WHY is my Dimmer Switch Causing my LED Lights to Flicker

[@mattsan70]

Just a technical correction - The old dimmers are not resistive - they use a thyristor as the main dimming component.

[@srobidoux]

I caught that too but I think he meant dimmers rated for resistive loads only.

[@jamescourt2842]

@morenormal Fair enough he made a simple mistake he's human this chap from GSH Electronics is not only hard-working spark but he's giving us his time. people like myself that our aspiring Electrician’s in training he is breath of fresh air an someone that I could look at as a mentor. Cut him some slack 😊

[@rd6864]

Now a proper technical correction, older domestic dimmers use a triac not a thyristor, a thyristor is unidirectional, like a diode but a triac is bidirectional, just saying.

[@andysims4906]

I have noticed If you go into shops that have a electrical line most are still selling the old type. Dimmers. Also most of the LED lamps they sell can’t be used with dimmers .. buyer beware Sometimes it’s worth mentioning you have to bend the top and bottom lug out the way to get more space . Also I would say 75% of metal plate dimmers don’t get earthed on the front plate when diy fitted

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for your great important 👍🏻

[@Ste2023]

Hi , student reading your answer . Could you explain...is there labels or "signs " on packaging to tell the buyer it's okay to use on Dimmable switches . Thanks

[@andysims4906]

@@Ste2023 most lamps have in small print on the base . Dimmable or non dimmable

[@markstarmer3677]

I generally flatten the top and bottom metal tags of the back box to give you extra room in the back box. These are never used , and with the bulky dimmer modules, can be a pain.

[@webbac8491]

Thanks Gary - you're a great teacher!

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks for the positive feedback 👍🏻

[@Dog-whisperer7494]

Gaz and Joe are probably two of the bests teachers in the industry. In my humble opinion.

[@paulellam6926]

Great upload, very informative, many thanks!

[@GSHElectrical]

👍🏻

[@drsamuelbeckett2998]

What is a loin connection??....... only messing, good video as usual!

[@GSHElectrical]

Thanks… I think 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@StreekMusic]

I just got a new light with 8 bulbs. I have 4w LEDs in it with a dimmer thats up to AC 200-240v and outpul voltage 12-70v. when I put it up full the light flickers, but when its half way they dont, they are just full. Why? Thanks!

[@therealdojj]

Quick question, should you not mark the common wire? And if so, is there an official way to do that? Thanks

[@GSHElectrical]

Always worth it 👍🏻

[@AirBournePixels]

Sleeve the 'switch lines' ...

[@mariamalh28]

What’s the difference between the old dimmer and the new one?

[@mikea7887]

The old one is more than likely a leading edge dimmer, the new one is a trailing edge.

[@Elfin4]

We have dimmers switched with led candle lights and the simmer button often gives an electric shock. Would this indicate the wrong type of dimmer?

[@andysims4906]

If it’s just in the summer Assuming the dimmer is metal.Most likely you are picking up static from carpets and when you touch it you discharge yourself. . Much more common in the old days with nylon type carpets . Some houses it was so bad on white switch plates we had to change the metal screws to plastic to get round the problem. Some of the early touch dimmers used to give a slight tingle. Having said all this , First thing is make sure it’s earthed properly just in case.

[@alvina69]

Check that the switch plate has an adequate connection to earth.

[@lawrencer25]

Why not just buy dimmable lamps??? Seem a lot of unnecessary work 🙈🙊🙉👻

[@GSHElectrical]

They are dimmable lamps but they didn’t work with the old original dimmer

[@TheEricMatthews]

"I did the good thing". The only good or morality is doing something for mom. As for this new suggestion that using less electricity is a moral deed.......well, this is the crap coming from people who would not stop to help a man in the streets who's been stabbed. I'm not buying it. Thanks for the video.