Controlling Dimmable Lighting

This article outlines best practices for using Lightwave with dimmable circuits, including minimum and maximum loads, LED strip, calibration, and general advice for achieving smooth dimming.

The challenge with LED Lighting

It should be noted that while LED lighting is a popular solution for those seeking energy efficiency, the market lacks standardisation, which can cause some LED lights to experience dimming difficulties. Due to the rapid evolution of technology and components within LED bulbs, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest products on the market. However, after extensive testing of the smart series range of dimmers with various types of bulbs, we have found that most dimmable LED's can be successfully used with our dimmers, provided that the dimmer has been calibrated and dimming level adjustments have been made.

Keep an eye out for the following symbols on the side of bulb boxes that indicate they are dimmable:

Loading Requirements

It is crucial to consider the load/wattage placed on each dimmer gang/channel, which is determined by the number of lamps on the connected circuit. Each lamp has its own rating, typically indicated on the side, and these ratings should be added together to determine the total load.

If the load is too little, the bulbs may not function correctly, while too much load can lead to damage or destruction of the light fitting. Therefore, it is vital to carefully assess and adjust the load to ensure optimal performance and safety. 

Maximum Load Requirements

• LED Lamps - 100W Per Channel 
• Incandescent Lamps - 200W Per Channel
• LED Strip - No more than 10m of strip and no more than 100W per channel

Minimum Load Requirements

Please ensure there is a minimum of 10W per channel across all lighting types. If a neutral is present, 0-5W load is required

Other Lighting Requirements

LED Strip Lighting

• A 24v LED Triac Dimmable driver is required for optimal dimming and compatibility. Please note that 12v dimmable drivers do not work with the system
• Only 1 driver can be used per channel, multiple drivers on the same circuit will damage the dimmer
• For optimal performance, use the gel type IP65 rated LED strips, we have found this to perform better for dimming and durability.
• It is recommended but not required to use a neutral wire, this will improve dimming performance
• RGB strip will not work directly with our dimmers, please only use white and warm white. To use RGB strip, please follow the non-dimmable guidance 

Colour Changing Lights

Colour changing lights are designed to work with conventional on and off switches with dimming carried out using the supplied remote control or app. You are unable to use colour changing lights directly with our dimmers however, to achieve a solution, please visit Here for guidance on controlling colour changing bulbs with a relay.

We also have a direct integration with Phillips Hue colour changing lights, for detailed guidance on this visit 1 of our 3 information articles which suites you 

Philips Hue integration

Philips Hue - wired to a smart dimmer 

Philips Hue - Scene selector control

Halogens, Eco-Halogens and Incandescent

Traditional incandescent lightbulbs, halogens, and lower energy halogens are all fine to use with Lightwave lighting products as long as they are within the total minimum and maximum loads.

CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs are generally not dimmable and are not recommended, CFL tubes could cause damage to the dimmers so should not be used directly into a Lightwave dimmer.

Calibrating a Dimmer - Auto Calibration Cycle

The dimmer will automatically perform an auto-calibration cycle upon installation, this process will allow the dimmer automatically identify the optimal dimming range for the connected bulbs.

There may be instances where it is necessary to manually initiate an auto-calibration. This could occur if a bulb fails on the circuit, if bulbs are replaced, or if the dimmer is used on a different circuit.

There is two-ways to do this:

• Through the app: on the relevant dimmer, navigate to settings > calibration > auto calibrate device
• Through the device: hold the on and off buttons together and let go after a few seconds, while the LEDs flash, double tap the top button

You can identify the activation of an auto-calibration cycle by the presence of flashing green LEDs.

Calibrating a Dimmer - Manual Calibration

In certain instances, automatic calibration may not be suitable for specific bulbs, and manual calibration becomes necessary. This method is particularly useful in resolving persistent issues such as lamp flicker or instability.

There is two-ways to do this:

• Through the app: on the relevant dimmer, navigate to settings > calibration > load power 
• Through the device: within 5 seconds of the device powering up, press the off button, flashing green and red LEDs indicate the activation of the calibration process.
  1. Adjust the lower dimming limit: pressing the on and off buttons individually will extend or shorten the lower dimming limit. Press them both together to save the setting.
  2. Adjust the upper dimming limit: once the lower dimming limit is saved, you can adjust the upper dimming limit in the same way as above. Again, press the on and off buttons together to save the setting.

Testing Centre

At Lightwave, we offer a testing service for your bulbs and provide a brief report on their performance. To have your bulbs tested, kindly fill out the form below:

Submit your bulbs