Dimmer Switch Issues

Dimmer switches are a frequent cause of flickering, especially when paired with incompatible bulbs. Standard dimmers designed for incandescent loads often do not work correctly with LED or CFL bulbs, causing buzzing, strobing, or subtle flicker.

Steps

1. Check whether your bulbs are labeled as dimmable. Non-dimmable LEDs will flicker on any dimmer.
2. Verify the dimmer switch is LED-rated if you are using LED bulbs. Look for a "CL" or "LED+" designation on the dimmer.
3. Replace an incompatible dimmer with one specifically rated for your bulb type and total wattage load.
4. If replacing the dimmer, turn off the circuit breaker first and confirm power is off with a non-contact voltage tester.

Tips

• Dimmer manufacturers publish compatibility lists for specific LED bulb brands. Check these before purchasing.
• Mixing bulb types on a single dimmer circuit can cause erratic behavior. Use identical bulbs throughout.
• If you are not comfortable replacing a switch, hire a licensed electrician.