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Dimmer switch for LEDs

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  • 04-11-2018 12:27pm
    #1
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭


    Hello,


    I'm looking to get a dimmer switch for an LED light on our main room.


    The light has five LED bulbs (Searchlight 230V, 50Hz, 4W - LED E14 2700k). My understanding is that I now require a 200W rated dimmer switch:

    5 * 4 = 20W


10% rule => 20 * 10 = 200W load


    Also, I am aware that for LED's a trailing edge dimmer switch is the best option and the for best performance that the dimmer switch should not be underloaded.


    Our house has recently been refurbished with MK switches throughout and new wiring etc.


    What are the best options for a LED dimmer switch - I don't want to add side lamps into the room as there is not sufficient space, so dimming the lights is the best alternative.


    Any recommendation for a dimmer switch for this setup? My preference would be a MK faceplate as it would be in keeping with the rest of the house, but if there is a performance reason to go elsewhere then so be it.


    I really want to avoid the usuall buzzing and flickering issues associated with dimmers.



    Thanks.


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    #2
    whizbang
    Registered Users Posts: 1,924 ✭✭✭whizbang


    First off, Do your LED's specifications specifically state 'Dimmable' ? If so, ok , If not, stop here.

    Second. Your dimmer needs to be rated for a minimum load of less than 20W. LED rated dimmers are becoming more available, but there's lot of different terms used to describe them.

    By any chance do the lights have individual wires that could be switch independently?


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    #3
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    They are dimmable.
    It is a pendant with 5 LED bulbs.


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    #4
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Any recommendations of a decent dimmer?

    I've looked at the MK K1523WHILV dimmer, but it got poor reviews so I'm hesitant about shelling out £35 for it. Obviously I would prefer it though as it would fit in better with the other switch in the house.

    However the problem with it is that its operating range is 40W - 300W.


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    #5
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,537 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    I've looked at the MK K1523WHILV dimmer, but it got poor reviews so I'm hesitant about shelling out £35 for it. Obviously I would prefer it though as it would fit in better with the other switch in the house.

    MK is generally great kit in my experience. Go to a descent wholesalers and I imagine it would be cheaper.
    However the problem with it is that its operating range is 40W - 300W.

    This does not sound like a dimmer designed to be used with LEDs to me. 300W of LEDs would be a lot of LEDs, even 40W would be a lot.


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    #6
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    2011 wrote: »
    This does not sound like a dimmer designed to be used with LEDs to me. 300W of LEDs would be a lot of LEDs, even 40W would be a lot.

    https://www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/Products/WD/logicplus/LED%20Dimmer/Pages/K1523WHILV.aspx


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    #7
    Risteard81
    Registered Users Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭Risteard81


    2011 wrote: »
    MK is generally great kit in my experience. Go to a descent wholesalers and I imagine it would be cheaper.



    This does not sound like a dimmer designed to be used with LEDs to me. 300W of LEDs would be a lot of LEDs, even 40W would be a lot.

    Whilst it's true that MK used to be great kit, I'm not so sure that that still holds true.


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    #8
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    The technical document actually specifies 4W - 70W for LEDs:
    https://www.mkelectric.com/Documents/English/EN%20MK%20Technical%20Specifications/Wiring%20Devices/Logic%20Plus/T04%20LOGIC%20PLUS%20Tech.pdf

    The link I provided previously quoted the halogen range for some reason.

    I cannot find confirmation of whether the MK dimmer is Leading or Trailing edge.


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    #9
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,537 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    https://www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/Products/WD/logicplus/LED%20Dimmer/Pages/K1523WHILV.aspx


    The link provided states that the dimmer is suitable for LED lamps but of a much smaller loads of 4 to 70W.
    Looks like it is suitable.


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    #10
    Alun
    Registered Users Posts: 21,432 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    These guys know what they're doing. Have a couple of their dimmers myself.

    https://www.varilight.co.uk/dimmers/dimmers-for-leds.php


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    #11
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Yes, those are the ones which get a good review on Amazon.
    However, I was hoping that the MK one would suffice as it would fit in with the other faceplates in the house.

    I'm trying to find out if the bulbs are LE or TE compatible and whether they have a list of compatible dimmers. Osram have supplied a list and so have a few others (I think Philips). I can't see one for Searchlight.


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    #12
    alan4cult
    Registered Users Posts: 1,583 ✭✭✭alan4cult


    I've been through almost all of the brands of LED dimmer. Stay away from MK, I would stand by MK for everything but the LED dimmer is not good.

    I recommend the Varilight vpro, this can be configured for leading and trailing edge mode. However you will have issues with this dimmer if you have it set up in two way switch configuration as it causes the dimmer switch to go into configuration mode.

    LED dimmers are not there yet.


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    #13
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    alan4cult wrote: »
    However you will have issues with this dimmer if you have it set up in two way switch configuration as it causes the dimmer switch to go into configuration mode.

    What is two way switch configuration?


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    #14
    metricspaces
    Registered Users Posts: 793 ✭✭✭metricspaces


    Try price here www.sparkydirect.co.uk

    Get delivered using AddressPal from An Post


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    #15
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Well, I've narrowed it down to either:

    1. MK LED Intelligent Dimmer Switch

    2. Varilight 10w to 100w 2 Way LED Multi Grid Dimmer, Mounting Frame and Grid Plate

    Both work out to be a similar price.

    My main concern about the grid plate option is how much play there would be in the module. I've got some data face plates at home and there is a bit of movement in them - although they are rarely moved, so it doesn't matter for them.
    Might be more annoying for a switch.

    Any recommendations out of these?


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    #16
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Well, I went for option 2 and it was very straightforward to install. The module is very secure in the grid and I'm impressed with the quality of it.

    It arrived a lot sooner that I expected, so I've not yet got the necesary LED dimmable lamps for it.

    Any recommendations? It is an occassional room (point of the dimmer is to avoid the need for a side floor lamp) so I was hoping to get something that was not top of the range.

    I need 5 bulbs in SES/E14.

    Megaman do Megaman 148200, but I was hoping to get something equivalent for a lesser price which was compatible with the V-Pro dimmer.

    Any recommendations?


    Thanks.


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    #17
    LeBash
    Registered Users Posts: 3,512 ✭✭✭LeBash


    Go onto Amazon a pick up an eltako eud61npn-230v. You will need a push to make switch to go with it.

    6 years now and havent found a dimmable led that it hasn't played nice with.


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    #18
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,096 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    LeBash - I've got the dimmer switch installed I'm looking for LED bulb recommendations.
    Thanks.


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    #19
    LeBash
    Registered Users Posts: 3,512 ✭✭✭LeBash


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    LeBash - I've got the dimmer switch installed I'm looking for LED bulb recommendations.
    Thanks.

    Didn't see you had the dimmer. Can't help with lamps though.


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    #20
    keithdub
    Registered Users Posts: 208 ✭✭keithdub


    Look into a blank mk plate and a dimmer pack that works best for you. Changing the packs is a common thing


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