---
title: What is a Load Stabiliser and when should you use one?
description: This article guides you through how to install a load stabiliser, which helps customers who have low wattage circuits (under 10W & without a neutral), which cause the dimmers to keep the lights on at a low brightness or cause instability such as flcikering or power loss to the dimmer
---
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# What is a Load Stabiliser and when should you use one?
## This article explains what a load stabiliser is, when it is required, and how to correctly wire it into a lighting circuit to ensure reliable operation of your Lightwave device.
#### **What is a Load Stabiliser?**
A load stabiliser is a small electrical component used to provide a **minimum load** on a lighting circuit. This helps smart switches and dimmers operate correctly, particularly when used with low-power lighting circuits (under 10 Watts for Lightwave dimmers without a Neutral connected)
It works by balancing the electrical flow in the circuit, ensuring stable and consistent performance.
---
#### **When Do You Need a Load Stabiliser?**
You may need a load stabiliser in the following situations:
- **Low wattage lighting** (Under 10W without a neutral connected to the Lightwave dimmer)
- **Lights flickering or flashing when turned off**
- **Lights glow faintly when switched off ([Residual Glow](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/why-are-my-lights-slightly-dim?hsLang=en))**
- **Devices not turning fully off or behaving inconsistently**
- **Installations without a neutral wire** (if the lighting circuit is under or around 10W)
If your circuit does not meet the minimum load requirements of the device, adding a load stabiliser can help resolve these issues.
---
#### **How to Wire a Load Stabiliser**
⚠️ *Important: Always isolate the power before carrying out any electrical work. If unsure, consult a qualified electrician.*
A load stabiliser must be wired **in parallel with the lighting load**, not in series.
#### **Wiring Steps**
1. Identify the **switched live** and **neutral** at the light fitting
2. Connect one wire of the load stabiliser to the **switched live**
3. Connect the other wire to the **neutral**
4. Ensure all connections are secure and safely enclosed
The stabiliser should always be installed **across the light fitting (the load)**.
---
#### **Where Should It Be Installed?**
- At the **light fitting** (recommended)
- Inside the **ceiling rose**
- In a suitable enclosure near the load
Avoid installing the load stabiliser behind the dimmer unless specifically required (you can only install this behind the dimmer if you have a neutral). (If you have a neutral, please connect this to the dimmer as it will solve the problem without the need for the load stabiliser)
---
#### **Additional Notes**
- Typically, only one load stabiliser is needed per circuit
- Most commonly used with lighting circuits under 10W with Lightwave dimmers where a Neutral wire is not present at the switch point.
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