Flickering on a dimmer is nearly always a mismatch between the dimmer and the LED lights it's controlling, rather than a fault in the Iconic switch itself. Less often it's a loose connection, which is worth ruling out because loose connections get hot.
Try the checks below, and if the flicker continues, ring 0421 772 661. We'll test it and fix the cause.
If the dimmer plate is hot to touch, you hear crackling or buzzing from the wall, there's discolouration around the switch, or you smell burning, turn the lights off and stop using that dimmer. Switch the lighting circuit off at the switchboard if it's safe to reach and call an electrician. Call 000 for any fire.
Don't unclip the Iconic cover plate or pull the mechanism out of the wall. The dimmer is wired to mains power behind the plate.
At low settings only, at all settings, or only when something else switches on? Flicker that appears only near the bottom of the range is the classic sign of a dimmer and LED compatibility issue.
Look at the globe packaging or the downlight's label. Non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer will flicker, buzz and fail early.
Mixing brands or types of LED on one dimmer can cause flicker, because each responds a little differently. Note what's fitted in each light.
If the flicker stops when you raise the level slightly, the lights are dropping below what they can dim to smoothly. The dimmer's minimum level may need adjusting; the Clipsal manual for your dimmer explains whether that model has a setting for it.
If lights on other switches also flicker, the cause may be the supply or wiring rather than the dimmer. Our guide to why lights flicker covers that.
LED compatibility. LED drivers vary, and not every LED works smoothly with every dimmer. Clipsal publishes guidance on which dimmer suits which load type. A different dimmer mechanism, or different lights, usually fixes it.
Load too low. Swapping old halogen globes for LEDs drops the load dramatically. Some dimmers struggle at very low loads and flicker as a result. This is a common result of an LED upgrade done without changing the dimmer.
Loose connection. A terminal that isn't tight, at the dimmer or at a light, can cause flicker and heat. If the plate is warm or the flicker is random, this needs testing by a licensed electrician.
Failing dimmer or LED driver. Dimmers and LED drivers can fail. If one light flickers and the others don't, it's often that light's driver. If the dimmer has worked fine for years and started flickering, the dimmer itself may be on the way out. Product faults under warranty go through Clipsal or the light's supplier.
Call us if the plate gets warm, if the flicker is random rather than tied to a dimming level, if lights buzz as well as flicker, or if you've tried matching dimmable globes and it's still not right.
We'll identify the load and the dimmer type, test the connections and recommend a compatible dimmer or lights. Related reading: dimmer switch buzzing and our Clipsal Iconic installation page.
The lights are going below the level they can dim smoothly to. Raising the minimum level or choosing a better-matched dimmer usually solves it.
No. Dimmers are hardwired, and replacing one is licensed electrical work in NSW.
It might, if the current globes are non-dimmable or mixed. Use one type of dimmable LED throughout the circuit.
Compatibility flicker usually isn't. Flicker with heat, buzzing or a smell can mean a loose connection and should be checked.
Yes. Iconic uses separate plates and mechanisms, so dimmers, switches and power points can be changed as needed. See our LED downlight buying guide before choosing lights.
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