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Wired a smart dimmer that kept flickering - turns out the bulb was the problem

I put in a new Lutron dimmer switch for the living room lights last month. The LED bulbs would buzz and flicker on low settings no matter what I tried. After swapping out three different dimmers I finally checked the bulb compatibility list. Turns out the cheap bulbs from the hardware store weren't rated for dimming. Switched to some Philips dimmable LEDs for $12 each and now it works perfect. Anyone else waste time chasing a ghost when the bulb was the real issue?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_jana10d ago

Those $12 Philips bulbs are a solid move but did you check if your dimmer is actually listed as compatible with that specific bulb model? I ran into a similar mess with a Caseta dimmer and some "dimmable" EcoSmart bulbs from Home Depot. The box said dimmable right on it but the Lutron site had them flagged as not recommended. Swapped to the exact model numbers off their list and the buzzing stopped immediately. Makes you wonder how many people just give up and stick with old incandescents out of frustration.

christopher_hunt10d ago

Buddy had the exact same issue with his Lutron and those bulbs. Driver incompatibility drove him nuts.