The load placed on each dimmer gang is based on the number of lamps on the connected circuit. The load is measured in Watts, and each lamp will have its own rating usually printed on the side. If you have multiple bulbs on the same circuit, you need to add them together to work out the total load. Too little load means that the bulbs may not turn on or off properly. Too much load means that you could damage or destroy the light fitting, so it is important to get this right. 

Incandescent load (including halogens)

Incandescent load represents the load of a traditional filament or halogenlightbulb (generally 20-100W). Generation 1  1 & 2 gang dimmers are rated at 250W maximum per gang, and 3 & 4 gang dimmers are rated at 210W maximum. Generation 2  1 gang dimmers are rated at 350W and 2,3 & 4 gangs at 250W. In terms of quantity, we recommend no more than 10 lamps on each gang. (Please bear in mind that the 3 and 4 gang dimmers may be slightly lower).

LED Load

LED loads differs from incandescent load (and will be significantly lower than the max incandescent load). Each LED lamp differs in terms of its operational behavior and subsequent compatibility; therefore loading limits vary between different lamps. We strongly recommend that you check Lightwave compatibility charts (see below) for Generation 1 & 2 dimmers for the maximum and minimum recommended loading limits and lamp numbers for each lamp type. Due to this disparity, we do not offer a universal maximum LED load, however, as a general guideline we do not recommend exceeding 60W of LED load unless specified on the compatibility chart. The quantity of lamps is the same as incandescent; we recommend no more than 10 lamps on each gang. (Please bear in mind that the 3 and 4 gang dimmers may be slightly lower).

Compatibility charts

Click on the link below to access the lates charts. These charts are constantly updated and expanded, but please be aware that due to the number of lamps on the market, we cannot test every available variety.

Latest charts