Understanding Dimmable Light Bulbs: Benefits & Best Uses

To dim or not to dim. That is the question. 

Is dimmable lighting the best choice for your business? Do you need to replace your old fluorescents with all-new dimmable lighting fixtures to get the functionality – or can you simply swap in dimmable LED light bulbs? And what about installing dimmer switches? Is that a quick fix?

The experts at TCP Lighting have answers for you. We understand that full-brightness lights can be too harsh without an option for tempering them in some situations. We also know that adding dimmer switches to existing lights can be tricky – because they may not work with lighting that’s not designed for dimming capabilities.

Let’s walk through the benefits of dimmable LED lighting, including how it works and how it differs from the traditional light bulbs that could be retrofitted to a dimmer switch.

Understanding Dimmable LED Lights

Early adapters remember when LED lights had a dimming problem. They buzzed or flickered when the voltage was turned down, making them super-annoying. This problem stemmed from using outdated dimming design methods.

Here are the main types of light bulb dimming and the pros and cons of each:

• Analog Dimming
  • How it works: Reduces the amount of current flowing to the light-emitting diode, thereby reducing light output.
  • Pros & Cons: Not all LED drivers respond to lower current flows with dimmed illumination. Some analog dimmers cause light quality and uniformity issues in LED lighting.

• Pulse Width Moderation (PWM) Dimming
  • How it works: Turns light-emitting diodes on and off at varying intervals to give the impression of dimmed light.
  • Pros & Cons: The off-and-on pulses of light are not noticeable to human eyes but may cause a strobe effect in videos. 

• Leading or Trailing Edge Dimming
  • How it works: Cuts the leading or trailing edge of the alternating current waveform to reduce the energy flowing to the bulb.
  • Pros & Cons: Common in legacy lighting installations, but often causes buzzing and flickering from the chopped-up signal.

• 0-10V Dimming
  • How it works: A dedicated direct-current driver sends a range of voltage signals to the bulb, from 0 to 10 volts as directed by the power mechanism, to emit varying levels of brightness.
  • Pros & Cons: Easy to use, reduces energy use at lower voltage levels, allows for accurate brightness settings, but may be more expensive for retrofit applications.

TCP’s Best Dimmable Lighting Options

All of TCP’s dimmable lighting incorporates cutting-edge 0-10V technology to deliver the smoothest, most uniform dimming capabilities possible. Check out these versatile dimmable lighting options for nearly any commercial application, from LED warehouse lighting to retail lights, office lighting and more:

Select Series Lighting

• Smooth, Uniform Dimming
• Color Temperature & Wattage Selectability
• Wet & Dry Location Ratings
• Wide Array of Dimmable Lighting Fixtures
• Optional Add-Ons for Motion Sensors & More

Pro Line Series of LED Lamps

• Non Dimmable & Dimmable Light Bulb Options
• 15,000-Hour Lifespans
• Wet & Dry Location Ratings
• Wide Array of Shapes & Types
• Cost-Effective & Easy Installation

The Benefits of Dimmable Light Bulbs

Switching from incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs to LEDs is a smart move. Opting for TCP’s dimmable LED lighting is even smarter, as our dimmable lighting fixtures deliver great benefits, including:

Energy Efficiency

You already know that LED lighting is up to 90% more energy efficient than those outdated choices. When you dim your LED lights, they use even less energy – making our dimmable light bulbs and fixtures some of the most eco-friendly and sustainable lighting solutions out there.

Enhanced Control and Comfort

Dimmable lights let you change the vibe without changing the bulb. They seamlessly go from a vivid and energizing brightness to a softer, cozier mood with instant control. Level up the flexibility of your workspace with dimmable lighting for movie theaters, multi-use offices, residential areas, restaurants, bars and other hospitality settings.

Longevity

All LED light bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs do. But dimmable LED light bulbs can really go the distance. They expend less energy when they’re dimmed, which can stretch their lifespans beyond the already impressive amount of hours they’re rated for – up to 50,000 for some!

Ease of Use

TCP’s dimmable light bulbs and light fixtures put power at your fingertips. Easily modify the level of brightness in your space with the flick of a switch – or connect to SmartStuff and control dimming on your device through our user-friendly app!

Uses for Dimmable Light Bulbs

What types of commercial spaces are a good fit for dimmable lighting fixtures? Almost any! TCP’s lighting levels up your business in many ways – from cost-effective LED retrofit kits to CCT-selectable troffers – but dimmable lights are particularly useful in places like:

• Offices – Adjust from everyday work to special events and everyday tasks, like employee parties and client visits, and accommodate the special visual needs of your team with dimmable light fixtures.
• Museums & Galleries – Go bright for exhibit setup, then dial it down to achieve excellent contrast between spotlighted artwork and surrounding environs.
• Restaurants & Bars – Alter the brightness to create a sunny breakfast vibe, a vibrant lunchtime atmosphere and a more intimate dinnertime mood.
• Hotels & Inns – Be ready to set the tone for anything from weekday check-ins to weekend events with dimmable LED lighting in lobbies and event spaces – and let guests achieve the perfect illumination in their rooms with dimmable light bulbs in all fixtures.
• Boutiques & Shops – Use adjustable lighting to highlight seasonal products, showcase special sections or create a vibe that suits your clientele.
• Healthcare Facilities – Accommodate all patient interactions, from well-lit exam rooms to comfortable waiting areas to dimmed spaces for healing sleep.
• Condos & Custom Homes – Keep maintenance costs down and resident morale high with long-lasting dimmable lighting that allows tailored illumination.

Dimmable Bulbs vs. Dimming Switches

A dimmer switch is a control mechanism that replaces a regular wall-mounted light switch, allowing you to dim the brightness of the lights connected to it. 

Dimmable lighting, by contrast, refers to lights that are designed for dimming functionality during the manufacturing process. Depending on the design, they can be controlled by a switch on the fixture itself, a wall-mounted dimming switch or, in some cases, an app or online platform. 

TCP always has your back with lighting installation and safety tips. If you’re thinking of installing a dimmer switch to control the lighting in your commercial space, we have a few words of caution:

1. LED light bulbs and fixtures that are not designed for dimming functions may not respond to any type of dimmer switch.
2. A dimmer switch specifically designed to work with LED lights is key for smooth, flicker-free dimming of LED dimmable light bulbs.
3. Choosing the right dimmer type that’s rated for the wattage load of all the lights you’ll connect to it – and installing it correctly for safe and seamless functionality – may require the expertise of a licensed electrician.

Illuminate Your Space with TCP’s Innovative LED Solutions

Ready to take control of your workspace atmosphere with TCP’s dimmable LED light bulbs and fixtures? Contact us or Get a Quote to find the perfect dimmable lighting for your needs – shipped without delay!