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What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and
Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
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What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
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What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On 10/22/2015 12:58 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. [I suspect the post was refering to "a regular *LED* bulb" in a dimmer circuit] We use "commercial grade (130V) incandescent floods/spots in most of our area lighting, here. Dimmable CFL's and even dimmable LED's just don't have the same dynamic range nor the nice warm color that a glowing piece of wire has! They tend to have a thicker filament and, because they are running a bit cooler than their ratings (e.g., at 130V, power is 130*130/K whereas it's roughly 120*120/K when operated at actual line voltage; about 15% less) With very little street lighting and other external light sources, many nights are delightfully dark, here. So, even with the curtains OPEN, the house is pitch black at night -- or some portion of each night. If we turn the overhead floods on at the lowest dimmer setting, the rooms, floors and furnishings are all pleasantly visible to "recently opened" eyes (that are not keen on the harsh bright lights that you'd normally encounter -- even from a dimmable!). So, when guests visit, we leave most of the house illuminated in this manner overnight. Easier than risking a visitor unfamiliar with the house "falling" into the sunken living room, etc. And, much less "tacky" than having a boatload of "nightlights" cluttering up the space! The "adjustable color" LEDs would be an interesting choice -- but for their cost and the technology they embody. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On 10/22/2015 04:59 PM, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:58:32 -0400, FrozenNorth wrote: On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. 130v bulbs are still available. I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent, particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs since white is actually RGB and they could use a smart controller to change the blue balance but I haven't seen them yet. Why would I *want* a bulb that changes color? I often want less light but not orange light. The color change in incandescent bubs when they are dimmed is an unavoidable side-effect -- and in my opinion an undesirable side-effect. Perce |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On 10/22/2015 3:58 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. Dollar Tree has filament bulbs, 60, 75, and 100 watts. I've not tried them, so can't comment on quality or life. -- .. Christopher A. Young learn more about Jesus .. www.lds.org .. .. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 16:59:38 -0400, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:58:32 -0400, FrozenNorth wrote: On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. 130v bulbs are still available. I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent, particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs since white is actually RGB and they could use a smart controller to change the blue balance but I haven't seen them yet. White in many cases now are NOT RGB, but white phosphor, just like on a flourescent tube. Colour temperature is determined by the phosphor used. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
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What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 17:59:01 -0400, "Percival P. Cassidy"
wrote: On 10/22/2015 04:59 PM, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:58:32 -0400, FrozenNorth wrote: On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. 130v bulbs are still available. I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent, particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs since white is actually RGB and they could use a smart controller to change the blue balance but I haven't seen them yet. Why would I *want* a bulb that changes color? I often want less light but not orange light. The color change in incandescent bubs when they are dimmed is an unavoidable side-effect -- and in my opinion an undesirable side-effect. Perce To each his own. I guess the whole idea of dinner by candle light just seems silly to you. I bet you would walk around my house with a flashlight ... a great big one. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:19:07 -0400, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 16:59:38 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:58:32 -0400, FrozenNorth wrote: On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. 130v bulbs are still available. I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent, particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs since white is actually RGB and they could use a smart controller to change the blue balance but I haven't seen them yet. White in many cases now are NOT RGB, but white phosphor, just like on a flourescent tube. Colour temperature is determined by the phosphor used. LEDs? |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
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What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:07:48 -0400, Steve Stone wrote:
