What is the maximum load for Lightwave dimmers?

Proper load configuration ensures optimal performance and long-term reliability for your Lightwave lighting systems. This guide outlines load limits for Lightwave dimmers and provides recommendations for both traditional and LED lighting setups, including Smart LED Driver support for advanced lighting like RGB and CCT strips.

💡 LED Load Guidelines

LED bulbs have variable performance characteristics depending on their internal components. Proper calibration is key for best results.

⚠️ Important:

• Compatibility charts are no longer offered due to fast-evolving LED technology & Our Dimmers being flexible and versitile when it comes to modern LED bulbs and fittings 

• Use dimmable LED bulbs and perform auto or manual calibration in the Lightwave app for consistent dimming behaviour.

General LED Recommendations

Smart Series:

• Max: 15 LED lamps per gang

• Max Load: 100W per gang

• Min Load: 10W per gang (can be reduced to 5W with a neutral wire)

Connect Series:

• 1 & 2 Gang Dimmers: Max 10 LED lamps, up to 60W per gang

• 3 & 4 Gang Dimmers: Max 8 LED lamps, up to 55W per gang

• Min Load: 10W per gang

Incompatible LED Types (via Dimmer):

• Integrated LED Lights where the bulbs cannot be changed e.g. ceiling lights & wall lights 
• MR16 bulbs (12V)

• LED tape with 12V dimmable drivers (must be 24V)

• CFL energy-saving bulbs

• Certain low-wattage or poor-quality LEDs

• Non-dimmable bulbs (possible via Discrete On/Off mode with a Neutral)

💡 LED Strip Lighting Guidelines

There are two options for controlling LED strips within the Lightwave system: via dimmers or Smart LED Drivers.

Option 1: Dimmer-Based LED Strip Control

This applies when LED strips are powered through a Lightwave dimmer.

Smart Series:

• Use 24V Triac Dimmable Drivers only

• Max Strip Length: 10m per channel

• Max Output: 100W per channel 

• The LED Driver cannot exceed 100W Input 

• Min Load: 10W per gang

• Only 1 driver per channel

• Neutral wire strongly recommended

• ❌ RGB and CCT strips are not supported via dimmers

Connect Series:

• Use 24V Triac Dimmable Drivers only

• Max Strip Length: 5m per channel

• Max Output: 50W per channel

• LED Driver cannot exceed 50W input 

• Min Load: 10W per gang

• Only 1 driver per channel

• ❌ RGB and CCT strips are not supported via dimmers

Option 2: Smart LED Driver Control

1. Lightwave’s Smart LED 24V Drivers provide direct control of RGB and CCT LED strips, offering features that are not possible with dimmer-based setups.

Smart LED Driver Capabilities:

• Full RGB colour control (Via App and Dimmer wirelessly)

• Adjustable colour temperature (CCT) for warm to cool white lighting  

  (Via App and Dimmer wirelessly)

• Integrated into Lightwave scenes and automations

• Works without a dimmer — ideal for low-voltage lighting applications (24V Only)

• Controlled via the Lightwave app and compatible voice assistants

✅ Use Smart LED Drivers for full-spectrum lighting, ambient scenes, and dynamic white temperature control.

Summary