Why is my dimmable LED light bulb flickering or buzzing?

If your dimmable LED bulb is flickering or making a buzzing sound, there's likely a compatibility issue between the bulb and the dimmer switch. This guide walks you through simple steps to diagnose and fix the issue for safe and reliable lighting.

  1. Step 1: Turn off the power to the light circuit at the breaker to ensure your safety before making any changes or inspections.
  2. Step 2: Remove the flickering or buzzing bulb and check its packaging or the bulb itself to confirm that it is indeed labeled as a dimmable LED.
  3. Step 3: Inspect your wall dimmer switch and identify whether it’s a leading-edge or trailing-edge type. Trailing-edge dimmers are best for LED compatibility.
  4. Step 4: Test the dimmable LED bulb in a different compatible socket or fixture with a known trailing-edge LED dimmer to determine if the issue persists.
  5. Step 5: If flickering or buzzing stops in the new setup, replace your current dimmer switch with a high-quality trailing-edge dimmer specifically designed for LEDs.
  6. Step 6: Reinstall the bulb in the original fixture, turn the power back on, and test it. Adjust brightness levels to ensure smooth and quiet operation.
  7. Step 7: For additional troubleshooting tips and product compatibility advice, visit our Dimmable LED Bulbs Q&A page.