Light-emitting diodes (leds) are not necessarily compatible with dimmers. Whether the LED light source can be dimmed or not, the packaging must be marked. However, even dimmable LED sources may have some problems in compatibility with traditional dimmers. This is partly due to electronics and partly to the fact that low-power LED light sources require special dimmers. However, if the following information is taken into account when choosing a dimmable solution, it is possible to achieve the desired lighting effect using a modern, energy-efficient light source.

Cost-effective LED reflector lamps are a perfect alternative to high-voltage reflective halogen tungsten lamps (as part of a ban on inefficient light sources, the European Union (EU) will no longer allow high-voltage reflective halogen tungsten lamps on the market from 1 September 2016). Halogen lamps are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but the basic structure is very similar: when the switch is pressed, an electric current flows into the wires to heat them, generating heat and light. So the brightness control is relatively simple: a proper dimmer ensures that less current flows through the wire, making it less heated and giving off a weaker light.

Leds are built differently - they are electronic semiconductors. That is why LED light-source electronics can be compared to a minicomputer, switching upstream of the LED to maintain a consistent, constant current supply among other functions. When specifying a dimmer, the complex electronic characteristics of the LED light source must be considered.

Another challenge for some dimmers is the low power of leds. Early dimmers were designed for incandescent bulbs. These dimmers are usually adjusted to the desired brightness by a rotary switch mounted on the wall. However, an LED comparable to a 60-watt incandescent lamp can produce the same brightness with less installation load (about 9 watts), giving it a smaller dimming range. To do this, it needs to be equipped with dimmers that can meet the challenge. If this is not met, lights equipped with inappropriate dimmers may flicker, make noise, or, in the worst case, damage the source or dimmer.

Before replacing halogen tungsten lamps with LED lighting sources in dimmable lamps, the following information should be noted:

1. The LED light source can only be used in conjunction with the dimmer if the "dimmer" is clearly specified on the packaging;

2. The dimmer used must be suitable for specific LED light sources. For information on dimmers compatible with light sources, please check the manufacturer's website;

3. The websites of dimmer manufacturers such as Merten, Gira, and Jung also offer compatibility lists or online help tools. If you are not sure whether the dimmer you have installed is compatible, it is recommended to consult the owner or electrician;

4. Don't use cheap lighting control systems and LED light sources sold online. Those "low cost" suppliers often have poor quality products and can suffer from poor performance and various failures;

5. If the manufacturer of the dimmer does not specify, only the same type of light source can be used in the dimmer. Different LED light sources designed by different manufacturers may cause various problems;

6. If you need to reduce the brightness occasionally, use a dimmer. However, if you need to maintain a low brightness environment, then a lower wattage lamp is the right choice. The reason is that it takes more power to keep dimming a lamp with a higher current output than one with a lower power rating.