We chose an LED-compatible model from Lutron, a similar Leviton switch, and a cheap, $5 triac rotary dial intended for incandescents only. We started with a simple rig using a few common dimmer switches. These rapid-fire swings in voltage create electromagnetic resistance in the bulb, which can cause things to vibrate and buzz. Modern dimmers (the kinds you'll find on the shelf at Lowe's or Home Depot) won't actually raise and lower the voltage for smooth dimming, but will instead flash the power up and down at unnoticeably high speeds to create the illusion of dimming. The most common issue, though, lies with the dimmer itself, and that's where we decided to start. There are lots of things that can cause a light bulb to buzz or flicker when it dims, including things beyond the bulb's control like voltage irregularities, overloaded circuits, and outside interference. In the interest of making your next trip to the lighting aisle a little less exasperating, we put today's LEDs to the test. We've heard plenty of complaints from readers, and also experienced first hand the annoyance of spending money on upgraded lighting, only to discover that these fancy new bulbs can buzz, flicker, and dim erratically.

Sure, plenty of today's LEDs are designed with dimmability in mind, but that doesn't guarantee satisfactory performance. Living in a home filled with dimmer switches can make the lighting aisle seem more intimidating than it ought to be.

Dimmer for led lights