On 10/22/2015 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I've found that CREE dimmable LED bulbs work with Intermatic light timers that pass a low voltage thru the bulb when the timer turns off. These are in the wall timers that are marked incandescent only. Sure there is a slight glow on the bulbs when they are off but it sure beats digging up the driveway and front lawn to rewire the lamp post or spend a hundred dollars on a new LED lamp post head. What kind if timer is that? Whats the point of sending a low voltage to the bulb other than to waste electricity? The old mechanical timers simply turned off/on a switch. You must be referring to a digital timer. But I still dont see the reason to send that low voltage. You should not need to dig the lawn up, just get a different timer. It sounds to me that yours is defective. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:24:51 -0400, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:19:07 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 16:59:38 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:58:32 -0400, FrozenNorth wrote: On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. 130v bulbs are still available. I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent, particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs since white is actually RGB and they could use a smart controller to change the blue balance but I haven't seen them yet. White in many cases now are NOT RGB, but white phosphor, just like on a flourescent tube. Colour temperature is determined by the phosphor used. LEDs? Yes. White LEDs. The existence of blue LEDs and high-efficiency LEDs quickly led to the development of the first white LED, which employed a Y 3Al 5O 12:Ce, or "YAG", phosphor coating to mix down-converted yellow light with blue to produce light that appears white. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 20:34:52 -0500, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:07:48 -0400, Steve Stone wrote: On 10/22/2015 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I've found that CREE dimmable LED bulbs work with Intermatic light timers that pass a low voltage thru the bulb when the timer turns off. These are in the wall timers that are marked incandescent only. Sure there is a slight glow on the bulbs when they are off but it sure beats digging up the driveway and front lawn to rewire the lamp post or spend a hundred dollars on a new LED lamp post head. What kind if timer is that? Whats the point of sending a low voltage to the bulb other than to waste electricity? The old mechanical timers simply turned off/on a switch. You must be referring to a digital timer. But I still dont see the reason to send that low voltage. You should not need to dig the lawn up, just get a different timer. It sounds to me that yours is defective. Nope, not defective. They are 2 wire timers or switches - the current to run the solid state timer is soursed through the bulb. No bulb, no timer (or no remote switch) |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 20:34:52 -0500, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:07:48 -0400, Steve Stone wrote: On 10/22/2015 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I've found that CREE dimmable LED bulbs work with Intermatic light timers that pass a low voltage thru the bulb when the timer turns off. These are in the wall timers that are marked incandescent only. Sure there is a slight glow on the bulbs when they are off but it sure beats digging up the driveway and front lawn to rewire the lamp post or spend a hundred dollars on a new LED lamp post head. What kind if timer is that? Whats the point of sending a low voltage to the bulb other than to waste electricity? The old mechanical timers simply turned off/on a switch. You must be referring to a digital timer. But I still dont see the reason to send that low voltage. You should not need to dig the lawn up, just get a different timer. It sounds to me that yours is defective. Those are used where you do not have a neutral available. The neutral is derived through the load. The code now requires a neutral it switch locations with a few exceptions. It is basically where you can add one later without disturbing the building finish. The 2 wire timers and occupancy sensors work fine with an incandescent. There is no real net waste since that current would be going down the neutral anyway. It is a MA or less but the capacitors in a LED or CFL will store that up and make them flash acting as a relaxation oscillator. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 22:55:39 -0400, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:24:51 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:19:07 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 16:59:38 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:58:32 -0400, FrozenNorth wrote: On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. 130v bulbs are still available. I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent, particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs since white is actually RGB and they could use a smart controller to change the blue balance but I haven't seen them yet. White in many cases now are NOT RGB, but white phosphor, just like on a flourescent tube. Colour temperature is determined by the phosphor used. LEDs? Yes. White LEDs. The existence of blue LEDs and high-efficiency LEDs quickly led to the development of the first white LED, which employed a Y 3Al 5O 12:Ce, or "YAG", phosphor coating to mix down-converted yellow light with blue to produce light that appears white. Yellow is R/G What happens to the color when you reduce the drive to the blue LED? |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent,
particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs Color changing LED's are already available. I like the 60W Philips Warm Glow bulbs. They're a nice warm white at full brightness, but take on a very natural orange/yellow hue when dimmed. The result is very close to a traditional incandescent bulb, but uses about one sixth the power. You can find them at Home Depot for about $10, or online from places like Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Philips-455840...t-2200K-2700K- Dimmable/dp/B00TZEB0Q0 Sylvania makes a similar "sunset effect" LED bulb (Lowes sells them), but I think the Philips bulbs look and perform better. I have been a big fan of CREE LED's for a while now, but their dimmable LED bulbs stay white when dimmed. The effect just looks weird, probably due to a lifetime of experience with incandescent bulbs. Unfortunately, the bulb is only half the equation. The dimmable bulbs work OK with a basic manual dimmer, but most won't dim properly with an electronic dimmer. The dimmer expects a certain load and the bulb will often stay lit at a low level even at the lowest dimmer setting. Thankfully, new dimmers are now available that dim the new LED's perfectly. I just replaced my old dimmers with Lutron's Caseta wireless dimmer: http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-P-PKG1W...00-watt-Multi- Location/dp/B00JJY0S4G I can now dim the three wall sconces in our living room just like the old incandescent bulbs. They're actually brighter than the old 60W bulbs and still have that nice warm glow when dimmed. 30 watts instead of 180 watts, longer life, and they don't put off any heat. I also like that LED's are full brightness when turned on (like an incandescent). CFL's can take a few minutes to come up to full brightness, especially when it's cold. Also, since the LED's put off very little heat, I can safely install 75 LED replacements in fixtures that are only rated for 60 watt bulbs. It helps give a little more light to rooms that tend to be a little dark. Anthony Watson www.mountainsoftware.com www.watsondiy.com |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
Why would I *want* a bulb that changes color? I often want less light but not orange light. The color change in incandescent bubs when they are dimmed is an unavoidable side-effect -- and in my opinion an undesirable side-effect. So what is the "right color" for a light to always be in your opinion? Even the sun turns red as it sets Mark |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 23:40:52 -0400, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 22:55:39 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:24:51 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 18:19:07 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 16:59:38 -0400, wrote: On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:58:32 -0400, FrozenNorth wrote: On 2015-10-22 3:34 PM, wrote: I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). My wife hates the CFL bulbs, they give her headaches so while they were still available we got two cases of 24 60W incandescent, rated for 130V, not one has failed and it has been over a year. Sure they are a bit less bright than a regular 60W/120V bulb, but it keeps her happy, haven't tried the LED ones yet, they still seem rather expensive last I looked. 130v bulbs are still available. I agree there is nothing like the light from an incandescent, particularly when you dim them. LEDs and CFLs may "dim" but the color stays the same. I suppose they will come up with color shifting LEDs since white is actually RGB and they could use a smart controller to change the blue balance but I haven't seen them yet. White in many cases now are NOT RGB, but white phosphor, just like on a flourescent tube. Colour temperature is determined by the phosphor used. LEDs? Yes. White LEDs. The existence of blue LEDs and high-efficiency LEDs quickly led to the development of the first white LED, which employed a Y 3Al 5O 12:Ce, or "YAG", phosphor coating to mix down-converted yellow light with blue to produce light that appears white. Yellow is R/G What happens to the color when you reduce the drive to the blue LED? The colour temperature changes a bit untill the light goes out It is only one LED - - - |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On Fri, 23 Oct 2015 13:11:39 -0400, wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2015 23:40:52 -0400, wrote: LEDs? Yes. White LEDs. The existence of blue LEDs and high-efficiency LEDs quickly led to the development of the first white LED, which employed a Y 3Al 5O 12:Ce, or "YAG", phosphor coating to mix down-converted yellow light with blue to produce light that appears white. Yellow is R/G What happens to the color when you reduce the drive to the blue LED? The colour temperature changes a bit untill the light goes out It is only one LED - - - Hence the problem for people who like the color shift when you dim an incandescent. |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
On 10/22/2015 9:34 PM, wrote:
What kind if timer is that? Whats the point of sending a low voltage to the bulb other than to waste electricity? http://www.intermatic.com/en/product...c_timers/ej351 €¢Up to 48 ON/OFF events per day €¢No neutral required €¢Self learning, repeats first 24 hour ON/OFF pattern if not programmed €¢"Random" setting turns light ON and OFF at slightly different times each day €¢15 minute memory guard protects against power failure EJ351 Single Pole 120 VAC, 60 Hz 40-500 Watts Incandescent For use with Standard or Decorator Style Switch Plate 4 3/16" H x 1 3/4" W x 2" D 32ºF to 104ºF (0ºC to 40ºC) 1 Year |
What's different between Dimmable and non-dimmable LED bulbs
wrote:
I've noticed that the stores sell both regular (non-dimmable) and Dimmable LED bulbs. The dimmable ones are more expensive. What is different inside of them? I dont use dimmers, or I'd try this. What happens if a regular bulb is connected to a dimmer? I'd assume a dimmable bulb will work fine on a circuit without a dimmer, or is there a reason to NOT use them if no dimmer exists? (other than the extra cost). Dimmable LEDs lower the current through the led gradually. Non types try to maintain current. A dimmable can be made cheaper than non. Greg |
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