switch, it creates an electric circuit that dims the lights connected to it. However, not all LEDs work with this setup. If you want a bulb that can be dimmed, make sure to get one specifically designed for use with dimmer switches.

Can I Use Non-dimmable LED BUlb With a Dimmable Switch?

It's not a good idea. If you put a non-dimmable LED bulb on a dimmable switch, it might stay at full brightness all the time to function properly. If you try to dim it, you could end up with a buzzing or flickering bulb, which can damage it or shorten its lifespan.

Can You Use Them Outdoors?

You can use dimmable lights outside, but you'll need to pair them with a dimmer switch. It's best to go for a trailing edge dimmer if you're using LEDs or a basic leading edge dimmer for halogen bulbs. If you're working with fluorescent lights, make sure you have the right control gear for dimming, whether it's indoors or outdoors. Also, any outdoor fixtures should have an IP rating to keep them safe from water exposure.

If you're looking to dim an outdoor light, like a downlight in a garage soffit, you'll want to use IP65-rated downlight fittings along with a suitable dimmer switch, preferably one that you can control from inside the house. While dimmable bulbs are an option, they're not super common for outdoor use since most people prefer bright lighting in their gardens instead of something dimmed down. Remember, outdoor lighting should have the right IP rating, with a minimum of IP54 recommended. This ensures the lights are splashproof and protected from dust.