Installing dimmer switches and other lighting controls is a great way to create ambiance and mood in your home. But you’ve heard rumors, and now you are wondering if your beautiful new LED lights are dimmable. And if so, which dimmer switch for light control works best for LED lights. These and many similar concerns can arise when considering the best way to control the brightness of your LED lamps.

Are My LED Lights Dimmable?

Let’s deal with this issue right off the bat. Everyone is familiar with incandescent and halogen bulbs that can be easily operated with a dimmer switch, making adjusting the brightness simple and easy.

Enter LED lighting technology. This lighting technology has become increasingly popular due to its many advantages. However, it is much more complex and brings with it some challenges: specifically the ability to be dimmed.

Although you can install a dimmer switch for LED lights, the technology is different than that of incandescent and halogen bulbs. You must ensure that the LED light is dimmable. If it is not indicated in the product description, then the light cannot be dimmed. It’s as simple as that.

Leading Edge vs. Trailing Edge Dimmers

When you start looking for dimmer switches, you may feel overwhelmed by the many dimmers you find. And you may wonder which ones are suitable for LED light bulbs. The two most popular types of dimmer switches are leading-edge dimmers and trailing edge phase-cut dimmers. These names refer to how they control the voltage at various phases of the alternating current in your lamp and reduce the power that is sent to the bulb.

Leading-edge dimmers for light control have been around for a long time and are the traditional dimmer you would use with incandescent and halogen bulbs. They have a higher wattage range, generally between 250W and 1000W. Because of this, they are not compatible with most LED bulbs, although it is possible if the right tolerances are met.

Trailing edge dimmers have been designed specifically for use with LED bulbs. They have the same wattage range, which is way lower, so they are more compatible. However, they can be used to dim incandescent or halogen bulbs if the wattage tolerances are met.

Types of Dimmer Switches for LED Lights

Legrand dimmer switches offer many ways to get the exact lighting you want in any space. Their innovative designs and superior technology have resulted in switches and dimmers that give you unprecedented options for control.

But that’s not all. You also have unprecedented options for style. No longer do you have to suffer with white plastic plates that feature a giant control wheel. Today’s designs are sleek and low-key. They enhance any type of style, making getting the right amount of light in your space a beautiful thing.

Dimmable wall sconces are great for bathrooms when you want brighter light to get ready for work or special events. However, if you get up in the middle of the night, keeping the lights dim will soothe your eyes and keep you from waking up too much. You can also dim the lights when you want to take a relaxing bath.

You can also install home office dimmer switches to make sure you get just the right amount of light where you need it. You may use your home office regularly to work from home, or once in a while to pay the bills, but either way, getting the right amount of light makes the job easier.

One of the best places for dimmable track lighting is in your kitchen. It’s a great way to set the mood when you are entertaining. And, if a family member is coming home late, you can leave the lights dim, so they don’t walk into a dark house. It saves their shins and saves your peace of mind when you aren’t woken up by someone stumbling through the house.

What to Do If You Do Not Have an LED Compatible Dimmer

If you do not have an LED compatible dimmer, you probably won’t be able to use LED light bulbs. The instances of this working are very unlikely. Without a dimmer switch for controlling LED lights, you end up damaging your bulbs and your switch.

Your best bet is to use an LED dimmer switch with your LED light bulbs. Because LED bulbs last so long, and save so much energy, installing the proper dimmer switch for your lighting is definitely worthwhile. If you are looking for stylish and functional dimmer switches and other lighting controls, visit the Capitol Lighting showroom near you. Talk to a lighting specialist about which dimmer switches are best for your LED lights.