Any Low Load Capable Dimmers?

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

Hi Guys:

Just started putting my Vera system together today. I’m starting with a basic layout.

I installed the following without a hitch and everything is functioning great:

12 - GE 45612 Dimmers
3 - GE 45614 3 Way Kits
2 - Jasco 1P Switches 45609WB
2 - Schlage BE469

Has anyone had any luck with finding a ZWAVE dimmer that can handle a low load of say 20W? The GE Dimmers are dimming my CREE LED Retrokits in my recessed lighting just fine. Except for when the load is less than 40W. I played around with the loads a bit and added two circuits together to ensure I’d hit the 40W’s. But in the kitchen I have 3 dimmers with 20W each on them. Currently with the GE Dimmers all you can do is turn them on and off or they will flicker like crazy.

Thanks in advance.

2

Yours is a common issue with LEDs and dimmers that do not utilize a neutral wire, like your GE/Jasco dimmers.

I have had good luck with Cree bulbs and Linear WD500Z Dimmer / Evolve LRM-AS Dimmer which require a neutral wire. Though they worked fine at first, I have had a couple of these bulbs develop a near imperceptible flicker at very low dim levels(under 15%). I returned these and the replacements are good, so far, with some operating at as low as 2% dim level. However at these low dim levels, they are susceptible to line noise and sudden load changes on the line. Things like fans going on and off will cause a momentary/single flicker(near instantaneous flash).

The other way around the flicker issue, when using dimmers that do not utilize a neutral, is to add a dummy load to the circuit. Search the forums, there are countless discussions of copious length about this method.

3

Thank you. I think I’m going to attempt to return the GE’s to Amazon and see if they will take them back. I still have the packaging but will see what they say. I should have ordered 1 of each dimmer prior to the start of this project and checked things out, hindsight is 20/20.

4

If you are unable to return your dimmers, the dummy load option will probably take care of it for you.

5

I’ve found the Evolve dimmer to be pretty smooth even with a single 8w LED bulb, but I don’t like the lack of options.

I’m in the process of switching to Insteon dimmers, which are cheaper, more configurable and have no flicker at all with a single LED bulb.

My friend is using the Leviton switches with LED bulbs and says good things about them if you really want to stick with z-wave, but they are pricey.

6

Installed Evolve LRM-AS as replacements for the GE I was having issues with. All my problems are gone, expensive mistake but I’ll not do that again. I’m able to dim a single Cree 6" Can Light Retrokit 9.5W down to about 5% with no flicker.

Amazon wouldn’t take the GE’s back, just attempting to sell them on Ebay for $10 off the normal price in an attempt to recoup some of the cost.

Thanks again everyone